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The
Robert H. Mollohan Jefferson Street Bridge was dedicated
December 16, 2002 in Fairmont, West Virginia to honor longtime
congressman Robert H. Mollohan who served the 1st
District until 1982. After
restoring the High Level Bridge back to its original 1921
appearance, the newly renovated bridge will join downtown
Fairmont with the future I-79 Gateway Connector.
The event was attended by Gov. Bob Wise, Congressman
Nick Jo Rahall, Congressman Alan B. Mollohan, WV Dept. of
Transportation Secretary Fred VanKirk, and Fairmont Mayor Nick
Fantasia along with many members from the community.
Ms.
Helen Holt Mollohan, wife of the late Robert H. Mollohan,
spoke to the large crowd gathered near the bridge stating,
“Bob Mollohan loved Fairmont.
He respected its heritage.
He admired its institutions. But most of all, he cared
for its people.” Ms.
Mollohan told those in attendance that the Robert H. Mollohan
Jefferson Street Bridge Dedication “memorialized [Bob’s]
long relationship with his community.”
“Bob
Mollohan was a giant of a guide post and learned landmark from
whom I learned a great deal,” remarked Congressman Rahall
who attending the event representing the 3rd
congressional district. Congressman Alan B. Mollohan, son
of Robert H. Mollohan, further added that the bridge is more
than just a link between east and west Fairmont. “It is a
symbol, but it is far more.
It is a tribute to Fairmont’s past and a commitment
to its future.”
The
bridge dedication concluded with Gov. Bob Wise presenting Ms.
Helen Holt Mollohan a sign proudly stating, “The Robert H.
Mollohan Jefferson
Street
Bridge.”
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