Coalfields Expressway Authority
Established by the West Virginia Legislature in 1996, the Coalfields Expressway Authority is charged with a vital infrastructure mission: to promote, facilitate, and accelerate the multi-lane completion of the Coalfields Expressway (U.S. Route 121). This multi-county highway corridor is strategically designed to cut through southern West Virginia, creating a modern transport system that connects regional commerce, optimizes shipping logistics, and stimulates economic diversification across traditional coalfield communities.
Authority Board Composition and Governance Matrix
The multi-jurisdictional leadership team overseeing the policy and promotional initiatives of the corridor consists of nine voting members—representing equal distribution from the three primary affected counties—complemented by three specialized ex-officio members representing key state agency divisions:
| Representation Status | Appointed Board Member | Executive Board Role |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming County | D. Michael Goode | Authority Chair / Voting Member |
| Jody Cook | Voting Member | |
| Jason Mullins | Voting Member | |
| McDowell County | Heath Beckner | Voting Member |
| Harold McBride | Voting Member | |
| Dan Riley | Voting Member | |
| Raleigh County | Jack “Gordie” Roop | Voting Member |
| Dereck Severt | Voting Member | |
| David Tolliver | Voting Member | |
| Ex-Officio Members | Robert Beanblossom | WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) |
| John Mallett | West Virginia Development Office (WVDO) | |
| Ali Sadeghian | WV Division of Highways (WVDOH) |
Executive Directory and Public Information Office
For comprehensive planning maps, alignment status reviews, current environmental impact disclosures, or to request media commentary regarding continuing corridor updates, please contact the central administrative headquarters:
Coalfields Expressway Authority
Attn: Mr. Richard Browning, Executive Director
Post Office Box 1837, Pineville, West Virginia 24874
Office Communications Line:(304) 732-6707
Dedicated Fax Line: (304) 732-6963
Electronic Operations:richardbrowning@frontier.com
