VDOT, broadband and trail developers brief Craig County supervisors on roads, network ownership changes and railbed planning

At the June 6 meeting VDOT, local broadband representatives and trail committee members briefed the Board of Supervisors on infrastructure and planning matters affecting Craig County.

Brian Blevins of VDOT reported no new land development permits in the cited period and outlined ongoing work: grading and stone replacement on Routes 632 and 311, mowing and brush trimming on multiple county roads, grader patching on Route 624, shoulder and pipe work on Routes 632 and 658, dust control on stabilized roads and an upcoming slope elevation project on Route 18. Supervisor Jason Matyas raised safety concerns on Route 42 (near the Trout Farm area) after two recent accidents and requested a speed sign and a guardrail; Blevins said he would have VDOT review the location.

Broadband updates were presented by Supervisor Jordan Labiosa on behalf of Trace Bellassai: TDS has sold operations in the region to River Street Networks (North Carolina), which may affect local VATI grant participation and capital availability; the T‑Mobile acquisition of US Cellular and the transfer of certain 5G assets could create new public‑internet opportunities in the Johns Creek area.

Dan Collins relayed a Preserve Craig update on the Mountain Valley Pipeline restoration: the U.S. Forest Service issued a release indicating MVP will restore rights‑of‑way with native trees and shrubs to reestablish scenic views along certain corridors.

Woody Lipps of the Railroad Bed Committee updated supervisors on the railbed trail project: environmental documentation is expected in draft between September and December; a cultural resources inventory has been completed and will be reviewed by the Department of Historic Resources before a public hearing. Lipps placed the trail in economic context, noting outdoor recreation and multi‑use trail funding from state and federal sources (including an earmark of $12.5 million for the Craig‑Botetourt component) and said tourism currently supports local jobs and tax receipts.

Lipps provided county context: "Tourism supports 30 jobs in Craig County and is responsible for $138,391 in local tax receipts annually," and urged continued planning to leverage trail funding opportunities. VDOT and committee representatives did not request board action at this meeting but noted follow‑up items and future public hearings.