By CHAD COOPER
[email protected]
While U.S. Sen. Mark Warner’s July 1 visit to Buchanan County centered on federal funding for flood recovery and public safety projects, the senator also spent considerable time discussing the future of Southwest Virginia during an open question-and-answer session with local officials and community leaders.
Following presentations at the Southwest Virginia Community College Southern Gap Transportation and Logistics Center, Warner invited those in attendance to share concerns and ask questions about issues affecting the region.
One of Warner’s strongest commitments involved the long-awaited Coalfields Expressway.
“I will promise that we get the Coalfields Expressway done before I die,” Warner said, drawing laughter from the audience. “That means I’m going to do this last term because, as I’m trying to get reelected, I work in the only place in America where at age 71 that makes me lower middle age.”
Warner noted that additional federal funding has recently been secured for the project and said completing the highway remains one of his top priorities.
Buchanan County Supervisor Trey Adkins raised concerns about residents who continue to struggle to replace bridges and retaining walls destroyed during recent flooding. Adkins said many homeowners still face repair costs far beyond current state funding limits. Adkins informed the senator that the formula the government uses to determine disaster relief money is not fair to rural areas.
Warner asked Adkins to provide the language from the current legislation and pledged to review possible changes.
“You need to get it to Shane (Clem, an aide to the senator) today,” Warner said. “Let me see if I can — can’t promise — but get Shane exactly what we need corrected.”
The discussion also turned to the Breaks Regional Airport.
Breaks Regional Airport Authority Chairman James Keen updated Warner on the project’s progress, explaining that rough grading has been completed and work is now moving into development of the airport’s master plan.
Keen credited Warner for helping the project overcome numerous federal hurdles over the years.
Warner said he remains committed to helping move the airport project forward, particularly as it enters the next phase with federal agencies.
Artificial intelligence and data centers also became major topics of discussion.
Warner said AI technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace and warned that it could dramatically reshape the workforce during the next several years.
“I pray I’m wrong, but I’ll take the bet that it will be 30% in two years,” Warner said while discussing unemployment among recent college graduates due to the emergence of AI.
He encouraged students to pursue careers in health care, agriculture and education, fields he believes will continue experiencing strong demand despite advances in artificial intelligence.
Warner also outlined legislation he is developing to establish national standards for large data centers, including requirements for adequate power generation, responsible water use, transparency and community protections.
Broadband expansion remained another priority.
Warner said federal investments have significantly expanded high-speed internet access across Buchanan County and expressed hope that remaining funding could eventually be used to eliminate gaps in cellular service throughout the region.
“I think if you can have that wireless coverage combined with broadband, that’s not going to guarantee the community success, but not having it means you’re not going to be as successful as you can and should be,” he said.
Warner also fielded questions about support for senior services, the Older Americans Act, metallurgical coal, the Breaks Interstate Park, veterans services and rural economic development before concluding the event.
Throughout the discussion, Warner repeatedly emphasized that lasting progress depends on elected officials from both political parties working together.
“A lot of this is about working together,” Warner said. “I know people presume in Washington everybody is always yelling at each other, hating each other. It’s not the case.”
Warner said finding bipartisan solutions remains the best way to secure investments and deliver meaningful results for communities across Southwest Virginia.
