March 15th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

A little more than a month ago, West Virginia's attorney general issued a statement opposing plans for removal of the dam beneath the Blue Bridge that links Cumberland and Ridgeley. According to river park advocates those concerns have been addressed and the project is moving forward. The statement from AG Patrick Morrisey released in mid-February and was supported by Mineral County Delegate Gary Howell, claimed that the state of Maryland is "purposely ignoring the questions, concerns and input of West Virginia”. The dam's removal is part of a plan to construct a park along the Potomac River near Canal Place. River Park coordinator Bill Atkinson tells WCBC News that communication with West Virginia officials has been part of the process from day one- and the project is advancing.

Atkinson says the next step is an April 1st meeting with the Interagency Review Team which is headed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Department of the Environment.