W.Va. Storm Response Criticized

Gov. Joe Manchin expects to hold a Capitol press conference this afternoon (corrected from morning) after telling The Associated Press and others that "he wants state agencies to account for their actions during the weekend snow storm that left hundreds of motorists stranded on West Virginia’s highways."

“Mistakes were made and it has to be fixed,” Manchin told AP. “I’m upset and I want answers.”

The Manchin administration has caught flak over how state agencies responded. The West Virginia Turnpike has also come under fire for not closing until after hundreds of vehicles had become stuck, stranding travelers on the road for 16 hours and more.

"It marks the second time in as many years that the decisions of West Virginia Turnpike officials are being questioned," AP reported. "In August 2008, Manchin asked for a review of turnpike operations after an accident trapped motorists for 10 hours."

Manchin also spoke to MetroNews, which has audio, and to Public Broadcasting (ditto).