County project lead updates court on buyouts, waterlines, sirens and an exploratory rare-earth proposal

Chris, the county project presenter, briefed the Fiscal Court on multiple infrastructure and economic-development efforts during the Jan. 19 meeting.

On flood recovery and buyouts, staff said many 2022 buyout properties remain stuck in title and appraisal, and NRCS purchases and demolition planning are underway. Staff emphasized reaching the FEMA design phase quickly, because federal construction funding depends on approved designs.

Chris also reported progress on several active projects: waterline improvements and a pool-rehab project scheduled for presentation to the Appalachian Regional Commission in Lexington, and a facility master-plan update expected in the coming months.

The court heard an engineering assessment for emergency warning sirens: Blacksburg would need two sirens, Neon one, and Jenkins three, according to the engineering profile presented by staff. County staff said they will seek funding to place signs and sirens in those municipalities and will report back.

Finally, Chris described an exploratory Department of Energy request for proposals related to rare earth element recovery from local coal-mining sluice material. He said the project could be substantial — he cited a potential scale “as much as $75,000,000” — and that pursuing the proposal will require court support and time to develop funding and engineering packages. Staff characterized that initiative as early-stage and pledged monthly updates to the court.

Court members asked clarifying questions about property title issues and procurement timelines; no formal vote was taken on these project updates, though staff requested support in pursuing grant and funding opportunities.