<h1>Monongahela National Forest is offering informational meetings for local contractors who are interested in working on projects related to the June 2016 flood in West Virginia.</h1> Contractors and businesses who specialize in excavation, highway construction, heavy equipment operation, and trail or bridge construction are needed. Projects will vary in scale and complexity, and will span the southern half of Monongahela National Forest in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Webster, and Nicholas counties. “In 2017, the Forest Service placed approximately 1,700 tons of riprap and 11,500 tons of gravel on 128 miles of flood-damaged roads, but there is still work to do,” said Angela Parrish, Flood Recovery Manager for Monongahela National Forest. “Supporting rural economic development is one of our top priorities, and we want to make sure local contractors are aware of these upcoming opportunities in West Virginia.” The meetings will be held on the following dates: <ul> <li>Feb. 27, 1 p.m., Richwood City Hall, 6 River Road, Richwood</li> <li>Mar. 1: 10 a.m., Phil Gainer Community Center, 142 Robert E. Lee Avenue, Elkins</li> <li>Mar. 14: 9:30 a.m., Marlinton Wellness Center, 926 5th Avenue, Marlinton</li> <li>Mar. 14: 1:30 p.m., White Sulphur Springs Public Library, 344 W Main Street, White Sulphur Springs</li> </ul> The Forest Service is working with The Alonso Group, a prime contractor based out of Flemington, to facilitate these construction projects. In 2017 this group accomplished six projects using four sub-contractors. The Alonso Group will be present at upcoming meetings to explain sub-contracting opportunities in 2018. Please contact Kristen Beverage-Doss at 304-799-4334 ext. 32 or kbeverage@fs.fed.us for more information and also to request sign language interpretation or other accessible accommodations.
