A few weeks ago, we did a "Hannity" special investigation on Corridor H in West Virginia.

New development: It seems that WVs Department of Transportation has changed its mind and decided to turn down the $21 million it was set to receive from the economic stimulus package.

Why the change of heart? Was it due to political pressure? According to a local newspaper, Deputy State Highway Engineer for Construction Darrell Allen says its because the roadway will not be ready in time.

Gary Howell, member of the WV Republican Executive Committee who was featured in our investigation, isnt so sure. He tells us: It is my understanding that the WVDOH didn't have the engineering done, so it was not a shovel ready project. I find that hard to believe, because the design work on the road is supposed have been complete through to Bismark, WV.

Jean Flanagan of the Moorefield Examiner reported last week: West Virginia Department of Transportation officials have turned down $21 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (economic stimulus) allocated for two bridge projects on Corridor H because the roadway will not be ready in time. We intended to use the money to build two bridges on the Foreman to Bismarck section, but the grading work wont be ready, said Deputy State Highway Engineer for Construction Darrell Allen. We have removed Corridor H from the stimulus money list. . We could have taken the money and sat on it, but that was not the intent of the stimulus money.

Howell tells us he is pleased with the decision: "I applaud the WVDOH for putting the taxpayer first and returning the money. Corridor H when completed will make a big difference in the economy of the Potomac Highlands creating the opportunity for an estimated 8,000 permanent jobs over the length of the road. Waiting on earmarks from Washington has delayed this roads completion, delayed much needed job creation and put additional burden on the nations taxpayers for years. West Virginia needs to return our Appalachian roots of being self reliant and follow South Carolina's funding example for completing the road sooner ourselves without earmarks. Had we done that in the beginning, the road would be finished now, have been built at lower cost to the taxpayer over all and we would be enjoying that additional employment."

What are your thoughts?