February 6th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

While representatives of the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority met recently with Ridgeley, Carpendale and Mineral County officials to gauge support for the proposed River Park project-  Delegate Gary Howell has been slow to endorse the concept. A year ago Howell said he had concerns with part of the plan that calls for the removal of the dam beneath the Blue Bridge that links Ridgeley and Cumberland. Howell, a Republican who represents Mineral County,  was quoted as saying he believes removing the dam takes away more opportunities than it creates. Canal Place executive director Dee Dee Ritchie said she has received no indication in talks with West Virginia officials  that Howell plans to oppose the project moving forward…