Editor’s note: The following a letter the writer sent to House Speaker Greg Stumbo.

I wanted to thank you for your continued support of the economic development of the U.S. 23 corridor around Prestonsburg. Keeping our highways safe but accessible to business development is important in these times when our coal mines are suffering. As the future of coal is sometimes not within our local control, it is important that we have the ability to attract development and businesses to our region.

The placement of dividers in the center of the highway around the foot of the hill at the Holiday Inn hill has caused multiple developers to ignore Prestonsburg and to take their investment money into other areas. Your support to stop these dividers from extending up from the present location blocking more development land and to remove the ones previously placed is commendable.

I strongly support your position and will do whatever is necessary to make sure that the portion of U.S. 23 around Prestonsburg continues to develop to be the economic hub of the surrounding communities, hopefully providing work and land and a good living to our families and friends.

Floyd Skeans

Prestonsburg