Ceremony marks completion of Penco project

Area business and government officials came together Thursday to rededicate Penco Road following a three-year, almost $2 million project to revitalize the local roadway.

Officials from the City of Weirton, state of West Virginia, Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce and others came together at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Penco Road and Elaine Street to cut the ribbon officially rededicating the road.

State Sen. Ed Bowman, D-Weirton, who arranged much of the funding for the project, explained the effort to revitalize Penco Road began three years ago when he obtained a beautification grant of $750,000. However, city officials felt the project would be more beneficial if it were redeveloped, including the installation of drainage.

Because of the cost of the work, Bowman worked with city and West Virginia Department of Highways officials to convince the state to take over responsibility of Penco Road and pay for the renovations.

Bowman said he felt this project is one of the ways Weirton is working to turn itself around following years of difficulties in the community.

"Obviously we're very, very proud," Bowman said following Thursday's ceremony. "We can still be a great community."

Other local officials agreed, saying the streetscape project and other efforts currently in the works in Weirton will help to bring about a new community spirit.

"It's started to bring pride back into the community," Mayor Mark Harris said.

Harris explained the various beautification and improvement work is aimed at trying to entice residents and businesses to Weirton.

Dr. J.K. Luthra, whose business is on Penco Road, said he was impressed by the road's new appearance, citing in particular the lack of standing water following rainstorms because of the drainage project.

Bowman also gave credit to City Manager Gary DuFour, who he said coordinated much of the effort for the project, and former Mayor Bill Miller, under whose administration the project started.

In addition to the renovations to the roadway, the Weirton Chamber assisted with the purchase of light poles, flags and banners, which were made possible through donations from its membership and local residents.

"We were overwhelmingly pleased," Weirton Chamber President Brenda Mull said. "A lot of people came together to make this happen."

Those acknowledged for their contributions to the project included Bowman, the West Virginia Department of Transportation, HDR Engineering, J.T. Sauer & Associates, James White Construction, Iannetti's Garden Center, the City of Weirton, the Weirton Chamber and the local business community.

According to local officials, the completion of the Penco Road project is just one of many beautification and improvement efforts being planned for the city of Weirton.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)