Officials ask for U.S. 340 annexation

July 21, 2003|by DAVE McMILLION

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. - In an attempt to control problems like drug trafficking on U.S. 340, the town of Harpers Ferry wants to annex a section of the highway near the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitors Center, a county official said Sunday.

The section the town wants to annex would extend from the town's limits near the Shenandoah River Bridge up a hill almost to the traffic light by the visitors center, Jefferson County Commission President Jane Tabb said.

Tabb said the commissioners were given several reasons last Thursday why the annexation would be helpful.

First, the commissioners were told the annexation would allow Harpers Ferry's police force to better control drug trafficking on U.S. 340, Tabb said.

Harpers Ferry Police Chief Donald Buracker said there also is a significant amount of stolen property being transferred along the highway.

Second, it would allow the town's police department to respond to emergencies on the Shenandoah River. That would help quicken responses to river emergencies, Tabb said.

Buracker, along with town attorney John Askintowicz and Mayor Jim Addy, brought the request to the commission.

Jefferson County Sheriff Everett "Ed" Boober has thrown his support behind the plan, Tabb said.

The commissioners will hold a public hearing on the annexation request Sept. 18, Tabb said, and are expected to act on the request at that time.

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