The Coalfield Expressway

The Coalfield Expressway is very important to the economic growth in SWVA. To date the project has been at a standstill. Enter Pioneer Group, Inc.and Alpha Natural Resources and we are seeing progress. From a VDOT press release

"VDOT's agreement with Pioneer and Alpha begins the next chapter in the development of the Coalfields Expressway," said Whirley. "Building on the effective development and engineering work by KBR, Pioneer and Alpha will use coal recovery opportunities to significantly lower the cost of building the base roadbed for the project." "We are pleased to become a vital participant in the development of the Coalfields Expressway and excited about the opportunity to help lower the construction costs in conjunction with removal of the coal reserves throughout the counties," said Clyde Stacy, representing Pioneer Group, Inc.
"Utilizing our expertise in the construction of the King Coal Highway in West Virginia and as a major employer in Southwest Virginia, we are pleased to participate in the Coalfields Expressway project," said Michael J. Quillen, president and CEO of Alpha Natural Resources Inc. "We understand the importance of building this highway system and opening up the coalfield region for successful economic development for years to come."

This is great news. I have witnessed projects similar to this on a smaller scale here in Wise County. It is a win-win situation for all. VDOT gets a good deal. The coal companies make some money. People get jobs and the most important thing is the tax payers get a much needed road built cheaper. The coolest thing about this to me is this deal is not really political. All of our state and federal politicians want this road built. The real movers are the coal companies.

Technorati : Coal, Mining, News, Virginia