
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 27, 1994                   TAG: 9403250057
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

I-73 CAN BENEFIT COMMUNITIES

Before U.S. 460 bypassed Pearisburg, there were no empty buildings in town. Now that traffic passes us by at 60 mph, take a look at the damage done. There are empty buildings all over every which way in every town in this area. Now faced with Interstate 73 super-highway coming through, causing every town in this area to dry up even more, the pressure on our officials will be great.

Since good roads for fast movement of trucks is the first thing heads of industries look for in planning expansion into other areas, the news of the I-73 path along U.S. 460 will certainly trigger early buying of land along its route. It might be wise to start right now and designate as much land as possible everywhere in this area for industrial purposes. Lots of little factories scattered around are sometimes more profitable than fishing for the big ones, and some of them pay a good wage, too. To get their attention, bait the hook with a big sign on U.S. 460, "Industries Are Welcome" and then treat them with good old Southern hospitality.

I-73 can be a great blessing to everyone within 40 or more miles of its route if they'll take advantage of the opportunity and let their town or community grow.\ Paul Sutphin Pearisburg

by CNB