CHARLESTON -- In September 2008, there seemed to be an excitement in the air as Kanawha County leaders traveled to Louisville, Ky. to learn more about Metro Government. Louisville's model is what leaders wanted to bring to Kanawha County.

Fast Forward 14 months and the issue is virtually dead. Many blame the economy and the business community not getting behind the issue. They also believe voters would reject Metro Government.

"I think perhaps there were some unreasonable expectations as to what metro government could actually accomplish," says Charleston City Manager David Molgaard.

He says one of those expectations has been how much money could be saved. "From a management standpoint, I don't see how this could be a cost savings to combine both Kanawha County and the city of Charleston. In fact, I think it will probably cost a lot of money up front," says Molgaard.

As a result, supporters are not ready to move ahead. "I've got things to do. I got to put windows in the courthouse. We got to pay our bills. We got to balance our budget. I got plenty to do. I guess the bad news is that I may be around a while longer," says Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper.

He still believes one day Metro Government will become a reality in the area.