McKenzie Seeking Answers To Wheeling Tunnel Delays

It's been well over a year and the tunnels are not completed, they are way over budget and now it is time for answers. Some may think it is nothing more than propaganda for Senator McKenzie's run for Mayor of the city of Wheeling, but I think it is great that someone is stepping up to the plate and trying to figure out who exactly is accountable for this mess.

The tunnel closing was only suppose to cost around 5 Million for both tunnels and as of right now the cost of the first phase has already exceeded 6 million. The WVDOH's budget as certainly been stretched thin but more importantly look at the impact the tunnel project has had on area businesses. With I-70 being essentially closed the businesses in the Wheeling area have lost substantial revenue and Senator McKenzie wants answers.

Senator McKenzie has requested an investigation take place to get this matter resolved and provide some answers to the residents and business community, which are LONG overdue.

Once again I smell a rat in city government. Why has Sparchane and company not pushed this issue? Does City Council and the Mayor of Wheeling not care about the impact this has had on the city or is someone profiting a bit to much once again. With traffic essentially bypassing Wheeling who stands to gain from this blunder? Businesses are leaving Wheeling and leaving behind "vacant" properties and retail business that was coming to Wheeling has shifted to the Highlands. What is left in Wheeling now? A lot of vacant properties to be "bought and renovated" by whom? More than likely WODA (Sparchane's buddy). The powers that be in the city of Wheeling are turning away the businesses or not helping them at all just to turn a profit somewhere down the road. All that will be left soon will be gambling facilities and entertainment venues. While this is probably not THAT bad, it still makes you wonder who is responsible on the inside for making all these decisions.

This all just seems way to convenient for City Council and the Mayor to just not make a big deal out of. Why is it that Senator McKenzie is the one stepping up to the plate to get answers? Why hasn't Wheeling been more involved for the wellbeing of the businesses? It does not take a rocket scientist to realize there is more than meets the eye here. We could speculate all day long and maybe stumble on the real truth to the matter, but unfortunately we will be kept in the dark and the rich will get richer.