Norman, while you have the right idea, I have to say that calling names and screaming is not going to get you heard (on your Facebook page).
I've written to you before about the pipeline and what benefits this will have for Pocahontas County. Let's see, those benefits were....nothing.
Like I've said before, locals will not be hired to do the most (if any) work. The biggest boon to the economy will be the contractors that come in from out of state. They will stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, shop in grocery stores and buy their fuel locally.
While we're on that subject, let's look a little closer at it. This pipeline will be built across the very northern part of the county.
I hope nobody thinks that any contractor is going to actually *stay* in Pocahontas County? Where will they stay?? These guys aren't going to stay in some little no-tell motel in the middle of absolutely no where. They're going to stay in Elkins or some other bigger place where there's actually restaurants, grocery stores, and quite simply, something for them to do in the off hours. Besides, Marlinton is just as far (or farther) than Elkins will be from where they will be working.
The contractors aren't coming to Pocahontas County to enjoy the scenery. They have a job to do and a specified time to complete it in, so they won't be playing around.
People of Pocahontas County you are fooling yourselves if you think for one minute that this pipeline is going to bring *any* economic benefit to the county. Oh, and some people are talking about how "once it's in, you won't even know it's there", well, trust me, you will *always* know it is there.
Some people are talking as if the land that it's buried under will still be usable.
Ha! You can't *build* anything on top of a pipeline or it's right of way, are you kidding me? People of Pocahontas County, you really need to wake up, really investigate all the facts about this before you go running off at the mouth about how great an opportunity this is.
You will allow Dominion to come thru here and destroy the one and only thing that makes Pocahontas County so great.....and so different from any where else.
You are absolutely right. Everybody who wants something from Pocahontas County immediately starts waving the JOBS flag and every unthinking robot salutes it. There won't be any jobs, either temporary or permanent. Pocahontas County's niche is tourism, but a buried pipeline cannot compete with Niagara Falls. Whenever one enters the National Forest, there will be a sign which states that the forest is a land of many uses. It should read that the forest is a land of many abuses. We have already had too many. We don't need any more.
ReplyDeleteOk people, I've read your comments on Norman's FB page about what I wrote. Let me address a few key points here. First of all, some of you are arguing about Snowshoe. If you're going to address the issue at hand (the 42" pipeline), can we please leave our feelings about Snowshoe out of the discussion. Really, folks, Snowshoe has NOTHING to do with this pipeline. Chris Nelson wanted to know who would lay the line and I think I've already addressed that more than once: Dominion contractors from out of state will put this line in. If you don't believe me, call Dominion and ask them yourself. The natural gas company I work for in the south uses a specific contractor for these projects, and ours are much, much smaller, so be certain that they will bring in someone. Yes, Susan Morrison, they will need everything you said. And I think I already answered this: Elkins or larger cities. Jeff Jackson, the Dominion line will NOT bring gas to the citizens of Pocahontas County. It would require an extensive system of pipeline and gas regulator stations and would cost Dominion more than they would ever get back in revenue. There is not enough population or big industry in Pocahontas County to pump natural gas there. Susan Renee Lane, I agree with your comment that Pocahontas County needs "more", but this pipeline is not the answer. This pipeline will be built by out of state contractors with out of state sub-contractors, in less than a year. Even if every single person on that crew stayed, ate & bought gas in Pocahontas County, it will be a very short economical boost and Pocahontas County will be left with nothing to show for it. Except, of course, destruction of national forest and pristine waterways. Wake up, people, get the facts about large gas pipeline installation, then come back with your educated comments!
ReplyDeleteWell, I see I certainly hit some nerves with my comments. I'm from Pocahontas County, born & raised there, but moved away....yes, to get a JOB. So, if you're calling us "locals" and our families "ignorant, uneducated hillbillies", please include me. My focus on keeping Snowshoe out of the conversation was to keep on track of what the real issue is: the pipeline. Snowshoe is an eyesore. Snowshoe is only the rich getting richer. I agree with almost everything you say about Snowshoe. But I thought we were talking about the pipeline?? Thane Ryder, a transmission pipeline will not automatically bring big business here. As I said before, if Dominion were to think about bringing distribution lines into the county, they would do a cost analysis, and if it wouldn't be a big financial gain for them, they would not do it. Not saying it's impossible, just that it's not very likely any time in the foreseeable future. Dave Hissom had the right idea with his comment. Dominion will pay taxes, to Pocahontas County, on this line Forever. It will be a big boost in the county tax base, for sure, which could be used to help create more Jobs (ooo, I used the "J" word). Susan Morrison, I'm not "scared" to use my name, I just feel it's unnecessary. And after seeing the reaction I'm getting from many of you, I think it's in my family's best interest that I remain anonymous....many of my family still live in the area. Susan & Susan, just calm down. Most likely, the pipeline will be built, you'll all applaud with glee that you "got your way", and life will go on as usual in Pocahontas County.
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