VDOT, Community Discuss Hawk's Nest Section of Coalfields Expressway

by Brandon Dye
Staff Reporter
      Community members of Buchanan and Dickenson counties gathered at the Russell Prater Elementary School gymnasium last week to discuss the Virginia Department of Transportation's plan for the Hawk's Nest section of the proposed Coalfields Expressway on Route 121.
      Citizens from around the surrounding areas were invited to the meeting and given the opportunity to review and discuss preliminary plans for the proposed Route 460 Connector and Route 614 projects.
      There was no formal presentation. Instead, community members were able to review maps, drawings and other materials explaining the proposed project.
      VDOT District Administrator Jim Givens, of Bristol, said for the past five years, VDOT has been working on making this proposed project a reality in the region.
      "The coal companies, Alpha Natural Resources and Pioneer Group Inc., came forward showing interest in the project," Givens said. "They took on the responsibility to develop the roadway and take on the engineering."

For more of the story, see the print edition of the Mountaineer, on sale at newsstands now.  To subscribe to the Mountaineer, call 276-935-2123 today.

Town Council to Discuss Upcoming Budget, Tackle Potential Shortfall

by Brandon Dye
Staff Reporter     
      The Town of Grundy is making the necessary preparations to begin work on the 2008-09 budget for the new fiscal year.
       Grundy Town Manager James Keen announced to the town council last Tuesday that the the town will be preparing the budget for Grundy, but reminded those in attendance that the budget is expected to be a little tighter from last year.
       "We are looking at a tight budget," Keen said. "The expenditures will be down and you'll need to expect that."

For more of the story, see the print edition of the Mountaineer, on sale at newsstands now.  To subscribe to the Mountaineer, call 276-935-2123 today.