WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Highways honored a late employee when it broke ground on its new Webster County headquarters.
Friends and family of Stephen Cogar took part in the groundbreaking ceremony last week. Cogar died in December 2017 during a fire at the former Division of Highways building.
“Remember this special day,” District 7 Engineer Brian Cooper said. “I was troubled about what to say. I’ve got conflicting emotions. On one hand, I am excited to break ground on a new facility. Nearly four years ago, fire destroyed our old headquarters, left us without a home. We had to scramble around quickly and find an area we could lease and operate out of. Our employees adapted and continued to serve the citizens of Webster County, they’re very deserving of a new facility that we’re going to construct here at this site.”
A plaque honoring Cogar will also be installed at the new building.
The Division of Highways awarded a $9.9 million contract for building the new headquarters. The plaque will be installed once construction is complete.