MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The Governor of West Virginia made a stop on his Save Our State tour in Jefferson County today.
Jim Justice spoke at the Citizens Fire Company in Charlestown to discuss his plan to grow West Virginia’s economy.
A part of his plan is a 2.4 billion dollar project that would improve the state’s highways and bridges.
Secretary of Transportation Tom Smith was also in attendance and introduced Justice to the crowd before making his own remarks.
“Our transportation infrastructure and economy in West Virginia is truly in a state of distress,” said Smith. “We can no longer continue to kick the can down the road. It really is time that we have to do something.”
Justice hit on many topics during his 90 minute conversation to the public in attendance.
He, of course, talked about the improvements planned for the highways and bridges but he also brought up the economy, the deficit, taxes, and West Virginians pulling together to make it all work.
“It has to be everyone being West Virginians,” said Justice. “Everyone has to pull the rope together.”
Justice used visual aids to help further explain his plans to the deficit, taxes, and the road construction that would create over 1,000 jobs in Jefferson County.
He also painted a bleak picture for the state if they do not work towards solutions.
“We can turn our backs on the people who are the most vulnerable,” the governor said.
Later, the governor talked about the drug epidemic and how this region can complete the goal of having a rehab center that has been long discussed about.
Justice said once the road project lifts off then we can then “find a location and start building”.