Last week, I attended a commemorative session of the Virginia General Assembly which marked 250 years of democratic governance in the Commonwealth. It was a special occasion — an official observance of the longest continuous democracy in the Western Hemisphere, and I was humbled to take part in it. While those on both sides of the partisan aisle will continue to have their differences, it is worth viewing our governance with optimism. Virginia has been through good times and bad over the past two and a half centuries, but our form of government has stood the test of time.
During this 250th celebration of our nation and our Commonwealth, be proud of all that we have achieved and will continue to achieve in the years to come.
In local news, there are several exciting economic development actions that affect our region, including an announcement that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently bestowed a $1 million grant to support the construction of the new Cambria Amtrak station in Christiansburg.
The project involves rebuilding the historic passenger train depot and creating a spacious passenger platform. When complete, this station will provide a convenient way for New River Valley residents to reach destinations to our north, such as Washington, D.C. and beyond.
The future goal is to also extend passenger rail southward toward Bristol. As of now, the station is still “on track” to be completed next year.
I worked closely with the New River Passenger Rail Authority and its local partners throughout the development process for this project to ensure it meets our community’s needs, and I continue to strongly support it at the state level. I cannot wait for this convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation to be available to those who live in the New River Valley!
Also, a broadband internet buildout project in Giles County is officially at 84% completion as the Commonwealth continues toward its goal of serving every household that wants high-speed internet access. The project provides internet access to the currently unserved/underserved communities of White Gate, Wilburn Valley, Staffordsville and Broad Hollow.
This is important news and is a result of a massive joint effort between local, state and federal government entities to ensure that no household gets left behind in an increasingly digital economy.
I have been at the forefront of the effort to expand broadband access in the New River Valley by working closely with localities and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. This has included finding challenging service areas and identifying how to reach them, supporting grant applications, ensuring that state agency leadership understands our local needs and more.
I will continue to be involved in this process until everyone in the New River Valley who wants access to high-quality broadband has it. Future economic access, access to telemedicine, and online education depend on it.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
