Citizens of Kanawha and Putnam counties are invited to voice their opinion and provide input at a meeting Thursday evening on shaping the region's transportation system over the next several years.
As available funding for road improvements continues to remain scarce, the Regional Intergovernmental Council says they are trying to find the best use for the money available and focus on public participation in the effort.
"The purpose is for the public to have input," said Scott Ferry, transportation planning manager. "We invite them to ask questions and hear back from us."
To enable public input, the council is hosting open house-style public meetings in South Charleston and Hurricane from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
The council is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region's entire Metropolitan Area (Kanawha and Putnam counties).
According to their website, as part of the Transportation Improvement Program, the Charleston urbanized area must maintain various transportation plans and programs in cooperation with state and local officials, transit agencies and local citizens, as a result of receiving Federal money and operation assistance.
Kanawha County residents can attend the meeting at the Regional Intergovernmental Council's office at 315 D St. in South Charleston. Putnam County residents can attend at the First State Bank Community Room, at 3754 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane. People can stop by at any time between 4 and 7 p.m.
Those who cannot attend the meeting are able to participate in an interactive survey similar to how they would participate at the meeting. The survey is available at the council's website: http://www.wvregion3.org/.
Reach Jennifer Gardner at jennifer.gardner@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5102 or follow @jennc_gardner on Twitter.