There seems to be a consistent theme developing this year, as we keep seeing the advent of things we thought would never happen, but which probably should have happened long ago.

We’ve seen it on the national scene, with the ascension of the first African American president. And we’ve seen it on the local scene, with the passage of a comprehensive smoking ban in the city of Prestonsburg.

Now we’re seeing that trend once more, this time with the first serious talk of widening the full Mountain Parkway to four lanes.

Tomorrow night, the state is holding a public meeting at the Lakefront Church of God, along Route 134 in Magoffin County, to discuss the project. Organizers have sent word of the meeting to residents of Magoffin, Morgan and Wolfe counties, where construction will actually take place, but any movement on this project is certainly of importance to Floyd Countians as well.

Ironically, the effort to widen the Parkway finally comes at a time when the project is somewhat less vital for the local economy. With the improvement of other highways in the region and continued development over the years, Floyd County can hardly be considered the remote outpost it was when the Mountain Parkway first opened.

But any effort to improve the Parkway remains crucial for a much more important reason — safety. It is no secret that the bulk of accidents, and consequently deaths, on the highway take part in the area where construction will take place.

For that reason alone, any effort to make this long-held dream remains important to Floyd County, and should receive input from Floyd Countians. And despite some lessened economic importance, opening up the road will still pay dividends.

Needless to say, we hope to see Floyd County well represented Thursday night.

If you go ...

Public hearing on Mountain Parkway widening project

5 p.m. Thursday, August 27

Lakefront Church of God

Route 134

Magoffin County

(Accessible from parkway at exit between mile markers 67 and 68)