W.Va. Bridge Named for Longtime Chief

FAIRMONT — The bridge that leads from U.S. 250 into the town of Farmington is now officially the Harry C. “Buck” Markley Jr. Memorial Bridge.

House Concurrent Resolution 29, the resolution to rename the Farmington bridge, was officially approved March 12, according to Farmington Mayor Donna Costello.

The resolution was introduced into the West Virginia House of Delegates on Jan. 29 by lead sponsor Delegate Tim Manchin, D-Marion. Delegate Linda Longstreth, D-Marion, and Delegate Mike Caputo, D-Marion, were co-sponsors of the resolution.

The resolution to rename the bridge was adopted by the House on March 9 and then referred to the West Virginia Senate. The resolution passed the Senate on March 12, according to the Legislature’s website.

The Town of Farmington voted unanimously to rename the bridge after Markley during the Dec. 21, 2015, town council meeting as a way to honor him.

Markley died June 23, 2015. Markley was the mayor of Farmington for 18 years and the fire chief of Company 7 in Farmington for 40 years. He was a lifelong resident of Farmington and a graduate of Farmington High School, according to his obituary.

Markley was the one who initiated steps to get the bridge connecting the town to U.S. 250 built in Farmington in 1985 because the old bridge was not safe. The bridge was also needed so motorists could have direct access to Farmington off U.S. 250, according to Costello.

Costello contacted Caputo to find out what the process was to get the bridge renamed in Markley’s honor. Longstreth, Caputo and Manchin all thought that it was a wonderful idea, Costello said, and agreed to help introduce the legislation.

Costello credits Caputo, Longstreth and Manchin as well as state Sen. Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, and state Sen. Bob Beach, D-Monongalia, with getting the resolution passed.

“I really want to thank them on behalf of the Town of Farmington for bringing something positive back to Marion County,” Costello said. “For the most part, the session in Charleston appeared to be very frustrating, so it’s nice to see that the delegates remember that the small things matter, too.”

Manchin was pleased the resolution passed.

“A lot of times it doesn’t happen the first time you attempt to have a bridge named in that way. I especially appreciate the efforts of Sen. Prezioso in getting that passed through on the last night of session. His help was very instrumental, as well as my own colleagues, Delegates Caputo and Longstreth, in helping shepherd it through the House,” Manchin said.

Manchin also credits the efforts of Costello with getting the resolution passed.

“Mayor Costello is to be congratulated for her dogged persistence in helping to push this through the Legislature,” Manchin said.

“Buck Markley was a legend in Farmington, and his devotion to service of its people and the town is remarkable, special and very memorable. It’s good that we’re going to have something that will spark their recollection of all the good things he did for the Town of Farmington,” Manchin said.

The West Virginia Division of Highways is in charge of installing the signs with the new name of the bridge. No date has been set for that, and the process usually takes three or four months, according to Manchin.

There will be a dedication ceremony when the signs are added to the bridge, Costello said.

Email Michelle Dillon at [email protected].

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