OCR Scan (approximately)

This OCR scan may contain automatically generated text as generated using Apache Tika and Tesseract. It may not be correct. No effort has been made to correct any of these scans (so far). These OCR scans are also used in the site's Search feature. Please review the Search Policy for details about the site features. The OCR scan is provided here for reference purposes. It provides searchable text when the underlying document might not. But the scan process may not always work perfectly.

BUCHANAN COUNTY
2017
COMPREHENSIVE

PLAN
BUCHANAN COUNTY
2017
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
The Code of Virginia section 15.1- 446.1 grants the county planning commission in
Buchanan County the authority to undertake a planning program which includes the preparation
of a county comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is an important step in the growth and
development of a county. Implementation of a long range plan aids in the practice of good
public management and provides a framework for orderly development in terms of land use and
facilities.
The officials of Buchanan County intend that the comprehensive plan serve as a broad
policy guide to assist in the decisions necessary for future development and redevelopment in
Buchanan County. The comprehensive plan provides an analysis of present conditions and
trends in areas such as population and the local economy. Plans for capital improvements,
community facilities, and future land use can be based on this analysis. By nature, the
comprehensive plan is a general document, and to be useful in the long range management of
the county it should be updated and revised as changing conditions warrant. This revision is in
accordance with the Code of Virginia’s requirements that the comprehensive plan be updated as
needed.
Because county planning requires specialized technical skill and experience, the
government of Buchanan County, Virginia enlisted the help of Cumberland Plateau Planning
District Commission for the preparation of this document. Every effort was made to use the
most current data available.
The Code of Virginia section 15.1- 446.1 grants the county planning commission in
Buchanan County the authority to undertake a planning program which includes the preparation
of a county comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is an important step in the growth and
development of a county. Implementation of a long range plan aids in the practice of good
public management and provides a framework for orderly development in terms of land use and
facilities.
The officials of Buchanan County intend that the comprehensive plan serve as a broad
policy guide to assist in the decisions necessary for future development and redevelopment in
Buchanan County. The comprehensive plan provides an analysis of present conditions and
trends in areas such as population and the local economy. Plans for capital improvements,
community facilities, and future land use can be based on this analysis. By nature, the
comprehensive plan is a general document, and to be usefil in the long range management of
the county it should be updated and revised as changing conditions warrant. This revision is in
accordance with the Code of Virginia’s requirements that the comprehensive plan be updated as
needed.
Because county planning requires specialized technical skill and experience, the
government of Buchanan County, Virginia enlisted the help of Cumberland Plateau Planning
District Commission for the preparation of this document. Every effort was made to use the
most current data available.
LOCATION AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Buchanan County lies in the Appalachian Plateau Province of the Appalachian
Highlands, between the Appalachian Valley on the southeast and the Cumberland and Allegheny
Mountains on the northwest. The county contains 508 square miles, and covers some of the
richest coalfields in the United States.
The county seat of Buchanan County is Grundy, Virginia. Grundy functions as the
trade center for Buchanan County as well as portions of neighboring counties in Kentucky and
Virginia. Buchanan County joins with Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties to form the
Cumberland Plateau Planning District. Buchanan County compromises 27.4 percent of the
district’s total land.
Buchanan County is bordered in the west by Dickenson County, Virginia; in the south
by Russell and Tazewell Counties, Virginia; in the north by Pike County, Kentucky, and in the
northeast by McDowell and Mingo Counties, West Virginia. Major access to Buchanan County
from an east-west direction is Virginia Highway 83. Major access from a north-south direction
is provided by U.S. Highway 460. U.S. Highway 460 intersects Interstate 77, which links the
south central coastal states to the midwestern United States and intersects with Interstate 81.
Interstate 81 is the major transportation route linking die northeast and southeast United States.
Southwest Virginia began to be settled over 200 years ago.  Farmers migrated across the
Appalachian Valley from the Atlantic Coast. The mountainous terrain of Buchanan County,
characteristic of that found in the Appalachian Plateau, forced settlers to locate along the stream
beds, filling the narrow valley floors.
Most of the early development in Buchanan County occurred in the Grundy area,
spreading from the center of town along the Levisa Fork and Slate Creek.  The tributaries to
these streams have also been heavily developed, including Garden Creek, Dry Fork, Poplar
LOCATION AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Buchanan County lies in the Appalachian Plateau Province of the Appalachian
Highlands, between the Appalachian Valley on the southeast and the Cumberland and Allegheny
Mountains on the northwest. The county contains 508 square miles, and covers some of the
richest coalfields in the United States.
The county seat of Buchanan County is Grundy, Virginia. Grundy functions as the
trade center for Buchanan County as well as portions of neighboring counties in Kentucky and
Virginia. Buchanan County joins with Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties to form the
‘Cumberland Plateau Planning District. Buchanan County compromises 27.4 percent of the
district’s total land.
Buchanan County is bordered in the west by Dickenson County, Virginia; in the south
by Russell and Tazewell Counties, Virginia; in the north by Pike County, Kentucky, and in the
northeast by McDowell and Mingo Counties, West Virginia. Major access to Buchanan County
from an east-west direction is Virginia Highway 83. Major access from a north-south direction
is provided by U.S. Highway 460. U.S. Highway 460 intersects Interstate 77, which links the
south central coastal states to the midwestern United States and intersects with Interstate 81
Interstate 81 is the major transportation route linking die northeast and southeast United States.
Southwest Virginia began to be settled over 200 years ago. Farmers migrated across the
‘Appalachian Valley from the Atlantic Coast. The mountainous terrain of Buchanan County,
characteristic of that found in the Appalachian Plateau, forced settlers to locate along the stream
beds, filling the narrow valley floors.
Most of the early development in Buchanan County occurred in the Grundy area,
spreading from the center of town along the Levisa Fork and Slate Creek. The tributaries to
these streams have also been heavily developed, including Garden Creek, Dry Fork, Poplar
Creek, Trace Fork, Bull Creek, Looney’s Creek and Roddick Creek. The southeastern section of
the county (around Whitewood) and the southwestern section (around Council) are the less
populated areas of the county, mainly because they lack good access.
The people of the county lived by tilling the soil for food and by hunting and fishing.
In the 1880’s, activity in the lumber industry began but it was difficult to deliver the timber to
markets. By the early 1900’s, lumber had grown to be the main industry in the county and
continued to be until the late 1920’s when most of the marketable timber had been cut.
In 1931 the Norfolk and Western Railway Company completed construction of the first
standard gauge railroad into Buchanan County. This was a very significant event in the history
of Buchanan County, because coal could be mined profitably for the first time. From then on the
coal industry grew, making Buchanan County the number one coal producing county in the state
of Virginia.
The growth of the coal industry brought many families into Buchanan County to live
and work. The population of the county nearly doubled between 1930 and 1940. Growth slowed
during the next twenty years, and declined considerably during the sixties, as jobs within the
mining industry were eliminated. The county is dependent on coal for its livelihood but reliance
on the “boom and bust” coal industry poses certain problems. High unemployment and
population declines are common.  Increased use of automation  requires fewer workers for coal
production, and many people have been forced to seek employment in other regions.
TOPOGRAPHY
In this mountainous region, flat lands even a few acres in extent are at a premium, and
valley slopes are very steep. The surface is deeply and maturely dissected by streams, with the
water courses being only a few miles apart but separated by ridges that rise 500 to 1,000 feet
above them. Many of the valleys are winding, so that water in the streams travels long distances
Creek, Trace Fork, Bull Creek, Looney’s Creek and Roddick Creek. The southeastern section of
the county (around Whitewood) and the southwestern section (around Council) are the less
populated areas of the county, mainly because they lack good access.
The people of the county lived by tilling the soil for food and by hunting and fishing.
In the 1880’s, activity in the lumber industry began but it was difficult to deliver the timber to
markets. By the early 1900’s, lumber had grown to be the main industry in the county and
continued to be until the late 1920’s when most of the marketable timber had been cut.
In 1931 the Norfolk and Western Railway Company completed construction of the first
standard gauge railroad into Buchanan County. This was a very significant event in the history
of Buchanan County, because coal could be mined profitably for the first time. From then on the
coal industry grew, making Buchanan County the number one coal producing county in the state
of Virginia.
The growth of the coal industry brought many families into Buchanan County to live
and work. The population of the county nearly doubled between 1930 and 1940. Growth slowed
during the next twenty years, and declined considerably during the sixti
as jobs within the
mining industry were eliminated. The county is dependent on coal for its livelihood but reliance
on the “boom and bust” coal industry poses certain problems. High unemployment and
population declines are common. Increased use of automation requires fewer workers for coal
production, and many people have been forced to seek employment in other regions.
TOPOGRAPHY
In this mountainous region, flat lands even a few acres in extent are at a premium, and
valley slopes are very steep. The surface is deeply and maturely dissected by streams, with the
water courses being only a few miles apart but separated by ridges that rise 500 to 1,000 feet
above them, Many of the valleys are winding, so that water in the streams travels long distances
between points not far apart. The valleys are also deep and V-shaped, with flat bottom lands
along the rivers and creeks. The ridges are flat-topped, presenting a nearly even skyline, and the
heights of neighboring ridges are approximately the same in most areas. Some of the principal
ridges, mostly those in the southern portion of the county, are wide enough on the top to support
a road and houses.
The highest point in the county is found on Big A Mountain, an elevation of 3,735 feet.
The lowest point, 845 feet above sea level, is found on the Levisa Fork at the Kentucky border.
The maximum relief of the county is 2,890 feet.
CLIMATE
Buchanan County has a continental climate, with temperatures averaging highs of 42 degrees
in January and 83 degrees in July. Despite the variation in temperature, the climate is mild,
with the average annual temperature being 54 degrees. Precipitation averages 45 inches
annually.
Buchanan County is at a lower elevation than many other counties in southwestern Virginia,
and therefore has a slightly longer growing season.
SOILS
Soil properties exert a strong influence on the manner in which land is used. Soils are an
irreplaceable resource and mounting pressures continue to make soil more valuable. The
Cooperative Extension Service of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has done
some on-site survey work in Buchanan County in order to compile general information on the
county’s soils, since soil capabilities influence development. Careful surveys should be made
prior to construction in order to determine the suitability of each individual site for such things
as foundation and septic tank support.
The flatter ridge tops offer soils of sufficient thickness on developable terrain. On these
between points not far apart. The valleys are also deep and V-shaped, with flat bottom lands
along the rivers and creeks. The ridges are flat-topped, presenting a nearly even skyline, and the
heights of neighboring ridges are approximately the same in most areas. Some of the principal
ridges, mostly those in the southern portion of the county, are wide enough on the top to support
a road and houses.
The highest point in the county is found on Big A Mountain, an elevation of 3,735 feet.
The lowest point, 845 feet above sea level, is found on the Levisa Fork at the Kentucky border.
‘The maximum relief of the county is 2,890 feet.
CLIMATE
Buchanan County has a continental climate, with temperatures averaging highs of 42 degrees
in January and 83 degrees in July. Despite the variation in temperature, the climate is mild,
with the average annual temperature being 54 degrees. Precipitation averages 45 inches
annually.
Buchanan County is at a lower elevation than many other counties in southwestern Virginia,
and therefore has a slightly longer growing season.
SOILS.
Soil properties exert a strong influence on the manner in which land is used. Soils are an
irreplaceable resource and mounting pressures continue to make soil more valuable. The
Cooperative Extension Service of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has done
some on-site survey work in Buchanan County in order to compile general information on the
county’s soils, since soil capabilities influence development. Careful surveys should be made
prior to construction in order to determine the suitability of each individual site for such things
as foundation and septic tank support.
The flatter ridge tops offer soils of sufficient thickness on developable terrain. On these
uplands, where soils are found in place from residual rock materials, the only two series suitable
for development are the Hartsells and Enders. The Hartsells is developed in sandstone and the
Enders in micaceous shale. Both the soils average less than three feet to bedrock, but both are
sometimes found to range up to five and one-half feet in depth. The Coeburn, which is
associated with the Enders, is also present on the ridge tops but its depth is insufficient for
development.
Areas that are located at the mouths of some mountain hollows may support very
limited development. Most of the soils in this area are colluvial, they were formed with
materials accumulated from the adjacent higher upland slopes. The two most prevalent soils in
these colluvial lands, the Leadville and the Jefferson, were formed from areas of Coeburn soils.
These soils are usually thicker than the upland soils, but they are subject to considerable seepage
from high lying areas.
On the terrace lands, which are those benchlike areas bordering, but higher than stream
bottoms, the chief soils are the Holston and the Monongahela. These soils were deposited by
streams at a time when their channels were higher. Poor drainage makes most of this area
unsuitable for development. Areas along the stream beds contain alluvial soils washed away
from areas underlain by sandstone and shales. These soils are very sandy and gravelly, and the
depth to water level of these soils is usually 0 to 20 inches during wet periods.
ROCK CLASSIFICATIONS
There are six classifications of rocks which have been identified in the Buchanan County
study area. Four of these - the Wise Formation, the Gladeville Sandstone, the Norton Formation
and the Lee Formation - belong to the Pennsylvanian series, in which all of the commercially
important coal beds of the area are located. Each of these rock classifications consist of
sandstone, shale, coal, and thin beds of clay.
The Wise Formation averages about 1,080 feet thick in Buchanan County. Except near
uplands, where soils are found in place from residual rock materials, the only two series suitable
for development are the Hartsells and Enders. The Hartsells is developed in sandstone and the
Enders in micaceous shale. Both the soils average less than three feet to bedrock, but both are
sometimes found to range up to five and one-half feet in depth. The Coeburn, which is
associated with the Enders, is also present on the ridge tops but its depth is insufficient for
development.
Areas that are located at the mouths of some mountain hollows may support very
limited development. Most of the soils in this area are colluvial, they were formed with
materials accumulated from the adjacent higher upland slopes. The two most prevalent soils in
these colluvial lands, the Leadville and the Jefferson, were formed from areas of Coeburn soils.
These soils are usually thicker than the upland soils, but they are subject to considerable seepage
from high lying areas.
On the terrace lands, which are those benchlike areas bordering, but higher than stream
bottoms, the chief soils are the Holston and the Monongahela. These soils were deposited by
streams at a time when their channels were higher. Poor drainage makes most of this area
unsuitable for development. Areas along the stream beds contain alluvial soils washed away
from areas underlain by sandstone and shales. These soils are very sandy and gravelly, and the
depth to water level of these soils is usually 0 to 20 inches during wet periods.
ROCK CLASSIFICATIONS
There are six classifications of rocks which have been identified in the Buchanan County
study area, Four of these - the Wise Formation, the Gladeville Sandstone, the Norton Formation
and the Lee Formation - belong to the Pennsylvanian series, in which all of the commercially
important coal beds of the area are located, Each of these rock classifications consist of
sandstone, shale, coal, and thin beds of clay.
‘The Wise Formation averages about 1,080 feet thick in Buchanan County. Except near
Kentucky, the Wise Formation is confined to the upper parts of ridges. It occupies a large
irregular area in the northern part of Buchanan County where it is interspersed with bands of the
Norton Formation along the streams and hilltops. The major coal beds found in the Wise
Formation are Eagle, Clintwood, Campbell Creek, Blair and Cedar Grove.
The Gladeville sandstone lies just below the Wise Formation and just above the Norton
Formation. It is located throughout the coal fields, but is less conspicuous in outcrop in
Buchanan County than in other areas. The Gladville is commonly 50 to 100 feet thick, is
brownish-red, and contains considerable mica and other minerals.
The Norton Formation includes all the strata, with several minable coal beds. It lies
between the Gladeville sandstone and the Lee formation. The thickness of the Norton Formation
ranges from 825 feet along the southeast slope of Pine Mountain to about 1,300 feet along the
southeast border of the county on Big A Mountain.  The Norton Formation thins in
the northern part of the county where it intersperses with the Wise Formation.
The Norton Formation contains several of the important coal beds of the county, including
Upper Banner, Lower Banner, Splash Dam, Hagy, Big Fork, Kennedy, Raven, Jawbone and
Tiller.
The Lee Formation is the lowest formation in the Pennsylvanian series. Only small parts
of the Lee Formation are exposed in Buchanan County. These exposures are present in the
southeast portion of the county near Big A Mountain along Indian Creek and its tributaries, and
near the Breaks in the extreme northwest portion of the county. The exposures are in areas
where faulting and folding have occurred. Along the southern border of the county, the Lee
Formation has the same characteristics as the Norton and Wise Formations. The Lee here is from
1,500 to 1,600 feet thick. On Pine Mountain along the northwest border, the Lee consists of
more sandstone than in the south. The sandstone here contains white quartz pebbles and is more
silicious than the Lee sandstones in the southern portion of the county. In the north, the Lee
Kentucky, the Wise Formation is confined to the upper parts of ridges. It occupies a large
irregular area in the northern part of Buchanan County where it is interspersed with bands of the
Norton Formation along the streams and hilltops. The major coal beds found in the Wise
Formation are Eagle, Clintwood, Campbell Creek, Blair and Cedar Grove
The Gladeville sandstone lies just below the Wise Formation and just above the Norton
Formation. It is located throughout the coal fields, but is less conspicuous in outerop in
Buchanan County than in other areas. The Gladville is commonly 50 to 100 feet thick, is
brownish-red, and contains considerable mica and other minerals.
The Norton Formation includes all the strata, with several minable coal beds. It lies
between the Gladeville sandstone and the Lee formation. The thickness of the Norton Formation
ranges from 825 feet along the southeast slope of Pine Mountain to about 1,300 feet along the
southeast border of the county on Big A Mountain. The Norton Formation thins in
the northem part of the county where it intersperses with the Wise Formation.
The Norton Formation contains several of the important coal beds of the county, including
Upper Banner, Lower Banner, Splash Dam, Hagy, Big Fork, Kennedy, Raven, Jawbone and
Tiller.
The Lee Formation is the lowest formation in the Pennsylvanian series. Only small parts
of the Lee Formation are exposed in Buchanan County. These exposures are present in the
southeast portion of the county near Big A Mountain along Indian Creek and its tributaries, and
near the Breaks in the extreme northwest portion of the county. The exposures are in areas
where faulting and folding have occurred. Along the southern border of the county, the Lee
Formation has the same characteristics as the Norton and Wise Formations. The Lee here is from
1,500 to 1,600 feet thick. On Pine Mountain along the northwest border, the Lee consists of
more sandstone than in the south. The sandstone here contains white quartz pebbles and is more
silicious than the Lee sandstones in the southern portion of the county. In the north, the Lee
Formation is only 300 feet thick, considerably thinner than in the south. The Lee Formation in
the south contains some of the Pocahontas coal beds, but the northern Lee contains very little
coal.
Rocks from the Silurian System and the Mississippian series of the Carboniferous
System are also found in Buchanan County. These rocks, however, are only found in small
quantities around Big A Mountain in the southern portion of the county. The Clinch sandstone is
a massive white sandstone composed chiefly of quartz grains so firmly cemented that die rock
forms cliffs and has notable effects on the topography. It outcrops in two strips on Big A
Mountain - one near the top of the northwestern knob and the other along the northwestern
border.  The Pennington shale, the only Mississippian Formation exposed in the county,
outcrops on the northwestern slopes of Big A Mountain. The rocks are overturned so that the
oldest beds appear near the top of the mountain.
FAULTS
The only fault of any importance to development in Buchanan County is the Russell Fork
fault, which has caused disturbances in the areas surrounding it. The largest disturbed zone was
caused by shearing along one or more vertical faults. This area extends for eight miles along
Russell Fork, from its head to about halfway between Murphy and Indian. Evidence of
crumbling exists in this area, especially around Indian. Rock beds within parts of the zone are
dragged and crumpled, producing irregular dips. These dips have been found in several places
along Russell Fork and short distances back from the stream, going from Murphy to a point
about a mile northwest.  Heavy construction should not take place along the Russell Fork fault.
There are two other faults in Buchanan County, one along Pine Mountain and the other
along Big A Mountain. Neither of these faults should have any significant effect on
development in Buchanan County.
Formation is only 300 feet thick, considerably thinner than in the south. The Lee Formation in
the south contains some of the Pocahontas coal beds, but the northern Lee contains very little
coal.
Rocks from the Silurian System and the Mississippian series of the Carboniferous
System are also found in Buchanan County. These rocks, however, are only found in small
quantities around Big A Mountain in the southern portion of the county. The Clinch sandstone is
a massive white sandstone composed chiefly of quartz grains so firmly cemented that die rock
forms cliffs and has notable effects on the topography. It outcrops in two strips on Big A
Mountain - one near the top of the northwestern knob and the other along the northwestern
border. The Pennington shale, the only Mississippian Formation exposed in the county,
outcrops on the northwestern slopes of Big A Mountain, The rocks are overturned so that the
oldest beds appear near the top of the mountain.
FAULTS
The only fault of any importance to development in Buchanan County is the Russell Fork
fault, which has caused disturbances in the areas surrounding it. The largest disturbed zone was
caused by shearing along one or more vertical faults. This area extends for eight miles along
Russell Fork, from its head to about halfway between Murphy and Indian. Evidence of
crumbling exists in this area, especially around Indian, Rock beds within parts of the zone are
dragged and crumpled, producing irregular dips. These dips have been found in several places
along Russell Fork and short distances back from the stream, going from Murphy to a point
about a mile northwest. Heavy construction should not take place along the Russell Fork fault,
There are two other faults in Buchanan County, one along Pine Mountain and the other
along Big A Mountain. Neither of these faults should have any significant effect on
development in Buchanan County.
GROUND AND SURFACE WATER
Water is a very important natural resource, necessary to maintain human life itself. Additionally,
a safe, clean and dependable water supply is required for many commercial, industrial, and
recreational purposes. The availability and quality of water is therefore an important
consideration in assessing the development potential of Buchanan County.
Water resources exist as surface water and also as ground water. Streams, rivers and lakes
comprise our surface water, since they occur on the surface of the earth.  Ground water is stored
in open spaces underneath the surface of the earth. Coal mining operations have damaged the
supply of ground water in Buchanan County. Underground aquifers have been depleted and only
a small amount of groundwater is available.
Traditionally, wells provided most of the water for Buchanan County, but many of these wells
have gone dry. Surface water can be found in the three major rivers and many smaller streams,
but these rivers cannot supply the daily demand for water without impoundment. This water
shortage has necessitated that the county receive water from neighboring counties. Dickenson
County suffers from similar problems of groundwater depletion, but contains a reservoir. The
John Flannagan Reservoir in neighboring Dickenson County provides Buchanan County with
much of its water.
DRAINAGE
All of the drainage in Buchanan County is tributary to the Big Sandy River through its
three main branches - Levisa Fork, Russell Fork and Tug Fork. Numerous creeks and branches
ramify practically all parts of the county, creating a good drainage system for most of the county,
as well as beautiful scenery and a great deal of recreational potential. In 1971 the Army Corps of
GROUND AND SURFACE WATER
Water is a very important natural resource, necessary to maintain human life itself. Additionally,
a safe, clean and dependable water supply is required for many commercial, industrial, and
recreational purposes. The availability and quality of water is therefore an important
consideration in assessing the development potential of Buchanan County.
Water resources exist as surface water and also as ground water. Streams, rivers and lakes
comprise our surface water, since they occur on the surface of the earth, Ground water is stored
in open spaces underneath the surface of the earth. Coal mining operations have damaged the
supply of ground water in Buchanan County. Underground aquifers have been depleted and only
a small amount of groundwater is available.
Traditionally, wells provided most of the water for Buchanan County, but many of these wells
have gone dry. Surface water can be found in the three major rivers and many smaller streams,
but these rivers cannot supply the daily demand for water without impoundment. This water
shortage has necessitated that the county receive water from neighboring counties. Dickenson
County suffers from similar problems of groundwater depletion, but contains a reservoir. The
John Flannagan Reservoir in neighboring Dickenson County provides Buchanan County with
much of its water.
DRAINAGE
All of the drainage in Buchanan County is tributary to the Big Sandy River through its
three main branches - Levisa Fork, Russell Fork and Tug Fork. Numerous creeks and branches
ramify practically all parts of the county, creating a good drainage system for most of the county,
as well as beautiful scenery and a great deal of recreational potential. In 1971 the Army Corps of
Engineers published a report on the flooding situation along a 14.7 mile segment of the Levisa
Fork and portions of its tributaries. This is the only known published study of flooding
conditions in Buchanan County.
Grundy suffers the majority of the flood damages that occur along the Levisa. The valley
in the Grundy area is narrow and major floods overflow the floodplain. Most of the flood
damage occurs to stock stored in the basements of business establishments. Residences situated
along the lower portion of Slate Creek also suffer heavy damages. The Levisa is tightly flanked
in many areas by highways, railroads, and streets. These transportation arteries are prone to the
ravages of high stream flow.
The topography of the area has dictated that most of the development in Buchanan
County take place in the bottom lands that are subjected to frequent flooding. Several structures
in the Grundy, Vansant, Tookland and Oakwood areas are located in the floodplain. Vansant,
Garden, Whitewood and D.A. Justus Elementary schools have been flooded.
Several industries are also located in the floodplain.
This level of development in the floodplain has further aggravated the flooding problem.
The commercial and residential buildings, along with the highway and roadway embankments
which are adjacent to the streams, encroach upon the stream channels and raise flood heights for
some distance upstream from these obstructions.  Highway and railway bridges across the
streams restrict flood flows and result in higher crests upstream from their location. All of these
obstructions, coupled with the steep slopes of the stream channels, produce hazardous water
velocities during severe storms.
The Army Corps of Engineers report computed the magnitude of the Intermediate
Regional Flood and the Standard Project Flood. The Intermediate Regional Flood ( 100 year-
flood ) is a flood having an average frequency of occurrence in the order of once in 100
years, although the flood could occur in any year.  It is based on the statistical analyses of
Engineers published a report on the flooding situation along a 14.7 mile segment of the Levisa
Fork and portions of its tributaries. This is the only known published study of flooding
conditions in Buchanan County.
Grundy suffers the majority of the flood damages that occur along the Levisa. The valley
in the Grundy area is narrow and major floods overflow the floodplain. Most of the flood
damage occurs to stock stored in the basements of business establishments. Residences situated
along the lower portion of Slate Creek also suffer heavy damages. The Levisa is tightly flanked
in many areas by highways, railroads, and streets. These transportation arteries are prone to the
ravages of high stream flow.
The topography of the area has dictated that most of the development in Buchanan
County take place in the bottom lands that are subjected to frequent flooding. Several structures
in the Grundy, Vansant, Tookland and Oakwood areas are located in the floodplain. Vansant,
Garden, Whitewood and D.A. Justus Elementary schools have been flooded.
Several industries are also located in the floodplain.
This level of development in the floodplain has further aggravated the flooding problem.
The commercial and residential buildings, along with the highway and roadway embankments
which are adjacent to the streams, encroach upon the stream channels and raise flood heights for
some distance upstream from these obstructions. Highway and railway bridges across the
streams restrict flood flows and result in higher crests upstream from their location. All of these
obstructions, coupled with the steep slopes of the stream channels, produce hazardous water
velocities during severe storms.
The Army Corps of Engineers report computed the magnitude of the Intermediate
Regional Flood and the Standard Project Flood. The Intermediate Regional Flood ( 100 year-
flood ) is a flood having an average frequency of occurrence in the order of once in 100
years, although the flood could occur in any year. It is based on the statistical analyses of
rainfall and runoff characteristics in the general region of the watershed. The Standard Project
Flood is the largest flood that may be expected from the most severe combination of
meteorological and hydrological conditions that is considered reasonably characteristic of the
region involved.
One of the greatest known floods on the Levisa Fork during the past 100 years occurred
in April 1977. This flood also caused major damage, and several homes and some businesses
were washed away.  The flood was nearly equal in magnitude to a statistical 100 year flood.
Prior to the April 1977 flood, the January 1957 flood caused a great deal of damage. During a
Standard Project Flood, velocities would be extremely dangerous to life and property.
According to reports by the Army Corps of Engineers, a Standard Project Flood, with its great
velocity and depth (20 to 25 feet higher than the 1957 flood), would be catastrophic to the areas
along the Levisa and its tributaries.
Possible measures to alleviate the flooding problem include: stream clearance and
channel improvements for those areas where flooding is greatest; protection of the watershed
areas of streams to see that runoff is properly controlled; construction of flood protection works;
and regulatory measures to control future use of the flood plains.
NATURAL RESOURCES
The chief mineral resource in Buchanan County is coal. The southwestern Virginia
coalfields are part of a larger central Appalachian coal region which also includes parts of
southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. Buchanan County is the leading coal producer
in the state, in 2013 Buchanan County produced over 7 million tons of coal.
One measure of coal’s significance is the value of its production. The dramatic increases
in coal’s price in 1974 caused coal’s value to more than double, but as prices declined throughout
the decade of the eighties, so did the value of production. This reduction in price has forced
rainfall and runoff characteristics in the general region of the watershed. The Standard Project
Flood is the largest flood that may be expected from the most severe combination of
meteorological and hydrological conditions that is considered reasonably characteristic of the
region involved.
One of the greatest known floods on the Levisa Fork during the past 100 years occurred
in April 1977. This flood also caused major damage, and several homes and some businesses
were washed away. The flood was nearly equal in magnitude to a statistical 100 year flood.
Prior to the April 1977 flood, the January 1957 flood caused a great deal of damage. During a
Standard Project Flood, velocities would be extremely dangerous to life and property.
According to reports by the Army Corps of Engineers, a Standard Project Flood, with its great
velocity and depth (20 to 25 feet higher than the 1957 flood), would be catastrophic to the areas
along the Levisa and its tributaries.
Possible measures to alleviate the flooding problem include: stream clearance and
channel improvements for those areas where flooding is greatest; protection of the watershed
areas of streams to see that runoff is properly controlled; construction of flood protection works;
and regulatory measures to control future use of the flood plains
NATURAL RESOURCES
The chief mineral resource in Buchanan County is coal. The southwestern Virginia
coalfields are part of a larger central Appalachian coal region which also includes parts of
southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. Buchanan County is the leading coal producer
in the state, in 2013 Buchanan County produced over 7 million tons of coal.
One measure of coal’s significance is the value of its production. The dramatic increases
in coal’s price in 1974 caused coal’s value to more than double, but as prices declined throughout
the decade of the eighties, so did the value of production. This reduction in price has forced
coal companies to increase productivity (tonnage mined per miner) in order to be profitable.
According to a 1987 report published by the department of Mines, Minerals and
Energy, coal reserves can last up to 78 more years in Buchanan County at current production
levels.
These figures, however, do not take into account many variables such as less profitable
operations, a volatile market, and overseas competition. Some of the most profitable mines
may be nearing depletion. Mines in the western United States and in other countries have
large, easy to reach seams with high quality coal. With this type of competition, the coal
market is highly unpredictable. Production in Virginia has dropped from 46 million tons in
1988 to 42 million tons in 1991, and that trend has continued through 2013.
In addition to being the leading producer of coal in the state, Buchanan County is also
one of the major producers of natural gas. In Virginia in 1989, natural gas provided about 10
percent of the primary energy and 14 percent of the end-use energy. Because of concerns about
oil imports and the air emissions from coal burning, many look to natural gas as an increasing
source of energy for Virginia and the nation. Natural gas has been produced from the natural gas
fields in southwestern Virginia since the 1930’s.  Production as a whole doubled in the
mid-to-late eighties, and the development of coalbed methane improved the prospects for a
continued increase in natural gas production through the 2010’s.
It is important to distinguish between reserves and resources. Reserves include those
known deposits that are recoverable at today’s prices using today’s technologies. In addition to
reserves, resources also include unknown deposits, as well as those that are known but cannot be
developed profitably at today’s prices. According to recent government estimates, the nation’s
natural gas reserve and resource base is weak. This weakness could be a strength for the gas
producing counties of southwestern Virginia.
coal companies to increase productivity (tonnage mined per miner) in order to be profitable.
According to a 1987 report published by the department of Mines, Minerals and
Energy, coal reserves can last up to 78 more years in Buchanan County at current production
levels.
These figures, however, do not take into account many variables such as less profitable
operations, a volatile market, and overseas competition, Some of the most profitable mines
may be nearing depletion. Mines in the western United States and in other countries have
large, easy to reach seams with high quality coal. With this type of competition, the coal
market is highly unpredictable. Production in Virginia has dropped from 46 million tons in
1988 to 42 million tons in 1991, and that trend has continued through 2013.
In addition to being the leading producer of coal in the state, Buchanan County is also
one of the major producers of natural gas. In Virginia in 1989, natural gas provided about 10
percent of the primary energy and 14 percent of the end-use energy. Because of concerns about
oil imports and the air emissions from coal burning, many look to natural gas as an increasing
source of energy for Virginia and the nation, Natural gas has been produced from the natural gas
fields in southwestern Virginia since the 1930’s. Production as a whole doubled in the
mid-to-late eighties, and the development of coalbed methane improved the prospects for a
continued increase in natural gas production through the 2010’s.
It is important to distinguish between reserves and resources. Reserves include those
known deposits that are recoverable at today’s prices using today’s technologies. In addition to
reserves, resources also include unknown deposits, as well as those that are known but cannot be
developed profitably at today’s prices. According to recent government estimates, the nation’s
natural gas reserve and resource base is weak. This weakness could be a strength for the gas
producing counties of southwestern Virginia.
Coalbed methane found in the coal seams offers an opportunity for production of
unconventional gas. A long-time hazard of underground mining, this gas has had to be vented
from mines to insure safe mining conditions. After successful commercial development in
Alabama and New Mexico, this methane is now seen as a valuable resource. The greatest
potential coalbed methane resources are in the coal seams of Buchanan and Dickenson Counties.
Coalbed methane found in the coal seams offers an opportunity for production of
unconventional gas. A long-time hazard of underground mining, this gas has had to be vented
from mines to insure safe mining conditions. After successful commercial development in
‘Alabama and New Mexico, this methane is now seen as a valuable resource. The greatest
potential coalbed methane resources are in the coal seams of Buchanan and Dickenson Counties.
Coal Production (Tons)
Year Buchanan | Dickenson [Russell Tazewell PDCTotal
1890 [20938340 | 6,686,984 | 926249 | 3,716,869, | 32,268,442
sg. | a7a7ais9 | 5,957,352 | 1114282 | 3,921,886 | 28,372,709
x92 | 17,962,757 | 6,360,976 | 1,094,510 | 3,534,018 | 28,952,261
saa | 1z.9sg0a6 | 5.516515 | 1ss2sse | 2,862,372 | 23,999,481
sas | 13,594,006 | 4,302,246 | 1467600 | 2,421,802 | 21205288
1995 | 13,791,629 | 2,708,253 | 1,728,600 | 2,156,220 | 20,380,702
x996 | 14783921 | 2,988,258 | 1,345,502 | 1,839,618 | 20,987,309
1997 | aa.z24a01 | 3,699,032 | 696401 | 1,699,083 | 20,218,917
rag | 12,467,167 | 021,151 | 705,429 | 1,806,652 | 19,000,399,
1999 | 10,655,918 | 4,168,329 | 394430 | 2,069,730 | 17,288,407
200 | a1saeea | azsoaa1 | 156525 | 1,469,825 | 17,000,065
2001 | arse9si9 | 3230.18 | 6506s | 1626539 | 17,111,841
2002 | 10,048,222 | 2,779,463 | 356,557 | 1,485,455 | 14,819,697
2003 | 10,812,659 | 2,735,067 | 555,534 | 1,293,990 | 15,307,250
2001 | 10,347,697 | 2sca1a | aagaae | 1335068 | 14,736,763
2005 7.756474 | 2,566,576 | 952,366 | 1,237,804 | 12,513,260
200s | 10,180,930 | 2,582,717 | 980,663 | 1,349,708 | 15,094014
2007 777265 | 2139882 | 1072568 | 1,265,052 | 12,154,727
2008 3433897 | 2070185 | 1133535 | 74g959 | 12,387,576
2009 6,793,719 | 1,384,909 | 1,031,003 | 836,322 | 10,051,953
2010 3744056 | 1058819 | 726205 | 943,236 | 11,472,316
2011 9315743 | 1331,667 | 981,376 | aigsas | 12,647,377
2012 7183357 | 3412332 | 725511 | 1410408 | 12,732,108
2013, 7.895116 | 3,542,761 | 397,957 | 1.248095 | 12,883,929
‘Source: Department of Mines Minerals and Energy
POPULATION
PAST GROWTH
One of the most effective ways to track population growth in this county is to trace the
population growth of Buchanan County from 1900 when there were only 9,692 persons living in
the county to the most recent census total of 24,098. Population growth in the county began as
the lumber and coal industries grew. As these industries grew many new inhabitants migrated to
the county. By 1920 the county’s population stood at 15,441 an increase of 24.94 percent from
the 1910 count of 12,334. The county continued to grow as the population increased 8.62
percent during the 1920’s to 16,740 in 1930. Between 1930 and 1940 the population showed its
largest increase by reaching 31,477 persons, a rise of over 88 percent. An increase of 13.56
percent during the 1940’s brought the county’s population up to 35,748 in 1950.
Growth slowed considerably during the next twenty years. After reaching a high in 1960
of 36,724 persons, the following years saw the county’s population decreased rapidly as the
introduction of machines into the coal industry eliminated many jobs.  This decrease totalled
12.67 percent during the 1960’s. The years between 1970 and 1980 saw another increase in
population, 18.46 percent, as the mining industry expanded. This increase led the county to its
peak number of inhabitants, but a population drop of 17.53 percent by 1990 is proof that the
mining boom was short lived. Unfortunately, these trends have continued in the current
direction, with the 2000 census revealing a population decrease of over 13% with 26,978 county
residents and further decline in the most recent census with a total of 24,096 county residents.
The population of Grundy reached 2,054 persons in 1970, but had dropped to 1,699
persons in 1980, then to 1,305 persons in 1990, then to 1,105 in 2000, and then to 1,021 residents
in the most recent census.
POPULATION
PAST GROWTH
One of the most effective ways to track population growth in this county is to trace the
population growth of Buchanan County from 1900 when there were only 9,692 persons living in
the county to the most recent census total of 24,098. Population growth in the county began as
the lumber and coal industries grew. As these industries grew many new inhabitants migrated to
the county. By 1920 the county’s population stood at 15,441 an increase of 24.94 percent from
the 1910 count of 12,334. The county continued to grow as the population increased 8.62
percent during the 1920’s to 16,740 in 1930. Between 1930 and 1940 the population showed its
largest increase by reaching 31,477 persons, a rise of over 88 percent. An increase of 13.56
percent during the 1940’s brought the county’s population up to 35,748 in 1950.
Growth slowed considerably during the next twenty years. After reaching a high in 1960
of 36,724 persons, the following years saw the county’s population decreased rapidly as the
introduction of machines into the coal industry eliminated many jobs. This decrease totalled
12.67 percent during the 1960’s. The years between 1970 and 1980 saw another increase in
population, 18.46 percent, as the mining industry expanded. This increase led the county to its,
peak number of inhabitants, but a population drop of 17.53 percent by 1990 is proof that the
mining boom was short lived. Unfortunately, these trends have continued in the current
direction, with the 2000 census revealing a population decrease of over 13% with 26,978 county
residents and further decline in the most recent census with a total of 24,096 county residents.
The population of Grundy reached 2,054 persons in 1970, but had dropped to 1,699
persons in 1980, then to 1,305 persons in 1990, then to 1,105 in 2000, and then to 1,021 residents
in the most recent census.
Table 6 BUCHANAN COUNTY GROWTH TRENDS:   1900-1990
Year Population %  Changes
1900 9,692
+27.25%  (1900-1910)
1910 12,334
+24.94%  (1910-1920)
1920 15,441

8.62%   (1920-1930)

1930 16,740
+88.03%   (1930-1940)
1940 31,477

13.56%  (1940-1950)

1950 35,748
+2.73%   (1950-1960)
1960 36,724
-12.67% (1960-1970)
1970 32,071

18.45%  (1970-1980)

1980 37,989
Table 6 BUCHANAN COUNTY GROWTH TRENDS: 1900-1990,
Year Population _% Changes
1900 9,692
+27.25% (1900-1910)
1910 12,334
+24,94% (1910-1920)
1920 15,441

8.62% (1920-1930)
1930 16,740

+88.03% (1930-1940)
1940 31,477

13.56% (1940-1950)
1950 35,748

42.73% (1950-1960)
1960 36,724
-12.67% (1960-1970)
1970 32,071

18.45% (1970-1980)

1980 37,989
-17.52% (1980-1990)
1990 31.333
-13.90% (1900-2000)
2000 26,978
-10.68% (2000-2010)
2010 24,098
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
DENSITY
Approximately 96 percent of Buchanan County’s population reside in the county, while 4
percent reside in the town of Grundy. According to the 2010 Census of Population, Buchanan
County has a density of 62.2 people per square mile. The density for the town of Grundy is much
greater, 259 people per square mile. In 1980, 7.3 percent of the county’s population was
considered urban. By 1990, population density in the Town of Grundy had dropped below the
threshold level and 100 percent of Buchanan County’s population is currently considered to be
rural.
The distribution pattern of Buchanan County’s population is linear, with development
following the major streams, ridgetops and highways. This linear growth is likely to continue,
given the limited amount of developable land.
-17.52% (1980-1990)
1990 31.333
-13.90% (1900-2000)
2000 26,978
-10.68% — (2000-2010)
2010 24,098
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
DENSITY
Approximately 96 percent of Buchanan County’s population reside in the county, while 4
percent reside in the town of Grundy. According to the 2010 Census of Population, Buchanan
County has a density of 62.2 people per square mile. The density for the town of Grundy is much
greater, 259 people per square mile, In 1980, 7.3 percent of the county’s population was
considered urban. By 1990, population density in the Town of Grundy had dropped below the
threshold level and 100 percent of Buchanan County’s population is currently considered to be
tural.
The distribution pattern of Buchanan County’s population is linear, with development
following the major streams, ridgetops and highways. This linear growth is likely to continue,
given the limited amount of developable land.
RACIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Buchanan County has a primarily white population with minority groups
in 2010 totaling approximately 664 persons, less than one percent of the
population.
AGE CHARACTERISTICS
The age of a population can be used as a rough indicator of the level and type
services which are needed and desired in an area. Each age group generally possesses
certain needs and desires which are quite different from those of the other age groups.
The obvious trend is that the population of Buchanan County is growing older. A
steady decrease in the number of young people and a steady increase in the number of
elderly people causes the median age of the population to increase.
RACIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Buchanan County has a primarily white population with minority groups
in 2010 totaling approximately 664 persons, less than one percent of the
population.
Sse Rac sty Poplin and Pecestge
certor Hispanic
Jurisdiction Population | white |Percent| African | Percent] Asian | Percent| "ISP Percent
American a:
Laan ony | oe | EE Pa) ee | TA] | OM | | Oa
Dicrsoncounty | 35802 | ssa | anax | st | oan | an | oam | ae | osm
hasewercouny | sere | azacs | ssax | aaa | sax | ae | aon | 256 | om
coroc | snsore | aoseeo | sc2x | 2222 | 20% | os | oun | 252 | a7
visiia | sootove| saseasa| exes [1351309 | 194s lasso] sxe [eanazs | re
Source: US. Census ren 2010
Sete ai Dats xine By Population ana Percentage
Blackor Hispanic
sstcion | popaion| white [percent| atean | percent] Asn | percent] MSS | percent
ne rc
Dicesoncounty | aaei2 | asare | anax | ate | ome | as | oax | ine | oom
lssewereauny | azann | azoro | seax | sam | 2a | aso | oax | ase | osx
croc | anzoro | soraas | seax | aare | 20 | ass | oan | 700 | oom
vga [sass | secuaa| saa |sSrvaea| saan [escaa| sam | oxnaes | eax
Source : U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2010-2034
AGE CHARACTERISTICS
‘The age of a population can be used as a rough indicator of the level and type
services which are needed and desired in an area. Each age group generally possesses
certain needs and desires which are quite different from those of the other age groups.
The obvious trend is that the population of Buchanan County is growing older. A
steady decrease in the number of young people and a steady increase in the number of
elderly people causes the median age of the population to increase.
The median age of all the counties within the Cumberland Plateau Planning District is
increasing, and currently Buchanan County’s median age is 43.8 years old, is middle aged. This
median age is expected to increase, due to several factors such as a lack of job opportunities for
young adults and the resulting outward migration as graduates leave and do not return. Also
contributing to the aging population is the influence of the nationwide group known as
Babyboomers. As this segment of the nation’s population grows old, no county will be left
unaffected and many adjustments will need to be made to support their needs.
Table 8 MEDIAN AGES: 1990- 2010
1990 2000 2010
Buchanan 32.2 38.8 43,8
Dickenson 34.0 39.7 43
Russell 34.6 38.7 43
Tazewell 35.4 40.7 43.2
CPPD 34.1 39.5 43.2
Virginia 32.6 35.7 37.5
Source:  1990, 2000 and 2010  U.S. Census of Population.
The median age of all the counties within the Cumberland Plateau Planning District is
increasing, and currently Buchanan County’s median age is 43.8 years old, is middle aged. This
median age is expected to increase, due to several factors such as a lack of job opportunities for
young adults and the resulting outward migration as graduates leave and do not return. Also
contributing to the aging population is the influence of the nationwide group known as
Babyboomers. As this segment of the nation’s population grows old, no county will be left
unaffected and many adjustments will need to be made to support their needs.
Table 8 MEDIAN AGES: 1990-2010
1990 2000 2010
Buchanan 32.2 38.8 43,8
Dickenson 34.0 39.7 43
Russell 34.6 38.7 43
Tazewell 35.4 40.7 43.2
CPPD 34.1 39.5, 43.2
Virginia 32.6 35.7 37.5
Source: 1990, 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census of Population.
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
The basic employment of Buchanan County is the coal mining industry.  Basicemployment is
defined as the employment in industries which sell most of their goods and services outside of the
area. Emphasis is always placed on the basic employment sector because it is the primary source
of area growth. An economy based on a single industry, such as coal, creates problems which are
difficult to correct. Dependence on one basic industry makes the economy of an area highly
susceptible to changes in that industry. Industries which sell most of their goods to outside areas
depend on national or regional demand rather than on local demand.
The national demand for coal during the 1960’s decreased, as oil and natural gas moved
into coal’s major markets as home and industrial heating fuel. To further impact employment in
the coal mining industry, greater mechanization allowed for higher production rates with fewer
people. The coal boom of the 1970fs brought a short-lived boost to the economy of the area. In
the later part of the 1970’s, environmental controls were tightened and over time impacted several
of the smaller marginally profitable companies. These companies were able to withstand this
burden until the market price of coal began to decline in the early 1980’s. The coal mining industry
again made a large come back in the early 1990’s leading to a drastic decrease in unemployment
and a host of economic opportunities throughout the county. However, coal again precipitously
declined in the early 2000s leading to a major economic downturn county wide.
During this time economic decline became apparent by the high rates of unemployment and
the low levels of family income for Buchanan County.
Recent efforts to diversify the economy include the following additions to Buchanan
County’s employment base: Keen Mountain Correctional Center; Heritage Hall XIV, which is
an elderly care center; Application School of Law; and the Appalachian school of Pharmacy.
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
The basic employment of Buchanan County is the coal mining industry. Basicemployment is
defined as the employment in industries which sell most of their goods and services outside of the
area. Emphasis is always placed on the basic employment sector because it is the primary source
of area growth. An economy based on a single industry, such as coal, creates problems which are
difficult to correct. Dependence on one basic industry makes the economy of an area highly
susceptible to changes in that industry. Industries which sell most of their goods to outside areas
depend on national or regional demand rather than on local demand
The national demand for coal during the 1960’s decreased, as oil and natural gas moved
into coal’s major markets as home and industrial heating fuel. To further impact employment in
the coal mining industry, greater mechanization allowed for higher production rates with fewer
people. The coal boom of the 1970’s brought a short-lived boost to the economy of the area, In
the later part of the 1970’s, environmental controls were tightened and over time impacted several
of the smaller marginally profitable companies. These companies were able to withstand this
burden until the market price of coal began to decline in the early 1980’s. The coal mining industry
again made a large come back in the early 1990’s leading to a drastic decrease in unemployment
and a host of economic opportunities throughout the county. However, coal again precipitously
declined in the early 2000s leading to a major economic downturn county wide.
During this time economic decline became apparent by the high rates of unemployment and
the low levels of family income for Buchanan County.
Recent efforts to diversify the economy include the following additions to Buchanan
County’s employment base: Keen Mountain Correctional Center; Heritage Hall XIV, which is
an elderly care center; Application School of Law: and the Appalachian school of Pharmacy.
FORECASTS
According to Virginia Employment Commission reports, 2020 Buchanan County
population projections are forecasted to continue dropping slightly over the next ten years
leveling off at 2030 and even increase by 2040.
Population decline can cause a county’s tax revenues to decrease, making it more
difficult and expensive to deliver services to the remaining residents. Additional jobs could be
lost, as businesses leave the area due to lack of demand for the goods they provide. Declining
enrollment in local schools shifts more financial responsibility to the county, since state
funding is based on the number of students. If population loss continues, certain changes will
be necessary to ensure the most efficient use of limited funds. To minimize the effects of
population loss, consolidation of certain schools may be required, and businesses should be
recruited that produce products with a national or international market.
Many tools are available that will enable Buchanan County officials to provide
services efficiently and maintain an adequate tax base. The Geographic Information System
(GIS) currently being developed by Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission can
greatly improve the county’s ability to collect property taxes and keep up-to-date records on
parcels within the county. GIS technology can also be used to locate areas most in need of
specific services.  Technology such as this will greatly aid in planning for the 21st century.
COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS
2010 2020 2030 2040
VA EC 24,098 23,383 23,263 23,298
FORECASTS
According to Virginia Employment Commission reports, 2020 Buchanan County
population projections are forecasted to continue dropping slightly over the next ten years
leveling off at 2030 and even increase by 2040.
Population decline can cause a county’s tax revenues to decrease, making it more
difficult and expensive to deliver services to the remaining residents. Additional jobs could be
lost, as businesses leave the area due to lack of demand for the goods they provide. Declining
enrollment in local schools shifts more financial responsibility to the county, since state
funding is based on the number of students. If population loss continues, certain changes will
be necessary to ensure the most efficient use of limited funds. To minimize the effects of
population loss, consolidation of certain schools may be required, and businesses should be
recruited that produce products with a national or international market.
Many tools are available that will enable Buchanan County officials to provide
services efficiently and maintain an adequate tax base. The Geographic Information System
(GIS) currently being developed by Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission can
greatly improve the county’s ability to collect property taxes and keep up-to-date records on
parcels within the county. GIS technology can also be used to locate areas most in need of
specific services. Technology such as this will greatly aid in planning for the 21st century.
COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS,
2010 2020 2030 2040
VA EC 24,098 23,383 23,263 23,298
a
fiisescesaescatiésara
A
aaa wan
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
The basic employment of Buchanan County is the coal mining industry. Basic
employment is defined as the employment in industries which sell most of their goods and
services outside of the area. Emphasis is always placed on the basic employment sector because
it is the primary source of area growth. An economy based on a single industry, such as coal,
creates problems which are difficult to correct. Dependence on one basic industry makes the
economy of an area highly susceptible to changes in that industry. Industries which sell most of
their goods to outside areas depend on national or regional demand rather than on local demand.
The national demand for coal during the 1960’s decreased, as oil and natural gas moved
into coal’s major markets as home and industrial heating fuel. To further impact employment in
the coal mining industry, greater mechanization allowed for higher production rates with fewer
people. The coal boom of the 1970fs brought a short-lived boost to the economy of the area. In
the later part of the 1970’s, environmental controls were tightened and over time impacted
several of the smaller marginally profitable companies. These companies were able to withstand
this burden until the market price of coal began to decline in the early 1980’s. The coal mining
industry again made a large come back in the early 1990’s leading to a drastic decrease in
unemployment and a host of economic opportunities throughout the county. However, coal again
precipitously declined in the early 2000s leading to a major economic downturn county wide.
During this time economic decline became apparent by the high rates of unemployment and the
low levels of family income for Buchanan County.
Recent efforts to diversify the economy include the following additions to Buchanan
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
The basic employment of Buchanan County is the coal mining industry. Basic
employment is defined as the employment in industries which sell most of their goods and
services outside of the area. Emphasis is always placed on the basic employment sector because
it is the primary source of area growth. An economy based on a single industry, such as coal,
creates problems which are difficult to correct. Dependence on one basic industry makes the
economy of an area highly susceptible to changes in that industry. Industries which sell most of
their goods to outside areas depend on national or regional demand rather than on local demand.
The national demand for coal during the 1960’s decreased, as oil and natural gas moved
into coal’s major markets as home and industrial heating fuel. To further impact employment in
the coal mining industry, greater mechanization allowed for higher production rates with fewer
people. The coal boom of the 1970’s brought a short-lived boost to the economy of the area, In
the later part of the 1970’s, environmental controls were tightened and over time impacted
several of the smaller marginally profitable companies. These companies were able to withstand
this burden until the market price of coal began to decline in the early 1980’s. The coal mining
industry again made a large come back in the early 1990’s leading to a drastic decrease in
unemployment and a host of economic opportunities throughout the county. However, coal again
precipitously declined in the early 2000s leading to a major economic downturn county wide.
During this time economic decline became apparent by the high rates of unemployment and the
low levels of family income for Buchanan County.
Recent efforts to diversify the economy include the following additions to Buchanan
County’s employment base: Keen Mountain Correctional Center; Heritage Hall XIV, which is
an elderly care center; Application School of Law; and the Appalachian school of Pharmacy.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment has plagued Buchanan County over the past 35 years. The
unemployment level peaked in 1983 at 26.4 percent, and although the figure dropped to 4.9
percent in 2007 it rose again to 10.8 percent in 2015. In comparison to the other counties in
Cumberland Plateau Planning District and the state of Virginia average, Buchanan County has
had the highest rate of unemployment for the past two years.
County’s employment base: Keen Mountain Correctional Center; Heritage Hall XIV, which is
an elderly care center; Application School of Law; and the Appalachian school of Pharmacy.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment has plagued Buchanan County over the past 35 years. The
unemployment level peaked in 1983 at 26.4 percent, and although the figure dropped to 4.9
percent in 2007 it rose again to 10.8 percent in 2015. In comparison to the other counties in
Cumberland Plateau Planning District and the state of Virginia average, Buchanan County has
had the highest rate of unemployment for the past two years.
INCOME
All counties within the district have below average incomes for the state of Virginia.
Disparity in income is expected to lower somewhat as more jobs become available and
educational attainment rises.
The median family income has dropped for Buchanan County, along with the entire
district, but has risen for the state of Virginia.
POVERTY
In Buchanan County, 20.60 percent of the population lives below poverty level, or
18.9 percent of all families. When female householder families are singled out, the rate
increases to 47.3 percent living below poverty level.
With over 20 percent of all households below the poverty level and a dearth economic
opportunity within the county, many families remain at a low income level, thus becoming
permanently dependant on state and federal assistance.
INCOME
All counties within the district have below average incomes for the state of Virginia.
Disparity in income is expected to lower somewhat as more jobs become available and
educational attainment rises.
rome Te
[Reaeroncedmoms Tar] mam Paar | mace | mune | ars | aoe | mee Bod
bars name somes | sa357 | toa | frase | tases | Gas | tga | nse savor | naar | Sean,
‘esr at  Aneean Comm Sony
The median family income has dropped for Buchanan County, along with the entire
district, but has risen for the state of Virginia.
POVERTY
In Buchanan County, 20.60 percent of the population lives below poverty level, or
18.9 percent of all families. When female householder families are singled out, the rate
increases to 47.3 percent living below poverty level.
With over 20 percent of all households below the poverty level and a dearth economic
opportunity within the county, many families remain at a low income level, thus becoming
permanently dependant on state and federal assistance.
TAXABLE SALES
Taxable sales in Buchanan County have dropped since 2012, while Russell,
Tazewell, and Dickenson Counties tend to oscillate by year.
The trend in taxable sales for Buchanan County appears to show steady nominal
growth in most years peaking 2012, and decreasing steadily since.
FORECASTS
The different segments of the economy are interrelated. If employment is to
increase, sales and production must expand.  If sales and production are to expand, there
must be an increase in demand. If demand is to increase, there must be an increase in
income, in the size of the economic base, or both.
The Woods and Poole Forecast, like all economic and demographic forecasts, analyzes
historical data to make estimates of future data. One limitation is that the future is never known
TAXABLE SALES.
Taxable sales in Buchanan County have dropped since 2012, while Russell,
Tazewell, and Dickenson Counties tend to oscillate by year.
‘Taxable Sales
2000-2015,
Year Buchanan Dickerson’ Rawal Tazewell TPE
2000 |$115,923,478 | $48,398,260 | 107,862,419 | 409,177,308 | S681,361,460
2001 | $14,597,950 | $47,977,617 | $101,878,423 | $414,883,974 | $679,337,964
2002 | $14,720,822 | $49,532,310 | $122,525,574 | $a2igi0028 | $708,587,834
2003 | $11z,152,118 | $50,249,767 | $129,188,820 | $439,228,597 | $730,819,302
2008 | $116,924,712 | $52,914,791 | $138,753,368 | $a6z,767,675 | $71,360,546
200s | s1o7.211,07 | $50,357,218 | $232,085,662 | $433,462,908 | $723,117,258
200s | 123,290,187 | $57,182,687 | $149,040,720 | $503,888,173 | $833,401,767
2007 | $227,687,900 | $60,083,344 | $156,657,814 | $520,718,233 | $a65,147,291
2008 | $139,948,887 | $63,232,095 | $161,030,985 | $sai,60s.oas | $905,817,012
2003 | $127,560,716 | $64,054,957 | $257,889,960 | $532,354,982 | Sa8t,860,615
2010 | $125,345,514 | $65,984,411 | $158,276,136 | $531,158,462 | $880,764,523
2011 | 142,304,553 | $68,042,398 | $159,840,501 | $540,236,247 | $910,403,699
2012 | $156,984,874 | $66,417,728 | $160,139,687 | $352,018,668 | $935,560,957
2013 | 148,802,737 | $65,552,723 | $253,199,811 | $527,292,801 | $894,848,072
2014 | 247,726,232 | $69,962,263 | $159,893,054 | $521,246,767 | $a98,828,316
zois_ | siaia75.222 | $60,520561_| $172,010.92 | $531,489,881_ | $905,896,586
Source: Virginia Department of Taxation
The trend in taxable sales for Buchanan County appears to show steady nominal
growth in most years peaking 2012, and decreasing steadily since.
FORECASTS
The different segments of the economy are interrelated. If employment is to
increase, sales and production must expand. If sales and production are to expand, there
must be an increase in demand. If demand is to increase, there must be an increase in
income, in the size of the economic base, or both.
The Woods and Poole Forecast, like all economic and demographic forecasts, analyzes
historical data to make estimates of future data. One limitation is that the future is never known,
with any certainty. There is always the possibility of an unprecedented shock to the economy, or
of some other event that could not be foreseen based on analysis of historical data. Small area
forecasts are subject to more error because of the small sample size. The larger the area, the more
reliable the model will be.
The Woods and Poole Forecast expects that areas of Virginia which have strong
manufacturing economies or are regional centers for retail trade, transportation and services will
have high growth. Regional economies dependant on mining, however, are expected to have the
slowest economic growth. The mining industry is considered to be stabilized, with only slight
changes in mining employment expected.
Employment growth for Buchanan County is likely to occur in the areas of state and
local government, services, manufacturing and retail trade. When the forecasted population
growth is compared to the forecasted growth in employment, the result is an expected 4,040
more jobs, and an expected 1,800 more people. This indicates that the unemployment rate will
decline. As the population ages and people begin to leave the labor force, labor market pressures
will be eased further, with the changes most keenly felt in 2015 when the bulk of the baby-boom
generation enters retirement.
with any certainty. There is always the possibility of an unprecedented shock to the economy, or
of some other event that could not be foreseen based on analysis of historical data. Small area
forecasts are subject to more error because of the small sample size. The larger the area, the more
reliable the model will be.
The Woods and Poole Forecast expects that areas of Virginia which have strong
manufacturing economies or are regional centers for retail trade, transportation and services will
have high growth. Regional economies dependant on mining, however, are expected to have the
slowest economic growth. The mining industry is considered to be stabilized, with only slight
changes in mining employment expected.
Employment growth for Buchanan County is likely to occur in the areas of state and
local government, services, manufacturing and retail trade, When the forecasted population
growth is compared to the forecasted growth in employment, the result is an expected 4,040
more jobs, and an expected 1,800 more people. This indicates that the unemployment rate will
decline. As the population ages and people begin to leave the labor force, labor market pressures
will be eased further, with the changes most keenly felt in 2015 when the bulk of the baby-boom
generation enters retirement.
EMPLOYMENT/POPULATION FORECAST
1995  2000  2005  2010  2015
Population 31,700 32,100 32,520 32,990 33,500
Employment 16,030 16,990 17,960 18,970 20,070
Source: Woods and Poole Economics, Inc.
EMPLOYMENT FORECASTS BY INDUSTRY
Sector  1995  2000  2005  2010  2015
Agriculture 10 10 10 10 10
Mining 5,750 5,910 6,070 6,270 6,520
Construction 800 840 890 930 980
Manufact. 340 350 360 370 380
Tran, Com, PU 1,630 1,820 2,010 2,200 2,380
Wholesale 690 790 880 980 1,080
Retail 1,910 2,100 2,310 2,530 2,760
Fin, Ins, R.E. 370 390 400 410 430
Service 2,530 2,750 2,980 3,210 3,450
Govt. 1,900 1,930 1,950 1,980 2,000
Source: Woods and Poole Economics, Inc.
EMPLOYMENT/POPULATION FORECAST
1995, 2000 2005 2010 2015
Population 31,700 32,100 32,520 32,990 33,500
Employment 16,030 16,990 17,960 18,970 20,070
Source: Woods and Poole Economics, Inc.
EMPLOYMENT FORECASTS BY INDUSTRY
Sector 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
Agriculture 10 10 10 10 10
Mining 5,750 5,910 6,070 6,270 6,520
Construction 800 840 890 930 980,
Manufact. 340 350 360 370 380
Tran, Com, PU 1,630 1,820 2,010 2,200 2,380
Wholesale 690 790 880 980 1,080
Retail 1,910 2,100 2,310 2,530 2,760
Fin, Ins, R.E. 370 390, 400 410 430
Service 2,530 2,750 2,980 3,210 3,450
Govt. 1,900 1,930 1,950 1,980 2,000
Source: Woods and Poole Economics, Inc.
Buchanan County has the institutional, locational, and human resources necessary to plan
and successfully stimulate a recovery in the local economy. Efforts must be made to allow the
residents to fully satisfy their demands for consumer goods locally, by encouraging expansion
and revitalization of the retail sector. Since the county does not contain any large towns or urban
centers with which to attract business and secure economic diversification, local government
must be very attentive to business’s needs.
Unskilled workers can be viewed as a strength, since national shortages of reliable
unskilled workers are expected to develop during the 1990’s. Facilities formerly used by coal
companies have potential as industrial incubators and small industry buildings, they have both
office and industrial purposes.
TRANSPORTATION
The effects of a community’s transportation system are vital.  The distance from the county
seat of Buchanan County to nearby metropolitan areas pushes the county into an isolated and remote
situation.  These distances can be used to partially explain the value of a good transportation system,
one which will counteract the problems created by isolation.  An improved transportation system
would tremendously help Buchanan County in its efforts to diversify the local economy.
A transportation plan must take into consideration topography, population density and
distribution, land development policies and the overall planning objectives of the community. A safe
and efficient transportation system is a critical service provided and maintained by the government.
It provides means of transportation for goods and services and connects citizens to their areas of
employment, schools, shopping, and community activities. Due to the overall topography and as
Buchanan County continues to struggle with growth and economic development, careful
consideration must be given to the relationship between land use and development and transportation
Buchanan County has the institutional, locational, and human resources necessary to plan
and successfully stimulate a recovery in the local economy. Efforts must be made to allow the
residents to fully satisfy their demands for consumer goods locally, by encouraging expansion
and revitalization of the retail sector. Since the county does not contain any large towns or urban
centers with which to attract business and secure economic diversification, local government
must be very attentive to business’s needs.
Unskilled workers can be viewed as a strength, since national shortages of reliable
unskilled workers are expected to develop during the 1990’s. Facilities formerly used by coal
companies have potential as industrial incubators and small industry buildings, they have both
office and industrial purposes.
TRANSPORTATION
The effects of a community’s transportation system are vital. The distance from the county
seat of Buchanan County to nearby metropolitan areas pushes the county into an isolated and remote
situation, These distances can be used to partially explain the value of a good transportation system,
one which will counteract the problems created by isolation. An improved transportation system
would tremendously help Buchanan County in its efforts to diversify the local economy.
‘A transportation plan must take into consideration topography, population density and
distribution, land development policies and the overall planning objectives of the community. A safe
and efficient transportation system is a critical service provided and maintained by the government.
It provides means of transportation for goods and services and connects citizens to their areas of
employment, schools, shopping, and community activities. Due to the overall topography and as
Buchanan County continues to struggle with growth and economic development, careful
consideration must be given to the relationship between land use and development and transportation
needs. Buchanan County must consider economic impacts and must find a balance that will be in the
best interest of its residents.
BUCHANAN COUNTY ROAD NETWORK
The primary mode of transportation in Buchanan County is the road system. This system
utilizes a combination of interstate roads (through access routes), state primary roads, state secondary
roads, Buchanan County road system, and privately maintained roads to serve the needs of Buchanan
County residents. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains, improves, and
develops state roads and road infrastructure. Though maintenance of transportation infrastructure
occurs at the state level, transportation planning occurs on a national, state, regional and local level.
It is important for the county to study transportation issues to ensure the needs of Buchanan County
citizens are reflected in regional and state plans. Roads classifications, locations, maintenance, and
access have a strong influence on the economic development and interest of Buchanan County and
its’ residents.
Virginia’s Highway System is divided into four (4) categories: Interstate, Primary,
Secondary, and Frontage. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) divides the state into
nine (9) districts. Each district oversees maintenance and construction projects on the state-
maintained highways, bridges, and tunnels within its region. Buchanan County state highway system
is maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, Bristol District. The Bristol District
consist of four (4) residencies and includes more than 7,400 miles of roads located within twelve
(12) counties. Buchanan County has three (3) primary state roads and numerous secondary state
roads within their highway system.
INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS in Virginia are four (4) – to – ten (10) lane highways that
connect states and major cities. The nearest interstates to serve Buchanan County are Interstate 77
and Interstate 81. Interstate 81 in Virginia extends for a total of 325 miles from the Virginia –
needs. Buchanan County must consider economic impacts and must find a balance that will be in the
best interest of its residents.
BUCHANAN COUNTY ROAD NETWORK
The primary mode of transportation in Buchanan County is the road system. This system
utilizes a combination of interstate roads (through access routes), state primary roads, state secondary
roads, Buchanan County road system, and privately maintained roads to serve the needs of Buchanan
County residents. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains, improves, and
develops state roads and road infrastructure. Though maintenance of transportation infrastructure
occurs at the state level, transportation planning occurs on a national, state, regional and local level.
It is important for the county to study transportation issues to ensure the needs of Buchanan County
citizens are reflected in regional and state plans. Roads classifications, locations, maintenance, and
access have a strong influence on the economic development and interest of Buchanan County and
its’ residents.
Virginia’s Highway System is divided into four (4) categories: Interstate, Primary,
Secondary, and Frontage. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) divides the state into
nine (9) districts. Each district oversees maintenance and construction projects on the state-
maintained highways, bridges, and tunnels within its region. Buchanan County state highway system
is maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, Bristol District. The Bristol District
consist of four (4) residencies and includes more than 7,400 miles of roads located within twelve
(12) counties, Buchanan County has three (3) primary state roads and numerous secondary state
roads within their highway system.
ITERSTATE HIGHWAYS in Virginia are four (4) — to — ten (10) lane highways that
connect states and major cities. The nearest interstates to serve Buchanan County are Interstate 77
and Interstate 81. Interstate 81 in Virginia extends for a total of 325 miles from the Virginia —
Tennessee state line near Bristol to the Virginia – West Virginia state line near Winchester. Interstate
81 corridor functions as a freight corridor for both trucks and rail. This interstate links twenty (20+)
plus colleges and universities and many tourism attractions including state parks, recreations areas,
Civil War battlefields, and National Forests. Interstate 77 in Virginia extends for a total of 69 miles
from the North Carolina state line near Carroll County to the West Virginia state line near Bland
County. Interstate 77 includes a high traffic volume, eight-mile overlap with Interstate 81 in
Wytheville/Wythe County. The nearest Interstate 81 access for Buchanan County is located in
Washington County at Exit 14. The nearest Interstate 77 access for Buchanan County is located in
Bluefield, WV.
STATE PRIMARY ROADS in Virginia are numbered and maintained by the Virginia
Department of Transportation as a system of state highways. Primary routes are typically two (2) –
to – six (6) lane roads that connect cities and towns with each other and also connects with interstates.
Primary State Routes receive more funding that Secondary State Routes and are numbered as U.S.
Routes or State Routes with numbers ranging from 1 to 599. Buchanan County is served by three (3)
primary state highways: US 460, SR 80, and SR 83. VDOT maintains, improves and develops state
roads and road infrastructure in Buchanan County. In Buchanan County there are 93 road miles (187
lane miles) of state primary roads.
STATE SECONDARY ROADS are generally numbered 600 and above. Secondary roads
absorb traffic from busier primary roads and locally maintained roads. In Buchanan County there are
462 road miles (926 lane miles) of state secondary roads.
BUCHANAN COUNTY ROAD SYSTEM, under Virginia Code section § 58.1-3713, was
first created in 1987. Buchanan County is one (1) of three (3) counties in the state of Virginia that
operate their own county road system. Buchanan County’s road system is separate from the Virginia
Department of Transportation road system and includes its own numbering system, policy, and
Tennessee state line near Bristol to the Virginia ~ West Virginia state line near Winchester. Interstate
81 corridor functions as a freight corridor for both trucks and rail, This interstate links twenty (20+)
plus colleges and universities and many tourism attractions including state parks, recreations areas,
Civil War battlefields, and National Forests. Interstate 77 in Virginia extends for a total of 69 miles
from the North Carolina state line near Carroll County to the West Virginia state line near Bland
County, Interstate 77 includes a high traffic volume, eight-mile overlap with Interstate 81 in
Wytheville/Wythe County. The nearest Interstate 81 access for Buchanan County is located in
Washington County at Exit 14. The nearest Interstate 77 access for Buchanan County is located in
Bluefield, WV.
STATE PRIMARY ROADS in Virginia are numbered and maintained by the Virginia
Department of Transportation as a system of state highways. Primary routes are typically two (2) —
to ~ six (6) lane roads that connect cities and towns with each other and also connects with interstates.
Primary State Routes receive more funding that Secondary State Routes and are numbered as U.S.
Routes or State Routes with numbers ranging from 1 to 599. Buchanan County is served by three (3)
primary state highways
'S 460, SR 80, and SR 83. VDOT maintains, improves and develops state
roads and road infrastructure in Buchanan County. In Buchanan County there are 93 road miles (187
Jane miles) of state primary roads.
STATE SECONDARY ROADS are generally numbered 600 and above. Secondary roads
absorb traffic from busier primary roads and locally maintained roads. In Buchanan County there are
462 road miles (926 lane miles) of state secondary roads.
BUCHANAN COUNTY ROAD SYSTEM, under Virginia Code section § 58.1-3713, was
first created in 1987. Buchanan County is one (1) of three (3) counties in the state of Virginia that
operate their own county road system, Buchanan County’s road system is separate from the Virginia
Department of Transportation road system and includes its own numbering system, policy, and
guidelines, and funding source. Buchanan County has over 700 roads & bridges in excess of 220
miles of roadway they operate and maintain each fiscal year pending on available funds.  This system
is operated with coal and gas severance tax funds and funding is not limited to county roads or
bridges. Each fiscal year, Coal Haul Road Plan funding includes, but is not limited to, county road
maintenance and construction, PSA, State Revenue Sharing, Disaster Relief, CEDA transfer, Bridge
Crew, and Mapping & Engineering Administrative. Construction and Maintenance funding is
approved on a fiscal year basis by the Coal Haul Road Committee and submitted to the Board of
Supervisors for their review and acceptance. The fiscal year coal haul road plan must be submitted
and accepted by the Board of Supervisors prior to July 1, which is the beginning of each fiscal year.
PRIVATE ROADS may be taken into the Buchanan County Road System by the Board of
Supervisors under certain guidelines and restraint as deemed under the current revision of the
Buchanan County Road and Bridge Policy.
guidelines, and funding source. Buchanan County has over 700 roads & bridges in excess of 220
miles of roadway they operate and maintain each fiscal year pending on available funds. This system
is operated with coal and gas severance tax funds and funding is not limited to county roads or
bridges. Each fiscal year, Coal Haul Road Plan funding includes, but is not limited to, county road
maintenance and construction, PSA, State Revenue Sharing, Disaster Relief, CEDA transfer, Bridge
Crew, and Mapping & Engineering Administrative. Construction and Maintenance funding is
approved on a fiscal year basis by the Coal Haul Road Committee and submitted to the Board of
Supervisors for their review and acceptance. The fiscal year coal haul road plan must be submitted
and accepted by the Board of Supervisors prior to July 1, which is the beginning of each fiscal year.
PRIVATE ROADS may be taken into the Buchanan County Road System by the Board of
Supervisors under certain guidelines and restraint as deemed under the current revision of the
Buchanan County Road and Bridge Policy.
PRIMARY ROADS TRAFFIC VOLUME: 2016
Route   From    To   # Vehicles

80   Dickenson Co. Line  Russell Co. Line  1,600
83   SR 640    West VA State Line    830
83   460 Intersection  SR 642   5,400
83   SR 642    SR 643   2,900
83   SR 643     SR 640   1,800
83   460 Intersection  SR 619   4,700
83   SR 619    SR 604   2,900
83   SR 604    Dickenson Co. Line 3,000
460   460/83 Intersection  SR 656   5,800
460   SR 656    SR 609   5,600
460   SR 609    SR 700   3,900
460   SR 700    SR 645   3,200
460   SR 645    Kentucky State Line 3,200
460   460/83 Intersection  SR 1006   9,700
460   460/83 Intersection   SR 83   10,000
460   SR 83    SR 638   8,100
460   SR 638    SR 1101   7,100
460   SR 1101    SR 680   7,200
460   SR 680    Tazewell Co. Line 6,700
Source: Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation.  Average Daily Traffic Volumes 2016.
PRIMARY ROADS TRAFFIC VOLUME: 2016
Route From To # Vehicles
80 Dickenson Co. Line Russell Co. Line 1,600
83 SR 640 West VA State Line 830.
83 460 Intersection SR 642 5,400
83 SR 642 SR 643 2,900
83 SR 643 SR 640 1,800
83 460 Intersection SR619 4,700
83 SR619 SR 604 2,900
83 SR 604 Dickenson Co. Line 3,000
460 460/83 Intersection SR 656 5,800
460 SR 656 SR 609 5,600
460 SR 609 SR 700 3,900
460 SR 700 SR 645 3,200
460 SR 645 Kentucky State Line 3,200
460 460/83 Intersection SR 1006 9,700
460 460/83 Intersection SR 83 10,000
460 SR83 SR 638 8,100
460 SR 638 SR 1101 7,100
460 SR 1101 SR 680 7,200
460 SR 680 Tazewell Co. Line 6,700
Source: Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation, Average Daily Traffic Volumes 2016,
VDOT SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM MAP
vDo’
INDARY ROAD MAP
BUCHANAN COUNTY ROAD SYSTEM MAP
BUCHANAN COUNTY ROAD §
ySTEM MAP
Roads are classified in this system based on the functions they perform such as minimizing
traffic and land use conflicts, improving safety, and enhancing mobility. Roads in cities and towns
with populations over 5,000 receive an “Urban” designation from VDOT and those with populations
under 5,000 are designated as “Rural”. A descriptive list of VDOT road classifications is included
in the table below.
Roads are classified in this system based on the functions they perform such as minimizing
traffic and land use conflicts, improving safety, and enhancing mobility. Roads in cities and towns
with populations over 5,000 receive an “Urban” designation from VDOT and those with populations
under 5,000 are designated as “Rural”. A descriptive list of VDOT road classifications is included
in the table below.
RAIL SERVICE
Passenger Rail Service is not currently available in Buchanan County. The nearest
passenger service stations are located in Danville, VA and Lynchburg, VA.  Connecting bus service
from Blacksburg, VA and Roanoke, VA to the Lynchburg service station is also available. Freight
railroads have a successful working relationship with passenger railroads all across the country.
Approximately 97% of Amtrak’s 22,000 mile rail system consists of tracks owned and operated by
freight railroads. The Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Norfolk Southern
Corporation entered into an agreement to improve rail related infrastructure between Lynchburg and
Roanoke. The improvements will allow passenger rail to serve the Roanoke region. Grant funding
to study the need and interest for passenger rail service toward Bristol from Roanoke has been
awarded and is currently being evaluated.
RAIL SERVICE
Passenger Rail Service is not currently available in Buchanan County. The nearest
passenger service stations are located in Danville, VA and Lynchburg, VA. Connecting bus service
from Blacksburg, VA and Roanoke, VA to the Lynchburg service station is also available. Freight
railroads have a successful working relationship with passenger railroads all across the country.
‘Approximately 97% of Amtrak’s 22,000 mile rail system consists of tracks owned and operated by
freight railroads, The Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Norfolk Southern
Corporation entered into an agreement to improve rail related infrastructure between Lynchburg and
Roanoke. The improvements will allow passenger rail to serve the Roanoke region. Grant funding
to study the need and interest for passenger rail service toward Bristol from Roanoke has been
awarded and is currently being evaluated,
Commercial Freight Rail Service is available in Buchanan County and is provided by
Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation. Norfolk Southern owns and operates a network of 19,500
miles of rail lines East of the Mississippi River in 22 different states and the District of Columbia.
Norfolk Southern serves 24 sea ports, 10 river ports, and 9 lake ports. Norfolk Southern offers many
interchange points with rail partners, including CSX, BNSF, KCS, UP, CN, and CP. Norfolk
Southern has more short line partners than any other Class 1 railroad. Norfolk Southern partners
cover nearly 41,000 additional miles within their system. Norfolk Southern infrastructure in Virginia
consists of 1990 miles of track, 1240 bridges, and 37 tunnels. Norfolk Southern operates the most
extensive intermodal network in the East is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Airports
Air travel for Buchanan County is done
through the use of regional and local airports.
Nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia,
Buchanan County utilizes regional airports to
connect to larger airports hubs.
Grundy Municipal Airport is a small 2,256 ft. runway nestled atop the mountains of Buchanan
County. Located 3 nautical miles southwest of the central business district of Grundy, the county
seat of Buchanan County, this airport is used only by small personal and charter planes.
Tri-Cities Regional Airport, located approximately 110 miles southwest of Grundy, near
Blountville, Tennessee, is the region’s primary full-service commercial airport which offers non-
stope service to five major hubs, primarily Charlotte, Atlanta and Chicago.
Commercial Freight Rail Service is available in Buchanan County and is provided by
Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation. Norfolk Southern owns and operates a network of 19,500
miles of rail lines East of the Mississippi River in 22 different states and the District of Columbia.
Norfolk Souther serves 24 sea ports, 10 river ports, and 9 lake ports. Norfolk Southern offers many
interchange points with rail partners, including CSX, BNSF, KCS, UP, CN, and CP. Norfolk
Southern has more short line partners than any other Class 1 railroad. Norfolk Southern partners
cover nearly 41,000 additional miles within their system. Norfolk Southern infrastructure in Virginia
consists of 1990 miles of track, 1240 bridges, and 37 tunnels. Norfolk Southern operates the most.
extensive intermodal network in the East is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Airports
Air travel for Buchanan County is done
through the use of regional and local airports.
Nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia,
Buchanan County utilizes regional airports to
connect to larger airports hubs.
Grundy Municipal Airport is a small 2,256 ft. runway nestled atop the mountains of Buchanan
County. Located 3 nautical miles southwest of the central business district of Grundy, the county
seat of Buchanan County, this airport is used only by small personal and charter planes.
Tri-Cities Regional Airport, located approximately 110 miles southwest of Grundy, near
Blountville, Tennessee, is the region’s primary full-service commercial airport which offers non-
stope service to five major hubs, primarily Charlotte, Atlanta and Chicago.
Scenic Drives
Although most drives through Buchanan County could be viewed as a scenic drive, the sights
and overall atmosphere can take you on a journey through history with scenic beauty measured in
memories instead of miles.
Coal Heritage Trail is part of the Virginia
Byway system located in the Heart of
Appalachia’s coalfield region and encompasses
7 Southwest Virginia counties. A drive along
the Coal Heritage Trail in Buchanan County
will lead you pass active mining operations,
where you can see coal being loaded into trucks
and railroad cars. Some for transportation to a
coal preparation plant, others for the delivery to
customers within the United States or even
international deliveries. Other sites along this route will lead you pass the Grundy Mural, located on the outer
wall of a local supermarket, this mural depicts the history of Buchanan County and the town of Grundy.  Once
in the town of Grundy, in front of the courthouse you can find a bronze statue honoring local coal miners
which was donated by the local Girl Scout Troops.
Nature Drive is a secluded one way road tucked away deep within the Breaks Interstate Park. Extending
approximately 0.7 miles through the wilderness, this small one lane road traverses through the center of an
area of the park that several forms of wildlife call home. Lined with laurel bushes and various types of
hardwood, rests this hidden gem of the “Grand Canyon of the South”.
Appalachian Backroads is a scenic byway
directed towards the motorcycle enthusiasts
which covers the entire Coalfield Region of
Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. The
Appalachian Backroads - Ridge Runner Trail
will take you on a 112 mile loop through the
heart of Buchanan County with a good portion
of the trail taking you on Route 80, which is
known as the Great 80 Curves of Challenge.
Scenic Drives
Although most drives through Buchanan County could be viewed as a scenic drive, the sights
and overall atmosphere can take you on a journey through history with scenic beauty measured in
memories instead of miles.
Coal Heritage Trail is part of the Virginia
Byway system located in the Heart of
Appalachia’s coalfield region and encompasses
7 Southwest Virginia counties. A drive along
the Coal Heritage Trail in Buchanan County
will lead you pass active mining operations,
where you can see coal being loaded into trucks
and railroad cars, Some for transportation to a
coal preparation plant, others for the delivery to
customers within the United States or even
international deliveries. Other sites along this route will lead you pass the Grundy Mural, located on the outer
wall ofa local supermarket, this mural depicts the history of Buchanan County and the town of Grundy. Once
in the town of Grundy, in front of the courthouse you can find a bronze statue honoring local coal miners
which was donated by the local Girl Scout Troops.
Nature Drive is a secluded one way road tucked away deep within the Breaks Interstate Park. Extending
approximately 0.7 miles through the wilderness, this small one lane road traverses through the center of an
area of the park that several forms of wildlife call home. Lined with laurel bushes and various types of
hardwood, rests this hidden gem of the “Grand Canyon of the South”.
Appalachian Backroads is a scenic byway
directed towards the motorcycle enthusiasts
which covers the entire Coalfield Region of
nia and Eastem Kentucky. The
Appalachian Backroads - Ridge Runner Trail
will take you on a 112 mile loop through the
heart of Buchanan County with a good portion
of the trail taking you on Route 80, which is
known as the Great 80 Curves of Challenge.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Modes
Buchanan County is home to some wonderful trail systems. Recreational hiking trails and bicycling
opportunities are available at the Bull Creek
Bike and Pedestrian Trail, Michael D. Young
Memorial Bike Trail, Coal Canyon Trail and
the US Bicycle Route 76.
Bull Creek Bike and Pedestrian Trail a
former Norfolk & Southern railroad bed
converted into a trail for pedestrians and
bicyclists was opened to the public in 2013.
This trail currently provides 1.53 miles of beautiful scenery for bicyclists and pedestrians alike.  Special events
are held throughout the year, such as Autism
Awareness 5k, and a Zombie 5k Run.  Future
additions are planned to extend the trail.
Michael D. Young Memorial Bike Trail is
an intense hiking and mountain bike trail
converted from an old abandoned coal mining
road.  The trail was opened to the public 2004
and consists of 2 miles of mountainous scenic
beauty that will test your abilities.  From the
Town of Grundy, the trail will take you north adjacent to State Route 83.
Coal Canyon Trail, although primarily an
ATV trail system, is also welcome to hiking and
cyclists as well. Located near Poplar Gap Park,
it provides enthusiasts and hobbyists with 61
miles of trails, beautiful scenery, and the
possibility of viewing the county’s growing elk
population.  Over 100 miles of additional trails
are planned for future expansions connecting the
town of Grundy to the town of Haysi.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Modes
Buchanan County is home to some wonderful trail systems. Recreational hiking trails and bicycling
opportunities are available at the Bull Creek
Bike and Pedestrian Trail, Michael D. Young,
Memorial Bike Trail, Coal Canyon Trail and
the US Bicycle Route 76.
Bull Creek Bike and Pedestrian Trail a
former Norfolk & Southern railroad bed
converted into a trail for pedestrians and
-yclists was opened to the public in 2013
This trail currently provides 1.53 miles of beautiful scenery for bicyclists and pedestrians alike. Special events
are held throughout the year, such as Autism
Awareness 5k, and a Zombie 5k Run. Future
additions are planned to extend the trail
Michael D. Young Memorial Bike Trail is
an intense hiking and mountain bike trail
converted from an old abandoned coal mining
road. The trail was opened to the public 2004
and consists of 2 miles of mountainous scenic
beauty that will test your abilities. From the
Town of Grundy, the trail will take you north adjacent to State Route 83.
Coal Canyon Trail, although primarily an
ATV trail system, is also welcome to hiking and
cyclists as well. Located near Poplar Gap Park,
it provides enthusiasts and hobbyists with 61
miles of trails, beautiful scenery, and the
possibility of viewing the county’s growing elk
population. Over 100 miles of additional trails
are planned for future expansions connecting the
town of Grundy to the town of Haysi
US Bike Route 76, known as the Transamerica Trail, is a well-known bicycle route that stretches
4,300 miles from the coast of Virginia to the coast of Oregon.  Bike Route 76, a shared-use facility
and is widely recognized as the greatest and most traveled bike trail in America. The trail will pass
through the community of Council located in the far southwest portion of Buchanan County.  The
trail runs adjacent to the Russel Fork River
before entering neighboring Dickenson
County.
Public Transit
The effects of a community’s transportation system is vital to a community, providing
residents and visitors access to shopping, dining, recreation and health care services.
Four County Transit is a fully coordinated public transit system serving the residents of Buchanan,
Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties.  Four County Transit was created in 1998 and operated
by the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens and funded by the Virginia’s Department of Rail and
Public Transportation public transportation system.  Four County Transit offers public transportation
US Bike Route 76, known as the Transamerica Trail, is a well-known bicycle route that stretches
4,300 miles from the coast of Virginia to the coast of Oregon. Bike Route 76, a shared-use facility
and is widely recognized as the greatest and most traveled bike trail in America. The trail will pass
through the community of Council located in the far southwest portion of Buchanan County. The
trail runs adjacent to the Russel Fork River
before entering neighboring Dickenson
County.
Public Transit
The effects of a community’s transportation system is vital to a community, providing
residents and visitors access to shopping, dining, recreation and health care services.
Four County Transit is a fully coordinated public transit system serving the residents of Buchanan,
Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties. Four County Transit was created in 1998 and operated
by the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens and funded by the Virginia’s Department of Rail and
Public Transportation public transportation system. Four County Transit offers public transportation
to local colleges. Public transportation is available throughout the day and with convenient fixed
routes and demand responses. Four County Transit provides a variety of services to complement the
need for public transportation service in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties.
Travel Demand Management
Travel Demand Management (TDM) holds the potential for enhancing many elements of
the transportation network, and with other improvements, has been shown to greatly aid in
reducing single-occupant vehicle trips. TDM measures include carpooling and vanpooling
programs, expanded peak hour public transit, commuter buses, park and ride lots, as well as better
coordination between modes to facilitate intermodal transfers. According to the 2000 U S Census,
workers traveling outside their county of residence for employment was approximately 28 percent
in Buchanan County. Additional commuter-oriented pieces of the transportation network in the
region include park and ride lots. There are twenty VDOT maintained park and ride lots in the
region, however only one (1) park and ride lot is located in Buchanan County.
Transportation Planning / Programs
SIX – YEAR Improvement Program (SYIP) is a critical document that outlines planned
spending for transportation projects proposed for construction development or study for the next six
years. The SYIP is updated annually and is the means by which the Commonwealth Transportation
Board (CTB) meets its statutory obligation under the Code of Virginia to allocate funds to interstate,
primary, secondary and urban highway systems, public transit, ports and airports and other programs
for the immediate fiscal year. The SYIP also identifies planned program funding for the succeeding
five fiscal years. The CTB allocates funds for the first fiscal year of the SYIP but the remaining five
years are estimates of future allocations. Fiscal years start on July 1 and end on June 30. The CTB
updates the SYIP each year as revenue estimates are updated, priorities are revised, and project
http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/
http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/
to local colleges. Public transportation is available throughout the day and with convenient fixed
routes and demand responses. Four County Transit provides a variety of services to complement the
need for public transportation service in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties.
Travel Demand Management
Travel Demand Management (TDM) holds the potential for enhancing many elements of
the transportation network, and with other improvements, has been shown to greatly aid in
reducing single-occupant vehicle trips. TDM measures include carpooling and vanpooling
programs, expanded peak hour public transit, commuter buses, park and ride lots, as well as better
coordination between modes to facilitate intermodal transfers. According to the 2000 U $ Census,
workers traveling outside their county of residence for employment was approximately 28 percent
in Buchanan County. Additional commuter-oriented pieces of the transportation network in the
region include park and ride lots. There are twenty VDOT maintained park and ride lots in the
region, however only one (1) park and ride lot is located in Buchanan County.
Transportation Planning / Programs
SIX — YEAR Improvement Program (SYIP) is a critical document that outlines planned
spending for transportation projects proposed for construction development or study for the next six
years, The SYIP is updated annually and is the means by which the Commonwealth Transportation
Board (CTB) meets its statutory obligation under the Code of Virginia to allocate funds to interstate,
primary, secondary and urban highway systems, public transit, ports and airports and other programs
for the immediate fiscal year. The SYIP also identifies planned program funding for the succeeding
five fiscal years. The CTB allocates funds for the first fiscal year of the SYIP but the remaining five
years are estimates of future allocations. Fiscal years
tart on July | and end on June 30. The CTB
updates the SYIP each year as revenue estimates are updated, priorities are revised, and project
schedules and costs change. Development of the SYIP begins in the fall and the Virginia Department
of Transportation the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation host a series of
meetings seeking public comment with various other multi-modal transportation agencies. Each
spring, a DRAFT SYIP is presented to the CTB and made available for public comment.  The FINAL
SYIP is adopted at the June CTB meeting. The Six-Year Improvement Program database is available
on VDOT’s website. The project list for Buchanan
VDOT Six-Year Improvement Plan - Buchanan County
UPC Description Route District Road System Jurisdiction
76507 RTE 83 - 2 LANE RECONSTRUCTION 83 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
107124 ROUTE 83 RUMBLE STRIP INITIATIVE 83 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
85126
RTE 121 - VDOT ALPHA/PIONEER OVERSIGHT CFX

FEDERAL 121 Bristol Primary Buchanan County

90096 CFX - HAWKS NEST - VDOT OVERSIGHT 121 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
100521 CFX - DOE BRANCH 121 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
64144
ROUTE 460 CONNECTOR PHASE I, VDOT
OVERSIGHT 460 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
85914 NEW 460 CONNECTOR, PHASE 1, DESIGN BUILD 460 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
86599
WBL460 OVER DISMAL RIVER & NS RWY VA
STRUC 1074 FED ID 3819 460 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
88140
OVERSIGHT CORRIDOR Q - 460 CONN. 2,
INTERCHANGE & HAWKS NEST 460 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
90282
121 CFX - 460 CORRIDOR Q POPLAR CREEK PHASE
A FINISH 460 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
100468
CORRIDOR Q ROUTE 121-460 CONNECTION VDOT
OVERSIGHT 460 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
107072
US 460 SHOULDER INITIATIVE - BUCHANAN
COUNTY 460 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
108045
ON-SITE MITIGATION (PLANTING & MONITORING)
-RTE. 460 PHASE 1 460 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
Secondary Six-Year Plan is the development of separate programs for the secondary system
state highways in each county. This plan is administered differently from the SYIP. Each county
oversees their own secondary roads plan which is approved each year by the Board of Supervisors.
Decisions on which projects are included in the plan are based on traffic counts, immediate safety
need, and projects that provide the most economically feasible. Funding allocations for each locality
is often insufficient to meet the needs of the locality. Even after a project is approved for the
Secondary Six-Year Plan, the project might be delayed for numerous reasons, including: changes in
schedules and costs change. Development of the SYIP begins in the fall and the Virginia Department
of Transportation the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation host a series of
meetings seeking public comment with various other multi-modal transportation agencies. Each
spring, a DRAFT SYIP is presented to the CTB and made available for public comment. The FINAL
SYIP is adopted at the June CTB meeting. The Six-Year Improvement Program database is available
on VDOT’s website. The project list for Buchanan
VDOT Six-Year Improvement Plan - Buchanan County
upc Description Route | District | Road System | Jurisdiction
76507 RTE 83 - 2 LANE RECONSTRUCTION. 83_| Bristol | Prima Buchanan Count
407124 ROUTE 83 RUMBLE STRIP INITIATIVE 83__|_ Bristol | Primary Buchanan Count
RTE 121 - VDOT ALPHA/PIONEER OVERSIGHT CFX
35126 = FEDERAL 121 | Bristol | Primary Buchanan Count
90096 EX = HAWKS NEST - VDOT OVERSIGHT 121_| Bristol | Prima Buchanan Count
100521 CEX - DOE BRANCH 121 | Bristol | Primary Buchanan Count
ROUTE 460 CONNECTOR PHASE 1, VDOT
eatad ‘OVERSIGHT 460_|Bristol|__ Primary Buchanan Count
85914 | NEW 460 CONNECTOR, PHASE 1, DESIGN BUILD | 460 |Bristol|__ Prima Buchanan Count
\WBL460 OVER DISMAL RIVER & NS RWY VA
86599 STRUG 1074 FED 1D 3819 460__| Bristol | Primar Buchanan Count
‘OVERSIGHT CORRIDOR Q - 460 CONN. 2,
88140 INTERCHANGE & HAWKS NEST. 460_| Bristol | Primar Buchanan Count
121 CFX - 460 CORRIDOR Q POPLAR CREEK PHASE.
90282 ‘A FINISH 460_| Bristol | Primar Buchanan Count
(CORRIDOR Q ROUTE 121-60 CONNECTION VDOT
190468 ‘OVERSIGHT 460_| Bristol | Priman Buchanan Count
US 460 SHOULDER INITIATIVE - BUCHANAN
107072 COUNTY 460_| Bristol | Primar Buchanan Count
ON-SITE MITIGATION (PLANTING & MONITORING)
108045 “RTE, 460 PHASE 1 460| Bristol _| Primary Buchanan County
Secondary Six-Year Plan is the development of separate programs for the secondary system
state highways in each county. This plan is administered differently from the SYIP. Each county
oversees their own secondary roads plan which is approved each year by the Board of Supervisors.
Decisions on which projects are included in the plan are based on traffic counts, immediate safety
need, and projects that provide the most economically feasible. Funding allocations for each locality
is often insufficient to meet the needs of the locality. Even after a project is approved for the
Secondary Six-Year Plan, the project might be delayed for numerous reasons, including: changes in
local government priorities and needs, funding availability, escalating land costs and environmental
concerns. Changes to both the SYIP and Secondary Six-Year Plan may occur each year. Buchanan
County projects included in the Secondary Six-Year Improvement Plan are listed in database
provided on VDOT’s website.
VDOT Secondary Six-Year Improvement Plan - Buchanan County
UPC Description Route District Road System Jurisdiction
101062
Main Knox Road -Rural Rustic
4.70 Mile East of Route 706 to WV Stateline 652 Bristol Secondary Buchanan County
104793
Burnt Chestnut Road - Grade, Ditch, Pave
2.25 Mile S Rte. 638 to 0.75 Mile S Rte. 638 628 Bristol Secondary Buchanan County
108751
Slate Creek Road - Curve Realignment
0.2 Mile West Rte. 686 to 0.4 Mile North Rte. 686  83 Bristol Primary Buchanan County
102628
Bull Creek Road - Bridge Replacement
0.9 Mile East Rte. 614 to 0.93 Mile East Rte. 614 609 Bristol Secondary Buchanan County
Rural Rustic Road Program, initially implemented in July 2002, is a practical approach to
paving Virginia’s low volume unpaved roads. The 2003 Session of the General Assembly amended
the legislation to provide that this method be considered as a first alternative for improving all
unpaved roads in the future. The Rural Rustic Road Program, under § 33.2-332 of the Code of
Virginia, became effective July 1, 2003. The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Local
Assistance Division working with the Rural Rustic Road Policy Committee established the initial
guidelines for this program.
The General Assembly, during the 2008 Session, expanded the program by increasing the
maximum traffic count on eligible roads from the initial 500 vehicles per day (VPD) to the current
1,500 VPD. Improvements along a Rural Rustic Road project may be less than minimum design
standards. AASHTO’s Guidelines for Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume Local Roads (ADT
≤400) may be used as a guide for roads with current traffic volumes up to 400 VPD. For roads with
traffic volumes between 400 and 1,500 VPD, an 18-foot paved surface with 2-foot shoulders is
desirable, but not required. The District Location and Design Engineer will be consulted for the
higher volume roads (over 400 VPD). The General Assembly also established that the maximum
local government priorities and needs, funding availability, escalating land costs and environmental
concerns, Changes to both the SYIP and Secondary Six-Year Plan may occur each year. Buchanan
County projects included in the Secondary Six-Year Improvement Plan are listed in database
provided on VDOT’s website.
VDOT Secondary Six-Year Improvement Plan - Buchanan County
upc Description Route | District | Road System | Jurisdiction
| Main Knox Road -Rural Rustic | |
101062 | 4.70 Mile East of Route 706 to WV Stateline 852_| Bristol | Secondary | Buchanan County
Burnt Chestnut Road - Grade, Ditch, Pave
104793 | __ 2.25 Mile § Rte. 638 to 0.75 Mile $ Rte. 638 628_| Bristol | Secondary _| Buchanan County
Slate Creek Road - Curve Realignment
108751 | 0.2 Mile West Rte, 686 to 0.4 Mile North Rte. 686 | 89 | Bristol Prima Buchanan Count
Bull Creek Road - Bridge Replacement
102628 | 0.9 Mile East Rte. 614 10 0.99 Mile East Rte. 614 | 609 | Bristol_| Secondary | _ Buchanan County
Rural Rustic Road Program, initially implemented in July 2002, is a practical approach to
paving Virginia’s low volume unpaved roads. The 2003 Session of the General Assembly amended
the legislation to provide that this method be considered as a first alternative for improving all
unpaved roads in the future. The Rural Rustic Road Program, under § 33.2-332 of the Code of
Virginia, became effective July 1, 2003. The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Local
Assistance Division working with the Rural Rustic Road Policy Committee established the initial
guidelines for this program.
The General Assembly, during the 2008 Session, expanded the program by increasing the
maximum traffic count on eligible roads from the initial 500 vehicles per day (VPD) to the current
1,500 VPD. Improvements along a Rural Rustic Road project may be less than minimum design
standards. AASHTO’s Guidelines for Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume Local Roads (ADT
<400) may be used as a guide for roads with current traffic volumes up to 400 VPD. For roads with
traffic volumes between 400 and 1,500 VPD, an 18-foot paved surface with 2-foot shoulders is
desirable, but not required. The District Location and Design Engineer will be consulted for the
higher volume roads (over 400 VPD). The General Assembly also established that the maximum
speed limit for a road designated as a Rural Rustic Road, on or after July 1, 2008, is 35 MPH. The
Commissioner of Highways is authorized under § 46.2-878 of the Code of Virginia to increase, or
decrease, this speed limit based on an engineering study. The ideal Rural Rustic Road project usually
involves reshaping of the roadbed, cleaning ditches and applying a hard surface within existing right
of way. In most cases, it is assumed there are no actual construction plans and therefore, few
occasions when a Rural Rustic Road project would require an engineered solution.
speed limit for a road designated as a Rural Rustic Road, on or after July 1, 2008, is 35 MPH. The
Commissioner of Highways is authorized under § 46.2-878 of the Code of Virginia to increase, or
decrease, this speed limit based on an engineering study. The ideal Rural Rustic Road project usually
involves reshaping of the roadbed, cleaning ditches and applying a hard surface within existing right
of way. In most cases, it is assumed there are no actual construction plans and therefore, few
occasions when a Rural Rustic Road project would require an engineered solution.
Route Name
Route
From
Intersection
Offset Start Offset Desc From
Route
To
Offset
End Offset Desc To
Centerline
Miles
603 0.00 0.000 Dead End 0.90 0.000 Joe Branch Rd; Rt. 679E/W 0.90
613 3.85 3.850 Jewell Valley Rd; White Mountain Rd; Rt. 636N/S 6.80 0.000 Bearwallow Rd; Pea Patch Rd; Rt. 616N/S 2.95
621 0.00 0.000 Dead End 2.00 0.000 Brown Mountain Rd; Rt. 635N/S 2.00
623 0.10 0.100 Helen Henderson Hwy; VA-80N/S 1.60 1.600 Helen Henderson Hwy; VA-80N/S 1.50
623 1.60 1.600 Helen Henderson Hwy; VA-80N/S 1.96 1.960 Helen Henderson Hwy; VA-80N/S 0.36
623 1.96 1.960 Helen Henderson Hwy; VA-80N/S 2.09 2.090 Helen Henderson Hwy; VA-80N/S 0.13
623 2.09 2.090 Helen Henderson Hwy; VA-80N/S 2.10 2.100 Helen Henderson Hwy; VA-80N/S 0.01
628 0.00 0.000 Clifton Fork Rd; Osborne Mountain Rd; Rt. 629N/S 0.17 0.170 Clifton Fork Rd; Osborne Mountain Rd; Rt. 629N/S 0.17
628 0.17 0.170 Clifton Fork Rd; Osborne Mountain Rd; Rt. 629N/S 0.27 0.270 Clifton Fork Rd; Osborne Mountain Rd; Rt. 629N/S 0.10
628 0.27 0.270 Clifton Fork Rd; Osborne Mountain Rd; Rt. 629N/S 0.42 0.420 Clifton Fork Rd; Osborne Mountain Rd; Rt. 629N/S 0.15
628 0.42 0.420 Clifton Fork Rd; Osborne Mountain Rd; Rt. 629N/S 3.91 0.000 Ferrell Cemetery Rd; Rt. 633E/W 3.49
628 3.91 0.000 Ferrell Cemetery Rd; Rt. 633E/W 5.85 1.940 Ferrell Cemetery Rd; Rt. 633E/W 1.94
628 5.85 1.940 Ferrell Cemetery Rd; Rt. 633E/W 6.34 2.429 Ferrell Cemetery Rd; Rt. 633E/W 0.49
628 6.34 2.429 Ferrell Cemetery Rd; Rt. 633E/W 6.34 2.430 Ferrell Cemetery Rd; Rt. 633E/W 0.00
629 11.62 0.070 Rt. 800E/W 11.64 0.090 Rt. 800E/W 0.02
629 11.64 0.090 Rt. 800E/W 12.19 0.640 Rt. 800E/W 0.55
629 12.19 0.640 Rt. 800E/W 12.29 0.744 Rt. 800E/W 0.10
629 12.29 0.744 Rt. 800E/W 12.30 0.750 Rt. 800E/W 0.01
629 12.30 0.750 Rt. 800E/W 12.38 0.000 Big Branch Rd; Rt. 715N/S 0.08
629 13.38 1.000 Big Branch Rd; Rt. 715N/S 14.92 0.000 Contrary Creek Rd; Rt. 680N/S 1.54
629 5.90 1.100 Horn Mountain Rd; Rt. 628N/S 6.30 1.500 Horn Mountain Rd; Rt. 628N/S 0.40
633 0.00 0.000 Horn Mountain Rd; Rt. 628N/S 0.50 0.000 Dead End 0.50
636 4.30 0.000 Jewell Valley Rd; Rt. 613N/S 4.34 0.040 Jewell Valley Rd; Rt. 613N/S 0.04
636 4.34 0.040 Jewell Valley Rd; Rt. 613N/S 7.09 2.790 Jewell Valley Rd; Rt. 613N/S 2.75
636 8.54 4.240 Jewell Valley Rd; Rt. 613N/S 9.54 0.000 Pea Patch Rd; Rt. 616N/S 1.00
637 0.00 0.000 Dead End 1.90 0.000 Bearwallow Rd; Rt. 616N/S 1.90
649 1.40 1.400 Hurley Rd; Rt. 643N/S 1.41 1.408 Hurley Rd; Rt. 643N/S 0.01
649 1.41 1.408 Hurley Rd; Rt. 643N/S 1.65 1.650 Hurley Rd; Rt. 643N/S 0.24
655 4.50 4.500 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 4.54 4.544 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 0.04
655 4.54 4.544 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 4.55 4.550 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 0.01
655 4.55 4.550 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 4.59 4.585 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 0.04
655 4.59 4.585 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 4.60 4.600 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 0.02
655 4.60 4.600 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 4.69 4.685 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 0.09
655 4.69 4.685 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 4.78 4.784 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 0.10
655 4.78 4.784 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 4.88 4.884 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 0.10
655 4.88 4.884 Riverside Dr; US-460E/W 4.90 0.000 Dead End 0.02
679 0.00 0.000 Jakes Fork Rd; Rt. 603N/S 0.50 0.000 Dead End 0.50
685 0.10 0.100 Dismal River Rd; Rt. 638E/W 2.50 0.000 Dead End 2.40
704 0.00 0.000 Dead End 0.75 0.000 Pea Patch Rd; Rt. 616N/S 0.75
708 0.00 0.000 Not Available 0.05 0.050 Not Available 0.05
708 0.05 0.050 Not Available 0.30 0.300 Not Available 0.25
713 0.00 0.000 Horn Mountain Rd; Rt. 628N/S 0.20 0.200 Horn Mountain Rd; Rt. 628N/S 0.20
713 0.20 0.200 Horn Mountain Rd; Rt. 628N/S 0.50 0.000 Dead End 0.30
28.18Maintenance Jurisdiction Query Total:
Buchanan County Unpaved Routes: 2016 Year End Final May 30, 2017 Snapshot
Buchanan County Unpaved Routes: 2016 Year End Final May 30, 2017 Snapshot
aa 0000 Dead End 709 001) Joe Banc RA RL EW a
Fer J om ow dest na 200 oot frown Mountain Rs Re SNS 7am
Fees 7 01 0100 Hee Hedenon Hn: VA-SOWS 714914 Hendenon Hy VANS ar
[e271 1000 Halen Henderson Hn: VANS 7196 19 Helen Henderson Hey; VA-SINS Tone
Fos 7 1a 150 teen Hedenon Hn: VASO [20 207 Hekn Henderson Hy: VA SINS Tous
[ex [om ow ction Fak Rs; Osbome Mountain RA; RNS. | 17. O70 Cin Fok RE Osbome Mountain RA; LABS. | 017
Tex [oir 017 ctiton Fo Ra Osbome Monin RA; RL GOWNS | 027 0270 Con FoR Osbome Mousa RA; RLGBNIS | O10
[ex [027 270 _cliton Fo; Osbome Mount RA; RL GBS. | 442__6420._Cin Fok Rs: Osbome Moura RE: RLS. | a
[es [oz 0420. citon FoacRi Ostome Mountain RA; RLSINIS | 391 OO Feel Cemetery RA; RL SEW Toe
[ees [sis 1040 Feet Conte Ri: 68360 [634 2609 Fenoll Cemetery Ri; RL 63EW ar)
Fos Fos 2400 rene Comtery Rd RL IEW [est 2480 Fem Cemetery a BL SEW 5 om
[J ie 007 sew Tint 00 pe. woe 1 om
To Tne ome. aew Tay 06 S006 Toss
[oo [am orm msmew Tia 070 80960 Too
[Jam 070m smew Tess oom ig each i 715 7 ous
Fe [1338 1000. ip Banch a 78s 192 00 Conary Creek Ra RNS Tos
Fee 7s 1100. Horm Moun Rd NS [450 L500 Hom Mountain Rd; RL 28S 7 wo
[67 4300000 Jewel vay a 61385 [4340010 Jove Vy Ra: 61INS. Joos
[ome [ast 4200 seve ey RR 6BNS [94 oom Pea Patch RR 616 iar)
[7 7 a0 000 Dead tad 7190 oom Beara Ra: 56S [uo
To 7 tao 1400 tae a Re o’s Fat Laos ate Ra: NS 1 oot
Tom Frat 1408 Hay a 6s Fs 1460 ey Ra RNS To
[ss [45s 45H Riven Ds 6W F455 4550. Rivenife De US-4OEW Toot
Tes [ass 4550 Rhenide De us 4onew [4s 4565 Reni De US 4080 Too
Fass 7 as9 4585 Rhemide Dr Us as0ow oo 4600 Riven De USE W [om
[oss [4m 460 Rivenile De S46 W [4 4085. Remit De US-EW 1 om
[oss [am 47m piven Ds 6W Task 4884 Rienife De US-40EW Tow
Tos [as ast Rnenide De us asew 10 Dead Bad ars
[ee 7 om 0000 sates Fors N’s F050 0007 Dead it to
Fs [a1 0100 Ds ner Ra HE 0mm Dod Fad Taw
Frm [om 0090 No Avaitbe Faas 0050. Nor Avaiibe Tons
Frm [00s 0050 oc Avaiiie Tos 0300 Not avaiibie Teas
[ns 7 a0 00 Horm Mountain Ba aN F020 0200 Hom Mount RR 28S [ow
ria 7 004200 Hom Mountain Rd Re. 28N’S 500000 esd nt ox
MaitenanceJurcton Query Totals” 28.18
Revenue Sharing Program provides additional funding for use by a county, city, or town to
construct, reconstruct, improve or maintain the highway systems within such county, city, or town
and for eligible rural additions in certain counties of the Commonwealth. Locality funds are matched,
dollar for dollar, with state funds, with statutory limitations on the amount of state funds authorized
per locality. The program is administered by the Department of Transportation, in cooperation with
the participating localities and the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Revenue Sharing
Program Policy. An annual allocation of funds for this program is designated by the Commonwealth
Transportation Board.
• Project funding is allocated by resolution of the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Projects may be developed and constructed by VDOT or the locality. Application for
program funding must be made by resolution of the governing body of the jurisdiction
requesting the funds. A locality may request funds for a project located within its own
jurisdiction or in an adjacent jurisdiction, with concurrence from the governing body of the
Revenue Sharing Program Guidelines. Towns not maintaining their own streets may not
directly apply for Revenue Sharing Program funds but may include their requests as part of
the package submitted by the county in which they are located. Requested funds should cover
the entire cost of the project or the application must indicate where additional funds are
coming from to fully fund the project.
Buchanan County has participated in the Revenue Sharing Program and strongly anticipates
future participation, pending available coal haul road funding, each fiscal year through the approval
and implementation of the annual Coal Haul Road Plan. In years past, Buchanan County has
participated in the Revenue Sharing Program for projects such as, but not limited to, roadway
construction, roadway reconstruction due to geometric deficiencies, structural rehabilitation, bridge
replacement, traffic signals, intersection improvements, guardrail installation, sidewalk
enhancements, rural rustic projects, and various drainage issues.  Buchanan County has applied for
Revenue Sharing Program provides additional funding for use by a county, city, or town to
construct, reconstruct, improve or maintain the highway systems within such county, city, or town
and for eligible rural additions in certain counties of the Commonwealth. Locality funds are matched,
dollar for dollar, with state funds, with statutory limitations on the amount of state funds authorized
per locality. The program is administered by the Department of Transportation, in cooperation with
the participating localities and the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Revenue Sharing
Program Policy. An annual allocation of funds for this program is designated by the Commonwealth
Transportation Board.

Project funding is allocated by resolution of the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Projects may be developed and constructed by VDOT or the locality. Application for
program funding must be made by resolution of the governing body of the jurisdiction
requesting the funds. A locality may request funds for a project located within its own
jurisdiction or in an adjacent jurisdiction, with concurrence from the governing body of the
Revenue Sharing Program Guidelines. Towns not maintaining their own streets may not
directly apply for Revenue Sharing Program funds but may include their requests as part of
the package submitted by the county in which they are located. Requested funds should cover
the entire cost of the project or the application must indicate where additional funds are

coming from to fully fund the project.
Buchanan County has participated in the Revenue Sharing Program and strongly anticipates
future participation, pending available coal haul road funding, each fiscal year through the approval
and implementation of the annual Coal Haul Road Plan. In years past, Buchanan County has
participated in the Revenue Sharing Program for projects such as, but not limited to, roadway
construction, roadway reconstruction due to geometric deficiencies, structural rehabilitation, bridge
replacement, traffic signals, intersection improvements, guardrail installation, sidewalk
enhancements, rural rustic projects, and various drainage issues. Buchanan County has applied for
Revenue Sharing funds through the adoption and approval of their annual Coal Haul Road Plan
which is brought before the Board of Supervisors for approval in the spring of each calendar year. If
approved, the Coal Haul Road Plan will be implemented beginning July 1 of each calendar year
which constitutes the beginning of each Fiscal Year. Applied funding amounts have varied in the
past due to availability of funds and project scale.  Each year, Buchanan County works closely with
VDOT personnel to identify the state maintained roadway needs and improvements. Through this
partnership, Buchanan County and VDOT can then determine the best course of action to address
these needs within the allowable state programs and funding such as the Revenue Sharing Program.
Buchanan County faces many different challenges in their roadway network mainly due to its steep
and natural topography roadway alignments. A brief description of the typical deficiencies found
among each Primary and Secondary state maintained roadway is identified in the charts below.
Buchanan County exhaust their efforts and maximizes their available funding to address these
deficiencies along various routes throughout the County as deemed priority by VDOT in conjunction
with the Board of Supervisors request each fiscal year.  Please see the below chart identifying the
proposed Revenue Sharing Projects for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 & Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
Buchanan County - Revenune Sharing Projects FY 21 & FY 22
Route Termini From Termini To Estimate
643
1.03 Mi N
Rt 643 / 83 Int.
1.19 Mi N
Rt 643 / 83 Int.  $                 598,788
The total funds available each fiscal year will be determined by the Commonwealth
Transportation Board. The maximum allocation the CTB may make to the Revenue Sharing Program
is $200 million annually. The minimum allocation the CTB may make to the Revenue Sharing
Program is $15 million annually. A locality may apply for up to a maximum of $10 million in
matching allocations. Up to $5 million of these requested funds may be specified for maintenance
projects. Priority will be given first to construction projects that have previously received Revenue
Revenue Sharing funds through the adoption and approval of their annual Coal Haul Road Plan
which is brought before the Board of Supervisors for approval in the spring of each calendar year. If
approved, the Coal Haul Road Plan will be implemented beginning July 1 of each calendar year
which constitutes the beginning of each Fiscal Year. Applied funding amounts have varied in the
past due to availability of funds and project scale. Each year, Buchanan County works closely with
VDOT personnel to identify the state maintained roadway needs and improvements. Through this
partnership, Buchanan County and VDOT can then determine the best course of action to address
these needs within the allowable state programs and funding such
s the Revenue Sharing Program.
Buchanan County faces many different challenges in their roadway network mainly due to its steep
and natural topography roadway alignments. A brief description of the typical deficiencies found
among each Primary and Secondary state maintained roadway is identified in the charts below.
Buchanan County exhaust their efforts and maximizes their available funding to address these
deficiencies along various routes throughout the County as deemed priority by VDOT in conjunction
with the Board of Supervisors request each fiscal year. Please see the below chart identifying the
The total funds available each fiscal year will be determined by the Commonwealth
Transportation Board. The maximum allocation the CTB may make to the Revenue Sharing Program
is $200 million annually. The minimum allocation the CTB may make to the Revenue Sharing
Program is $15 million annually. A locality may apply for up to a maximum of $10 million in
matching allocations. Up to $5 million of these requested funds may be specified for maintenance
projects. Priority will be given first to construction projects that have previously received Revenue
Sharing funding.
SMART SCALE (House Bill 2) stands for System for the Management and Allocation of
Resources for Transportation. House Bill 2 legislation passed unanimously by the Virginia House of
Delegates in 2014. It represents a reform in how the Commonwealth prioritizes and spends
transportation dollars. It is a prioritization process that evaluates each project’s merits using key
factors, including:  improvements to safety, congestion reduction, accessibility, land use, economic
development and the environment. The Bill has implications for the Six-Year Improvement Program.
Projects submitted by localities will be screened to determine whether they meet a need identified in
VTrans 2040. If they do, the project is then evaluated and scored using the prioritization process.
Projects planned for Fiscal Year 2017 and later will be reevaluated through the prioritization process.
The SMART SCALE process identifies projects that provide the greatest return on
investment, and the results are used by the CTB to select projects for funding. In 2016, Buchanan
County submitted their priority project list as approved by the Board of Supervisors which
included shoulder widening and geometric design on Route 83, high wall stabilization along US
Route 460 near the intersection of Route 460 / 638, and sight distance improvements along the
intersection of US Route 460 / 624.
State of Good Repair Program under § 33.2-369 of the Code of Virginia, states the
Commonwealth Transportation Board shall use funds allocated in § 33.2-358 and § 58.1-1741 for
state of good repair purposes for reconstruction and replacement of structurally deficient state and
locally-owned bridges and reconstruction and rehabilitation of deteriorated pavement on the
Interstate System and Primary State Highway System including municipality-maintained primary
extensions in all nine (9) construction districts based on a priority ranking system.  The State of Good
Repair is not a Maintenance Program not strictly for bridge replacements. This ranking system takes
Sharing funding.
SMART SCALE (House Bill 2) stands for System for the Management and Allocation of
Resources for Transportation. House Bill 2 legislation passed unanimously by the Virginia House of
Delegates in 2014. It represents a reform in how the Commonwealth prioritizes and spends
transportation dollars. It is a prioritization process that evaluates each project’s merits using key
factors, including: improvements to safety, congestion reduction, accessibility, land use, economic
development and the environment. The Bill has implications for the Six-Year Improvement Program.
Projects submitted by localities will be screened to determine whether they meet a need identified in
VTrans 2040. If they do, the project is then evaluated and scored using the prioritization process.
Projects planned for Fiscal Year 2017 and later will be reevaluated through the prioritization process.
‘The SMART SCALE process identifies projects that provide the greatest return on
investment, and the results are used by the CTB to select projects for funding. In 2016, Buchanan
County submitted their priority project list as approved by the Board of Supervisors which
included shoulder widening and geometric design on Route 83, high wall stabilization along US
Route 460 near the intersection of Route 460 / 638, and sight distance improvements along the
intersection of US Route 460 / 624.
State of Good Repair Program under § 33.2-369 of the Code of Virginia, states the
Commonwealth Transportation Board shall use funds allocated in § 33.2-358 and § 58.1-1741 for
state of good repair purposes for reconstruction and replacement of structurally deficient state and
locally-owned bridges and reconstruction and rehabilitation of deteriorated pavement on the
Interstate System and Primary State Highway System including municipality-maintained primary
extensions in all nine (9) construction districts based on a priority ranking system. The State of Good
Repair is not a Maintenance Program not strictly for bridge replacements. This ranking system takes
into consideration the following:


The number, condition, and costs of structurally deficient bridges


The mileage, condition, and costs to replace deteriorated pavements


Annual basis for selection of bridge rehabilitation, or reconstruction projects shall include the
following:


Bridge must be structurally deficient


National Bridge Inventory Only


Proposed work must take bridge out of structurally deficient status


Localities must be current on bridge inspections


Projects receiving funding under this program must initiate the Preliminary


Engineering or the Construction Phase within 24 months of award of funding or become
subject to deallocation
During the 2015 Session, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB 1887. Approved under HB1887,
VDOT was able to accelerate the availability of funding for paving and bridge projects under this
program well before the originally planned program date of FY2021.  The Commonwealth
Transportation Board (CTB) recently approved the prioritization process and methodology for
selecting SGR Pavement and Bridge projects.  The priority ranking system required by § 33.2-369
will have two components – one for bridges eligible for State of Good Repair funding and one for
pavements eligible for State of Good Repair funding.
At their February 16, 2017 meeting, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB)
approved allocations for locally-owned bridge projects under the State of Good Repair (SGR)
Locally-Owned Bridge Program.  The CTB approved additional locally-owned bridge projects under
this program at their March 15, 2017 meeting.  The complete list of approved SGR locally-owned
bridge projects, which includes a total of thirteen (13) deficient bridges structures within the
Buchanan County Road System can be found at the following link:
http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2017/feb/reso/Resolution_7_SGR.pdf. In accordance with
http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2017/feb/reso/Resolution_7_SGR.pdf
into consideration the following:


The number, condition, and costs of structurally deficient bridges


The mileage, condition, and costs to replace deteriorated pavements
‘Annual basis for selection of bridge rehabilitation, or reconstruction projects shall include the
following:


Bridge must be structurally deficient


National Bridge Inventory Only


Proposed work must take bridge out of structurally deficient status


4, Localities must be current on bridge inspections

Projects receiving funding under this program must initiate the Preliminary

Engineering or the Construction Phase within 24 months of award of funding or become
subject to deallocation
During the 2015 Session, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB 1887. Approved under HB1887,
VDOT was able to accelerate the availability of funding for paving and bridge projects under this
program well before the originally planned program date of FY2021. The Commonwealth
Transportation Board (CTB) recently approved the prioritization process and methodology for
selecting SGR Pavement and Bridge projects. The priority ranking system required by § 33.2-369
will have two components — one for bridges eligible for State of Good Repair funding and one for
pavements eligible for State of Good Repair funding.
At their February 16, 2017 meeting, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB)
approved allocations for locally-owned bridge projects under the State of Good Repair (SGR)
Locally-Owned Bridge Program. The CTB approved additional locally-owned bridge projects under
this program at their March 15, 2017 meeting. The complete list of approved SGR locally-owned
bridge projects, which includes a total of thirteen (13) deficient bridges structures within the
Buchanan County Road System canbe found atthe following link:
http://www.ctb. virginia. gow/resources/2017/feb/reso/Resolution_7_SGR.pdf. In accordance with
CTB policy, all projects receiving funding under this program must initiate the Preliminary
Engineering or the Construction Phase within 24 months of award of funding or become subject to
deallocation.
VTrans 2040 (Virginia’s State Highway Plan) is the statewide long-range, multimodal
policy plan prepared by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.  It concludes components of each
region’s Rural Long Range Plan. VTrans is developed by VDOT to identify needs and recommend
solutions for the commonwealth’s interstate and primary highway systems. The Code of Virginia
requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to update the plan every five (5) years.
The CTB designates Corridors of Statewide Significance. The regional transportation plans serve as
the building blocks for the State Highway Plan (VTrans) and are being developed in cooperation
with planning districts commissions throughout the commonwealth. The complete 2035 Cumberland
Plateau Planning Commission Regional Long Range Transportation Plan can be found on the
following web page: http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/resources/Rural/Cumberland_Plateau.pdf.
U.S. Route 460 Corridor (Heartland Corridor) passes through Buchanan County. This
corridor is mostly defined by U.S. 460, which is a highway running east-to-west from Norfolk,
Virginia to Frankfort, Kentucky. There are two (2) separate stretches of U.S. 460. The main highway
runs between Norfolk and West Virginia, exiting Virginia West of Blacksburg in Giles County. It
re-enters Virginia in the Town of Bluefield in Tazewell County and continues to the West into
Kentucky.
http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/resources/Rural/Cumberland_Plateau.pdf
CTB policy, all projects receiving funding under this program must initiate the Preliminary
Engineering or the Construction Phase within 24 months of award of funding or become subject to
deallocation.
VTrai
1040 (Virginia’s State Highway Plan) is the statewide long-range, multimodal
policy plan prepared by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. It concludes components of each
region’s Rural Long Range Plan. VTrans is developed by VDOT to identify needs and recommend
solutions for the commonwealth’s interstate and primary highway systems. The Code of Virginia
requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to update the plan every five (5) years.
The CTB designates Corridors of Statewide Significance. The regional transportation plans serve as
the building blocks for the State Highway Plan (VTrans) and are being developed in cooperation
with planning districts commissions throughout the commonwealth. The complete 2035 Cumberland
Plateau Planning Commission Regional Long Range Transportation Plan can be found on the
following web page: http://www. virginiadot.org/projects/resources/Rural/Cumberland_Plateau.pdf.
U.S. Route 460 Corridor (Heartland Corridor) passes through Buchanan County. This
corridor is mostly defined by U.S. 460, which is a highway running east-to-west from Norfolk,
Virginia to Frankfort, Kentucky. There are two (2) separate stretches of U.S. 460. The main highway
runs between Norfolk and West Virginia, exiting Virginia West of Blacksburg in Giles County. It
re-enters Virginia in the Town of Bluefield in Tazewell County and continues to the West into
Kentucky.
Corridors of Statewide
Significance
Corridor Major Components
Coastal Corridor  Route 17, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, Port of Richmond, Rappahannock River, Norfolk
Corridors of Statewide Corridor Major Components
Significance
Coastal Corridor Route 17, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, Port of Richmond, Rappahannock River, Norfolk
(Route 17) Southern Heartland Corridor, Norfolk Southern Coal Corridor, CSX National Gateway Corridor, CSX
Coal Corridor, Amtrak, Norfolk International Airport, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
Crescent Corridor

(I-81)
I-81, Route 11, I-381, I-581, Local Transit Services, Virginia Inland Port, Norfolk Southern Crescent
Corridor, Short Line Railroads, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, Roanoke Regional Airport
East-West Corridor
(I-64)
I-64, Routes 250, 60 and 11, I-664, I-564, I-264, I-464, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, Port
of Richmond, James River, York River, CSX Coal Corridor, Norfolk Southern Coal Corridor, Amtrak,
Norfolk International Airport, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, Richmond
International Airport, Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
Eastern Shore Corridor
(Route 13)
Route 13, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, Bay Coast Railroad and Barge, Norfolk Southern,
CSX, Amtrak, Norfolk International Airport, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
Heartland Corridor
(US 460)
Route 460, Coalfields Expressway, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, James River, Norfolk
Southern Heartland Corridor, Elliston International, Norfolk International Airport, Newport
News/Williamsburg International Airport, Richmond International Airport, Lynchburg Regional Airport,
Roanoke Regional Airport
North Carolina to WV
Corridor (Route 220)
Route 220, Local Transit Services, Norfolk Southern, Roanoke Regional Airport
North – South Corridor
(new)
Route 234, Local Transit Services, Prince William County Parkway, Washington Dulles International
Airport
Northern Virginia
Corridor (I-66)
I-66, Routes 50 and 55, WMATA Orange Line, Virginia Railway Express, Amtrak, Local Transit
Services, Virginia Inland Port, Norfolk Southern Crescent Corridor, Washington Dulles International
Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Seminole Corridor
(Route 29)
Routes 29, 50 and 28, WMATA Orange Line, Virginia Railway Express, Local Transit Services,
Norfolk Southern Crescent Corridor, Amtrak, Washington Dulles International Airport, Charlottesville
Albemarle Airport, Lynchburg Regional Airport
Southside Corridor
(Route 58)
Route 58, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, CSX National Gateway, Norfolk International
Airport, Newport News/ Williamsburg International Airport
Washington to NC
Corridor
(I-95)
I-95. I-395, I-495, I-85, I-195, I-295, Routes 1 and 301, WMATA Blue and Yellow Lines, Local Transit
Services, Virginia Railway Express, Ports of Alexandria and Richmond, James River, CSX National
Gateway Corridor, Amtrak, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Richmond International
Airport
Western Mountain
Corridor
(I-77)
I-77, Local Transit Service, Routes 52 and 11
The Coalfields Expressway / Corridor Q, two (2) major transportation initiatives, will
improve travel safety and help to bring an end to the isolation that has stifled economic opportunity
for generations of people in the Appalachian region. By providing safe, modern and efficient
highway access, the Coalfields Expressway and Corridor Q will reduce travel time, open the area to
tourism, and help reverse the region’s current population and employment decline. CFX and Corridor
(Route 17)
‘Southern Heartland Corridor, Norfolk Southern Coal Corridor, CSX National Gateway Corridor, CSX
Coal Corridor, Amtrak, Norfolk International Airport, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
Crescent Corridor
(st)
1-81, Route 11, 1-381, 1-581, Local Transit Services, Virginia Inland Port, Norfolk Southern Crescent
Corder, Short Line Railroads, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, Roanoke Regional Airport
East-West Corridor
(64)
1-64, Routes 250, 60 and 11, 1-664, -564, 1-264, |-464, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, Port
(of Richmond, James River, York River, CSX Coal Corridor, Norfolk Southern Coal Corridor, Amtrak
Norfolk International Airport, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, Richmond
International Airport, Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
Eastern Shore Corridor
(Route 13)
Route 13, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, Bay Coast Railroad and Barge, Norfolk Southern,
SX, Amtrak, Norfolk International Airport, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
Heartland Corridor
(us 460)
Route 460, Coalfields Expressway, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, James River, Norfolk
‘Southern Heartland Corridor, Eliston Intemational, Norfolk Intemational Airport, Newport
News/Wiliamsburg International Airport, Richmond International Airport, Lynchburg Regional Airport,
Roanoke Regional Airport
North Carolina to WV
Corridor (Route 220)
Route 220, Local Transit Services, Norfolk Southern, Roanoke Regional Airport
North ~ South Corridor
(new)
Route 234, Local Transit Services, Prince William County Parkway, Washington Dulles International
Airport
Northern Virgini
Corridor (I-66)
1-66, Routes 50 and 55, WMATA Orange Line, Virginia Railway Express, Amtrak, Local Transit
Services, Virginia Inland Port, Norfolk Southern Crescent Corridor, Washington Dulles International
Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
‘Seminole Corridor
(Route 29)
Routes 29, 50 and 28, WMATA Orange Line, Virginia Railway Express, Local Transit Services,
Norfolk Southern Crescent Corridor, Amtrak, Washington Dulles International Airport, Charlottesville
Albemarle Airport, Lynchburg Regional Airport
Southside Corridor
(Route 58)
Route 58, Local Transit Services, Port of Virginia, CSX National Gateway, Norfolk International
Airport, Newport News/ Williamsburg International Airport
Washington to NC
Corridor
(1-95)
1-95. 1-995, I-495, 1.85, 1195, I-295, Routes 1 and 301, WMATA Blue and Yellow Lines, Local Transit
Services, Virginia Railway Express, Ports of Alexandria and Richmond, James River, CSX National
Gateway Corridor, Amtrak, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Richmond intemational
Airport
Western Mountain
Corridor
(cu)
77, Local Transit Service, Routes 52 and 11
The Coalfields Expressway / Corridor Q, two (2) major transportation initiatives, will
improve travel safety and help to bring an end to the isolation that has stifled economic opportunity
for generations of people in the Appalachian region. By providing safe, modem and efficient
highway access, the Coalfields Expressway and Corridor Q will reduce travel time, open the area to
tourism, and help reverse the region’s current population and employment decline. CFX and Corridor
Q also will provide important links to a broader network of highways that promotes trade and job
growth within the multi-state Appalachian region and the nation as a whole.
While there has been widespread and long-standing support for improving highways in the
Appalachian region, the cost of building roads has been a major stumbling block. Virginia lawmakers
approved legislation in the mid-1990s to allow the Commonwealth to consider creative funding and
construction solutions with the private sector. About a decade later, the emergence of “coal synergy”
would finally set the stage to make it feasible to build the Coalfields Expressway and accelerate
completion of Corridor Q.
The process of coal synergy reduces road building costs substantially by using larger-scale
earth moving equipment from coal companies to prepare the road bed to rough grade, and allowing
the companies to recover marketable coal reserves during the road bed preparation. It is projected
that coal synergy would reduce the cost of building CFX by approximately 45% compared to
traditional highway construction methods. In 2013, VDOT estimates the cost of CFX construction
at $5.1 billion using traditional construction methods. Using coal synergy, CFX could be built for
$2.8 billion.
Coalfields Expressway (CFX), designated as U.S. Route 121, is a Congressional High
Priority Corridor. CFX is a proposed four-lane limited access highway to provide a modern, safe and
efficient transportation artery through the coalfields region of far southwestern Virginia and southern
West Virginia. The route is also expected to be an economic lifeline for Buchanan County and the
region which experiences high unemployment and a declining population. It is expected that the
entire multi-state Appalachian region should see a boost in commerce and tourism as a result of the
Coalfields Expressway. Designated as part of the National Highway System, the new road will link
Interstates 64 and 77 in West Virginia with Route 23 in Virginia, which links to interstates in
Kentucky and Tennessee.
This is a region now served mainly by narrow rural roads. The expressway will provide safe
Q also will provide important links to a broader network of highways that promotes trade and job
growth within the multi-state Appalachian region and the nation as a whole.
While there has been widespread and long-standing support for improving highways in the
Appalachian region, the cost of building roads has been a major stumbling block. Virginia lawmakers
approved legislation in the mid-1990s to allow the Commonwealth to consider creative funding and
construction solutions with the private sector. About a decade later, the emergence of “coal synergy”
would finally set the stage to make it feasible to build the Coalfields Expressway and accelerate
completion of Corridor Q.
The process of coal synergy reduces road building costs substantially by using larger-scale
earth moving equipment from coal companies to prepare the road bed to rough grade, and allowing
the companies to recover marketable coal reserves during the road bed preparation. It is projected
that coal synergy would reduce the cost of building CFX by approximately 45% compared to
traditional highway construction methods. In 2013, VDOT estimates the cost of CFX construction
at $5.1 billion using traditional construction methods. Using coal synergy, CFX could be built for
$2.8 billion.
Coalfields Expressway (CFX), designated as U.S. Route 121, is a Congressional High
Priority Corridor. CFX is a proposed four-lane limited access highway to provide a modern, safe and
efficient transportation artery through the coalfields region of far southwestern Virginia and southern
West Virginia. The route is also expected to be an economic lifeline for Buchanan County and the
region which experiences high unemployment and a declining population. It is expected that the
entire multi-state Appalachian region should see a boost in commerce and tourism as a result of the
Coalfields Expressway. Designated as part of the National Highway System, the new road will link
Interstates 64 and 77 in West Virginia with Route 23 in Virginia, which links to interstates in
Kentucky and Tennessee.
This is a region now served mainly by narrow rural roads. The expressway will provide safe
and rapid access to communities along the corridor, with interchanges connecting citizens of Pound,
Clintwood, Clinchco, Haysi, Breaks, Grundy and Slate. The Virginia portion of the expressway
stretches east approximately 50 miles from U.S. Route 23 near Pound, through Wise County
Dickenson and Buchanan counties to the West Virginia line near Slate.
Corridor Q, designated as US Route 460, is part of the National Highway System. The
Virginia portion of Corridor Q is located in southwest Virginia and shares a portion of its alignment
with the CFX. Corridor Q in Virginia extends 127.5 miles eastward from the Virginia/Kentucky state
line near Breaks Interstate Park to Interstate 81 near Christiansburg. Approximately 14 miles of
Corridor Q in Virginia remain uncompleted with three miles currently under construction. The
Kentucky portion of Corridor Q, approximately 17 miles in length, would extend westward from the
Virginia/Kentucky state line to US Route 23. Kentucky currently has approximately 16 miles under
construction.
Currently the Corridor Q/U.S. Route 460 Connector Phase II is under construction. This
project consists of a 6.2-mile four-lane, limited access highway.  Phase II is located between the U.S.
Route 460 Connector Phase I, constructed near Breaks Interstate Park, Route 460 and a connection
with the proposed Route 121 (Coalfields Expressway) in Buchanan County. The Phase II design-
build contract with Bizzack Construction, LLC, Lexington, Ky., uses the coal synergy concept to
provide a road to rough grade at a reduction in costs. A second contract will pave the road and
complete the project for motorists to use. This route is designated as part of Corridor Q by the
Appalachian Regional Commission and part of the Appalachian Development Highway System.
and rapid access to communities along the corridor, with interchanges connecting citizens of Pound,
Clintwood, Clinche
. Haysi, Breaks, Grundy and Slate, The Virginia portion of the expressway
stretches east approximately 50 miles from U.S. Route 23 near Pound, through Wise County
Dickenson and Buchanan counties to the West Virginia line near Slate.
Corridor Q, designated as US Route 460, is part of the National Highway System. The
Virginia portion of Corridor Q is located in southwest Virginia and shares a portion of its alignment
with the CFX. Corridor Q in Virginia extends 127.5 miles eastward from the Virginia/Kentucky state
line near Breaks Interstate Park to Interstate 81 near Christiansburg. Approximately 14 miles of
Corridor Q in Virginia remain uncompleted with three miles currently under construction. The
Kentucky portion of Corridor Q, approximately 17 miles in length, would extend westward from the
Virginia/Kentucky state line to US Route 23, Kentucky currently has approximately 16 miles under
construction.
Currently the Corridor Q/U.S. Route 460 Connector Phase II is under construction. This
project consists of a 6.2-mile four-lane, limited access highway. Phase II is located between the U.S.
Route 460 Connector Phase I, constructed near Breaks Interstate Park, Route 460 and a connection
with the proposed Route 121 (Coalfields Expressway) in Buchanan County. The Phase II design-
build contract with Bizzack Construction, LLC, Lexington, Ky., uses the coal synergy concept to
provide a road to rough grade at a reduction in costs. A second contract will pave the road and
complete the project for motorists to use. This route is designated as part of Corridor Q by the
Appalachian Regional Commission and part of the Appalachian Development Highway System.
gina Route 121 - Coalfields Expressway
NY DOT oitreectator™ Construction Project Names, Descriptions
Updated December 2016
Pound Connector Elkins
‘The proposed 7-mite Pound Connector begins at The proposed 11.5-mile Elkins segment picks up at
Route 23 near the Pound Corporate Limits in Wise the connection to Route 460 at Grundy and extends
‘County and extends into Dickenson County where east to Route 643,
it will connect to Route 83 via a connector road at
Route 721. Rockhouse
‘The proposed 5-mile Rockhouse segment begins at
Cranes Nest Route 643 and will connect to West Virginia’
Feb iver 15.65.iecronesnetsegnetegns Cones xresonay near le, W.Va
near Route 83/Route 721 in Dickenson County and
‘extends to Route 80 in Dickenson County. Corridor @: Route 460 Connector Phase |
FE roots sett contact torte Rete 40
Doe Branch ‘Connector Phase | in Buchanan County was
Bll The proposed 5-mile Doe Branch segment begins on completed September 2015. The project, located at
Route 80 near the Haysi area of Dickenson County. the Kentucky State Line, included construction of
It travels east tying into the Corridor Q/Route 460, ‘win high-level bridges that are 1,700 linear feet in
Connector and Route 121 (Coalfields Expressway). length and over 250-foot-high. The bridges are
curtently the tallest in Virginia. They will be open to
Hawks Nest traffic in late 2017 when Kentucky opens an
The 2-mile Hawks Nest segment is located between adjacent section oftheir Route 460 construction
the proposed tie in with the US Route 460
Connector Phase i and Route 614 in Buchanan Bi Corridor Q: Route 460 Connector Phase
County. The Hawks Nest section was completed to ‘The 6-mile Phase I of the US Route 460 Connector
rough grade in summer 2011 at a cost of $10 travels from the end of Phase Ito a proposed
million, a savings to VDOT of over $90 milion using connection with Route 121 Coalfields Expressway.
«coal synergy techniques.
Bizzack Construction, LLC, Lexington, ky, i curently
The Hawks Nest segment wil also tie in with constructing the road to rough grade.
Buchanan County industrial Development Authority
road, connecting to the county’s Southern Gap Corridor Q Route 460 Connector and
development and Route 83 (Lovers Gap Road) 10
Coalfields Expressway Connection
‘The .3-mile proposed project will tie together the
Bay Poplar Creek Route 460 Connector and the Route 121 (Coalfields
The opr Cet segment conned wih heute apes) n Buchanan Coun
460 Connector and the Route 460/121 connection
will complete Virginias section of federally designated
Corridor Q, providing fourlane highway from the
Virginia/Kentucky border to Christiansburg, Virginia.
Phase A of Poplar Creek will travel from the east
tend of the Hawks Nest section to Route 604, Phase
8B of Poplar Creek will travel from Route 604 to
existing Route 460 below Grundy.
Route 121 - Coalfields Expressway
Construction Project Names, Descriptions
Updated December 2016
NAY DOT Sirestaton™
ADHS Corridor Q Route 83 Lover’s Gap
"
Designated as US Route 460, Corridor Qis part of
the National Highway System and the Appalachian
Development Highway System. Corridor Q in
Virginia extends 127.5 miles eastward from the
VirginiayKentucky state ine near Breaks Interstate
Park to Interstate 81 near Christiansburg.
‘The Virginia portion of Corridor Q is located in
southwest Virginia and shares a portion of its
alignment with Route 121 (Coalfields Expressway)
Upon completion of the Route 460 Connector
Phases | and i as well as connecting sections of
Route 121 (Coalfields Expressway), Route 460
improvements from the Kentucky state line to
‘Virginia Beach willbe complete
Reconstruction of a one-mile section of Route 83
located near the intersection of Route 718 was
‘completed in 2015. improvements to Route 83
provide better access to Buchanan County
Southern Gap development as well as Route 121
(Coalfields Expressway.
Buchanan County Industrial Development
Road - Southern Gap
‘The Buchanan County Industrial Development Road
connects to Buchanan County Southern Gap
evelopment, an area for residential, commercial
and retail development.
BUCHANAN COUNTY ROAD NETWORK DEFICIENCIES
Primary Routes Deficiencies

U.S. 460 – Improved site distances along intersections. Reconstruct sections due to geometric

deficiencies. Improve drainage. Stabilize shoulders. Guardrail installation and replacement.
Replace structure no. 1044.

SR 83 – Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.

Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.  Replace
structure no. 1023.

SR 80 – Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.

Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
BUCHANAN COUNTY ROAD NETWORK DEFICIENCIES
ary Routes Deficien



U.S. 460 — Improved site distances along intersections. Reconstruct sections due to geometric
deficiencies. Improve drainage. Stabilize shoulders. Guardrail installation and replacement.
Replace structure no. 1044.
SR 83 — Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. Replace
structure no, 1023.
SR 80 ~ Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail i
lation and replacement.
Secondary Routes Deficiencies
4 VA 600
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 36 VA 636
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
5 VA 601
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 37 VA 637
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
6 VA 602
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 38 VA 638
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
7 VA 603
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 39 VA 639
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
8 VA 604
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 40 VA 640
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
9 VA 605
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 41 VA 642
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
10 VA 606
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 42 VA 643
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Improved site distances.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
11 VA 608
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 43 VA 644
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
12 VA 609
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 44 VA 645
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
13 VA 610
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 45 VA 646
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
14 VA 611
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 46 VA 647
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
15 VA 613
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 47 VA 649
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
16 VA 615
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 48 VA 650
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
17 VA 616
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 49 VA 651
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
18 VA 617
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 50 VA 652
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
19 VA 618
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 51 VA 653
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
20 VA 619
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 52 VA 654
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
21 VA 620
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 53 VA 655
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
22 VA 621
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 54 VA 656
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
23 VA 622
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 55 VA 657
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
24 VA 623
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 56 VA 658
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
25 VA 624
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 57 VA 660
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
26 VA 625
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 58 VA 662
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
27 VA 626
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 59 VA 663
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
28 VA 627
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 60 VA 664
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
29 VA 628
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 61 VA 674
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
30 VA 628
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 62 VA 675
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
31 VA 629
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 63 VA 678
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
32 VA 631
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 64 VA 680
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
33 VA 632
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 65 VA 681
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
34 VA 634
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 66 VA 685
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
35 VA 635
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement. 67 VA 690
Reconstruct sections due to geometric deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections.
Stabilize shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement.
condary Routes Deficiencies
“cna ci a eh Ra can cosa a eons dens proved ia
[]o coroner oom deers arate actions] —eomtcnconde to paneticrinces nga te diane)
s|eo |e nase npr san caeulinttes dveprmen_|s|063 [ahaa move sro center sereemet_|
fen anaes mv sana celine depen [ 2463 aes move saa ewer sere |
Taceanitct ses dso rometic chavs SacurlRchab selon "coarse doogeameic delete Inpravedatedaaces]
| + |en ins mvs uveitis repeat 4639 hs mova Geanaiten nd epeement|
|necnstct scons dso romevic dens Sucre seins secant econ due ogrometicdehenesiproedstc dtaces |
efvscos Sit shar noe aia uwealinstenanepemer| 4] Ac Siar move rae Gol saatonné ence. _|
Reco cts oe eter Stara eb tan neconsct cons due togeometic debenles mmroedse dtc]
[] cor sconrn ogo deers aration] —ecomtacnciomde to paneticrincesnpoed te dita)
|} mens nue mre celine depen [42404 ae hues nove rao center serra |
11 van sutteelers imo eee: Gada imal sarenecemer Ste hulder nro leer Gaal naan arene _|
|] Tneconsirvct sections due to geomet deficiencies Srsctura cheb sections” | | [Reconstruct sccionadue to geometric deficiencies Structural Rehab sections]
12] aco | stablize shoulders improve drainage. Guardrail instalation an replacement,
Treconsract eto o pometi defences Scr Rehab ection
13]\e1o stabilize shoulders Improve drainage. Guardrail insalstion nd replacement. 7
[| [Reconstruct sections due to geomet deficiencies Structural Rehab sections "|econsract sections due to geometvie deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections |
Et
| stable shoulders. morove drainage. Guardrail installation and replacement
cament._|
"[Reconsructseclions due togeometviedeicincies Structural Rehab sections. |
5; |stbiiz shoulders. Improve drainage. Guardrail insaltion nd replacement.
ig
Ie
construct actionrdue to geometric deficiencies. Structural Re
47] ve | stabs shoulders move drainage. Guarda installation and replacement
: nd
cern mclarboto pon antrne coon
aalvaco sot
[| [Reconstruct sections due to geometviedefilencles. structural Rehab sections.
|feconsrctwctonsdos ogo deienls Sra Aoabxctons
"Teconsractectons di to goometic deleniesSiracaltahab ators |_|” [Reconsrac wcions dbs ogame deceit hab salons
aifvasas nop uot ers. Improve drainage. Guarda installation and replace stabil shoulders, Improve dsnage. Guard
| Reconsrat vections de to geometric deficiencies Sirscturl Rehab sections [Reconstrct sections due to geomet deficiencies Structural Reb sections
ers
| Reconsrut sections de to geometric defences Srututl Rehab sections
lz
stable oh
2a}vaca2 stabi oh : as _ 65 vac |stabae shoulders. Improve drainage. Guarda installation and replace
|Reconsvt sections dv to geometric dfclencies Structural Rehab sections. [Reconstruct sections due to geometvie deficiencies. Structural Rehab sections
[| feconrac conse tgomatric denis Sra Aehabaacons | | ~—[Raconsractactons dee gomtic defences Sacral Rehab actions
as|\no3s Stabilize shoulders Improve dsinage. Guardralinstalation and replacement. | 67] A609 | Stabile shoulders Improve eanage. Guardrail instalation andveplacement._ |
BUCHANAN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES
• Buchanan County has steep topography, with slopes in excess of 20%.  Road construction
that follows the natural topography reduces costs and runoff concerns but may lead to safety,
line of sight and other geometric issues.
• Limited signage allowed on VDOT right of ways discourage economic development.
• Development along corridors also increase safety issues, such as multiple entrances and
traffic carrying capacity of the road.
• Local involvement in the Six Year Improvement Program to ensure that statewide projects
reflect the needs of Buchanan County.
• Shorten commute distances traveled by residents to work and/or school due to the
topography.
• Residents are paying larger percentage of their budget on transportation fuel cost due to the
distances for which they must travel.
• Safety concerns on rural roads, lack of adequate line of sight issues and lack of adequate
shoulders and guardrails.
• Lack of pedestrian and bicycling transportation options in rural areas, due to lack of adequate
shoulders.
• The required travel distance to a public airport transit, major bus terminal and rail line.
BUCHANAN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES
Buchanan County has steep topography, with slopes in excess of 20%. Road construction
that follows the natural topography reduces costs and runoff concerns but may lead to safety,
line of sight and other geometric issues.
Limited signage allowed on VDOT right of ways discourage economic development.
Development along corridors also increase safety issues, such as multiple entrances and
traffic carrying capacity of the road.
Local involvement in the Six Year Improvement Program to ensure that statewide projects
reflect the needs of Buchanan County.
Shorten commute distances traveled by residents to work and/or school due to the
topography.
Residents are paying larger percentage of their budget on transportation fuel cost due to the
distances for which they must travel.
Safety concerns on rural roads, lack of adequate line of sight issues and lack of adequate
shoulders and guardrails.
Lack of pedestrian and bicycling transportation options in rural areas, due to lack of adequate
shoulders.
The required travel distance to a public airport transit, major bus terminal and rail line,
HOUSING
HOUSING DEMAND
Housing is a factor in the national economy, and increased building is a sign of
economic growth, as well as an economic stimulator. Nationally, growth in housing is primarily
determined by government decisions such as interest rates, tax codes, and regulation of financial
institutions. Local and state governments have attempted to encourage housing production by
providing financial incentives. Since investment in housing is so highly leveraged, the
availability of money has the most significant impact on construction. The declining income of
Buchanan County residents has prompted a shift in demand away from single family homes, and
toward the less expensive alternative, a mobile home. The price difference between a mobile
home and a site-built house makes the former the only affordable choice for many residents.
While mobile homes have solved the short-term problem of housing, they also have a much
shorter life-span than does a site built home, so the need for adequate housing in the future
should not be forgotten.
As of 2014 single family units still make of the majority of home in Buchanan County
with 60% of all homes in the county qualifying as a “single county unattached” home. However,
mobile homes are rapidly increasing in number with over 37% of homes in the county qualifying
as mobile homes.
HOUSING DEMAND
Housing is a factor in the national economy, and increased building is a sign of
economic growth, as well as an economic stimulator. Nationally, growth in housing is primarily
determined by government decisions such as interest rates, tax codes, and regulation of financial
institutions, Local and state governments have attempted to encourage housing production by
providing financial incentives. Since investment in housing is so highly leveraged, the
availability of money has the most significant impact on construction. The declining income of
Buchanan County residents has prompted a shift in demand away from single family homes, and
toward the less expensive alternative, a mobile home. The price difference between a mobile
home and a site-built house makes the former the only affordable choice for many residents.
While mobile homes have solved the short-term problem of housing, they also have a much
shorter life-span than does a site built home, so the need for adequate housing in the future
should not be forgotten.
As of 2014 single family units still make of the majority of home in Buchanan County
with 60% of all homes in the county qualifying as a “single county unattached” home. However,
mobile homes are rapidly increasing in number with over 37% of homes in the county qualifying
as mobile homes.
The coal boom years of the 1970 created a growth in the number of houses built in
Buchanan County. This building activity surpassed that of the rest of the counties in the
district. District housing growth during these years surpassed that of the state, as increases in
population and income provided stimulus to build. Between 1970 and 1980, housing stock
increased by 38.7 percent, while the population of the county increased by 23.2 percent. This
indicates that the number of people residing in a housing unit became smaller.
In the current decade, demand for new housing has been greatly reduced with only 75
new housing units being built in the county from 2010 to 2014. The current trends in demand for
new housing  in Buchanan County and surrounding areas can be seen in the figure below.
Haug composi pet ate
maw aE Sen ESSE
sauce [acon] Rat [om] BS] amt | Re | met] S| core | S| [ct] Ba Jose] 2S ta | at eet] BS] mmc | Be
Foner — eae [oe | ase [ere] TAS [esa | TaBT [arse] mW Youse]| | zw Pee] wae [eek] OT [ere] Baw [em aw Tae
fortam & fom! we [em| ae fam] ar [ise | am [tml] m fom] a [sal ae fim] ae |e | ot | te
kore fom] 2 [tml a fim] ar [am | ame |tsu|| a fom] [aml ae ftw] an | am | tam io
forme | m fare) oo fom] s fom! om [em| ae fas || so fim | we [am] oe fam] oe | tm| Se fim
biemcews | s lam] a2 fam| a lom| se [are| am larn|| m lam| m fom| w |om| an [im| az | om
fiscnme | sme |aes| azn [sare| som | ax| ase [acre| wr |sume|| are |sax| are [anae| sam | c0s| cor [atme| sain | ae
ic a
Ss US ens an 00-2004 Amen Commnt Say
The coal boom years of the 1970 created a growth in the number of houses built in
Buchanan County. This building activity surpassed that of the rest of the counties in the
district. District housing growth during these years surpassed that of the state, as increases in
population and income provided stimulus to build. Between 1970 and 1980, housing stock
increased by 38.7 percent, while the population of the county increased by 23.2 percent. This,
indicates that the number of people residing in a housing unit became smaller.
In the current decade, demand for new housing has been greatly reduced with only 75
new housing units being built in the county from 2010 to 2014. The current trends in demand for
new housing in Buchanan County and surrounding areas can be seen in the figure below.
HOUSING VALUE
Between 1980 and 1987 housing values declined substantially in Buchanan County,
around 18 percent. The same is true for Dickenson County, and in Russell and Tazewell
Counties housing values increased slightly. However, housing prices have increased over the last
several years, from 42,800 dollars in 2000 to 68,700 in 2014.
The median value for housing units in Buchanan County is 68,700 dollars, compared to
Dickenson County’s 72,000; Tazewell County at 89,600; and Russell County, with the highest
median value of 94,500 per unit. This shows that while the housing market may be weak in
HOUSING VALUE
Between 1980 and 1987 housing values declined substantially in Buchanan County,
around 18 percent. The same is true for Dickenson County, and in Russell and Tazewell
Counties housing values increased slightly. However, housing prices have increased over the last
several years, from 42,800 dollars in 2000 to 68,700 in 2014.
‘The median value for housing units in Buchanan County is 68,700 dollars, compared to
Dickenson County’s 72,000; Tazewell County at 89,600; and Russell County, with the highest
median value of 94,500 per unit. This shows that while the housing market may be weak in
Buchanan County, housing here is more affordable.
LAND USE
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
Residential land use encompasses the entire mix of dwelling unit types and densities.
The location, character and intensity of residential development should be linked to natural
characteristics of the land, such as topography, soils, existing vegetation and water flow.
Buchanan County, housing here is more affordable.
mene i er SOc as Dae
sonore
{ssa
{sea
foe "| 2 0 ” 164
Wists | namo | exo | ss200 | sso | som | ese |] care | maw | sus | soo | se | aes
snr on t(D an 83815 mam ran mya
LAND USE
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
Residential land use encompasses the entire mix of dwelling unit types and densities.
The location, character and intensity of residential development should be linked to natural
characteristics of the land, such as topography, soils, existing vegetation and water flow.
COMMERCIAL LAND USE
Commercial land use includes all activities which are predominantly connected with the
sale of products or the performance of services. This includes retail trade, office space, personal
and professional services, and entertainment facilities. Retail establishments can be classified
according to the type market that they serve, such as regional, community, or neighborhood
scales. Convenience, neighborhood and community scale retail provide every day, immediate
goods, while regional and sub-regional retail provide more specialized goods.
Commercial land use guidelines:

Provisions should be made for two principle types of commercial

areas: neighborhood shopping areas and community shopping
areas.

New commercial developments should be in the form of unified and

concentrated planned developments. Spot commercial development
in residential neighborhoods and the stringing out of commercial
development along streets, or what has been referred to as a strip
commercial development, should be discouraged.

Commercial areas should not detract from residential and industrial

development nor should residential and industrial development
adversely affect commercial areas.

The protection of pedestrian traffic should be given adequate

consideration to insure the safety and flow of pedestrians in new
commercial development areas without unnecessary interruption of
COMMERCIAL LAND USE
‘Commercial land use includes all activities which are predominantly connected with the
sale of products or the performance of services. This includes retail trade, office space, personal
and professional services, and entertainment facilities. Retail establishments can be classified
according to the type market that they serve, such as regional, community, or neighborhood
scales. Convenience, neighborhood and community scale retail provide every day, immediate
goods, while regional and sub-regional retail provide more specialized goods.
Commercial land use guidelines:


Provisions should be made for two principle types of commercial
areas: neighborhood shopping areas and community shopping
areas.


New commercial developments should be in the form of unified and
concentrated planned developments. Spot commercial development
in residential neighborhoods and the stringing out of commercial
development along streets, or what has been referred to as a strip
commercial development, should be discouraged.


Commercial areas should not detract from residential and industrial
development nor should residential and industrial development
adversely affect commercial areas.


The protection of pedestrian traffic should be given adequate
consideration to insure the safety and flow of pedestrians in new


commercial development areas without unnecessary interruption of
automobile traffic.

Existing commercial establishments should be encouraged and

assisted to the fullest extent possible in correcting any deficiencies, to
improve traffic safety and convenience.
INDUSTRIAL LAND USE
Activities predominantly connected with the manufacturing, assembly, processing,
storage and distribution of products are considered industrial. Industrial facilities place a heavy
demand on local resources, and have the greatest impact on the surrounding environment. Land
use policies which promote the efficient utilization of industrial development is to be realized.
The location must respect air and water flows and the more visible environmental features.
In general, “cleaner” industries are preferred over those which employ heavily impactive
processes. Any new industrial activity should not impede the county’s efforts to meet established
environmental quality standards. In order to attract desired industries, it is necessary to reserve
enough suitable land as is deemed necessary for future growth. Industrial activities should be
located where land use buffers can be established to separate and protect non-industrial uses, and
where natural land characteristics are conducive to high site development intensities.
Industrial land use guidelines:

Industrial development should take place on land having stable, well

drained soils. Topography should be reasonably level and free from
flooding and grading problems.  Climatic factors such as prevailing
automobile traffic.
5. Existing commercial establishments should be encouraged and
assisted to the fullest extent possible in correcting any deficiencies, to
improve traffic safety and convenience.
INDUSTRIAL LAND USE
Activities predominantly connected with the manufacturing, assembly, processing,
storage and distribution of products are considered industrial. Industrial facilities place a heavy
demand on local resources, and have the greatest impact on the surrounding environment. Land
use policies which promote the efficient utilization of industrial development is to be realized.
The location must respect air and water flows and the more visible environmental features.
In general, “cleaner” industries are preferred over those which employ heavily impactive
processes. Any new industrial activity should not impede the county’s efforts to meet established
environmental quality standards. In order to attract desired industries, it is necessary to reserve
enough suitable land as is deemed necessary for future growth, Industrial activities should be
located where land use buffers can be established to separate and protect non-industrial uses, and
where natural land characteristics are conducive to high site development intensities.
Industrial land use g es:
1, Industrial development should take place on land having stable, well
drained soils. Topography should be reasonably level and free from
flooding and grading problems. Climatic factors such as prevailing
wind speed and directions should be considered in potential industrial
locations.

Appropriate transportation facilities with good access to highways,

and where possible rail facilities, should be available to industrial
areas.  Industrial plants which generate large volumes of traffic
should be located on major streets so as not to encourage traffic
through residential areas; and, where possible, industrial areas should
be buffered by major highways, railroads, and greenbelt areas,
greater set-back depth or natural topographic features.

Basic utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and gas should be

available in adequate capacities to industrial areas.

Site size requirements for different types of industrial usage

vary widely as does the locational requirements. Therefore, there
should be provided a range of choice in site sizes and location with
sufficient flexibility to meet the need of a wide variety of
industries.

Land set aside for industrial use should not overshadow other

community needs nor be arranged so as to hinder proper residential
or commercial growth. At the same time, it is equally important that
residences and commercial establishments not be allowed to encroach
upon land planned for industrial use.
wind speed and directions should be considered in potential industrial
locations.
Appropriate transportation facilities with good access to highways,
and where possible rail facilities, should be available to industrial
areas. Industrial plants which generate large volumes of traffic
should be located on major streets so as not to encourage traffic
through residential areas; and, where possible, industrial areas should
be buffered by major highways, railroads, and greenbelt areas,
greater set-back depth or natural topographic features,
Basic utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and gas should be
available in adequate capacities to industrial areas.
Site size requirements for different types of industrial usage
vary widely as does the locational requirements. Therefore, there
should be provided a range of choice in site sizes and location with
sufficient flexibility to meet the need of a wide variety of
industries.
Land set aside for industrial use should not overshadow other
community needs nor be arranged so as to hinder proper residential
or commercial growth. At the same time, it is equally important that
residences and commercial establishments not be allowed to encroach
upon land planned for industrial use
RECREATIONAL AND OPEN SPACES
The recreational and open space areas are ordinarily included in a larger category "public
and semi-public lands" which includes areas containing schools, churches, police stations and
other necessary lands. Although recreation will be dealt with in the community facilities
category, recreational space and open space land use guidelines are presented in the land use
plan.
Recreational and open space land use guidelines:

Appropriately located community recreation facilities should be

provided to serve the residents. These facilities should be adequate
in terms of size, number and variety. The facilities should serve the
needs of the total population.

Places of historical significance, as well as areas having rare natural

beauty should be preserved and well maintained.

Whenever possible, natural boundaries such as steeply sloping ridges,

sinkable areas, areas of exposed bedrock, stream flood plains, and
the areas unsuitable for urban development should be used as natural
dividers between neighborhoods and retained as recreation and for
open spaces.

Areas designated in the land use plan as intended for permanent open

space or recreation should be reserved as such.

Agricultural uses should be retained in areas subject to periodic

RECREATIONAL AND OPEN SPACES
The recreational and open space areas are ordinarily included in a larger category “public
and semi-public lands” which includes areas containing schools, churches, police stations and
other necessary lands. Although recreation will be dealt with in the community facilities
category, recreational space and open space land use guidelines are presented in the land use
plan.
Recreational and open space land use gui


Appropriately located community recreation facilities should be
provided to serve the residents. These facilities should be adequate
in terms of size, number and variety. The facilities should serve the
needs of the total population


Places of historical significance, as well as areas having rare natural
beauty should be preserved and well maintained.


Whenever possible, natural boundaries such as steeply sloping ridges,
sinkable areas, areas of exposed bedrock, stream flood plains, and


the areas unsuitable for urban development should be used as natural
dividers between neighborhoods and retained as recreation and for
‘open spaces.


Areas designated in the land use plan as intended for permanent open
space or recreation should be reserved as such.


Agricultural uses should be retained in areas subject to periodic


flooding and in outlying areas where premature urbanization would
be detrimental to the community.

Where feasible, land use for the production or extraction of natural

resources should be isolated in compact areas so as not to detract
from the beauty and integrity of the community.
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
Residential land use encompasses the entire mix of dwelling unit types and densities.
The location, character and intensity of residential development should be linked to natural
characteristics of the land, such as topography, soils, existing vegetation and water flow.
SUITABILITY
The ability of soil to support various land uses effects suitability. Soil properties such as
percolation, compaction, shrink-swell potential, density, slope, depth to bedrock, underlying
material, location, water table and composition are factors considered in determining the
suitability and limitations that soil may possess for different land uses.
SUMMARY OF EXISTING LAND USE
A comprehensive view of the existing land use composition in Buchanan County was
determined approximately eighteen years ago. Recent field studies indicate slight changes in
land use acreage since the original calculations were compiled.
flooding and in outlying areas where premature urbanization would
be detrimental to the community.

Where feasible, land use for the production or extraction of natural
resources should be isolated in compact areas so as not to detract

from the beauty and integrity of the community.
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
Residential land use encompasses the entire mix of dwelling unit types and densities.
The location, character and intensity of residential development should be linked to natural
characteristics of the land, such as topography, soils, existing vegetation and water flow.
SUITABILITY
The ability of soil to support various land uses effects suitability. Soil properties such as
percolation, compaction, shrink-swell potential, density, slope, depth to bedrock, underlying
material, location, water table and composition are factors considered in determining the
suitability and limitations that soil may possess for different land uses.
SUMMARY OF EXISTING LAND USE
‘A comprehensive view of the existing land use composition in Buchanan County was
determined approximately eighteen years ago. Recent field studies indicate slight changes in
land use acreage since the original calculations were compiled.
The total amount of developed land in Buchanan County has grown by an estimated
2,120 acres since the original land use studies were completed. The greatest amount of growth
has taken place in residential land use. This can be attributed to two main reasons, population
growth during the 1970’s and fewer persons living in each housing unit. In addition to residential
land use, more acreage is being devoted to industrial, commercial (trade), and public land use,
although some buildings have been abandoned or temporarily vacated due to economic
conditions in the 1980’s and the outward migration that resulted from those economic declines.
EDUCATION
Buchanan County has 10 public schools. Total enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year
was 2,974 students. Enrollment has declined significantly over the past several decades. For
example, enrollment on August 31, 1993 was 5,732. In fact enrollment has been on the decline
since the 1960’s, following the same trend as most schools in Southwest Virginia and the
Appalachian region. For instance, enrollment for the 1975-1976 school year was 9,614, and
improvements were needed at many schools in order to reduce crowding. Now, focus is on
building maintenance, improving test scores and maintaining a high quality teaching staff.
The total amount of developed land in Buchanan County has grown by an estimated
2,120 acres since the original land use studies were completed. The greatest amount of growth
has taken place in residential land use. This can be attributed to two main reasons, population
growth during the 1970’s and fewer persons living in each housing unit. In addition to residential
land use, more acreage is being devoted to industrial, commercial (trade), and public land use,
although some buildings have been abandoned or temporarily vacated due to economic
conditions in the 1980’s and the outward migration that resulted from those economic declines.
EDUCATION
Buchanan County has 10 public schools. Total enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year
was 2,974 students, Enrollment has declined significantly over the past several decades. For
example, enrollment on August 31, 1993 was 5,732. In fact enrollment has been on the decline
since the 1960’s, following the same trend as most schools in Southwest Virginia and the
Appalachian region. For instance, enrollment for the 1975-1976 school year was 9,614, and
improvements were needed at many schools in order to reduce crowding. Now, focus is on
building maintenance, improving test scores and maintaining a high quality teaching staff.
Pupil Teacher Ratios Fiscal Year 2014 - 2015
Table 21
ementary [Vigiria_[ suchonan | Dickerson [ Russell [Tazewell
Teaching Postions S7seao7]} 16350 | 11350 | 199.45 | 368,75
End of Year Membership, 7 76538008) 3,778.2 | 1374.38 | 240265 | 3750.68
Pupil Teacher Ratio 326] tose | 211 | 2205 | 1047
‘Secondary
Teaching Potions s7psa10 | 11700 | 6650 | 12594 | 16440
End ot Year Membership, 842 463.01957| 1195.69 | 942.29 | 1537.67 | 222908
Pupil Teacher Ratio nao | 102 | i267 | 122 | 1355
‘Source: Virginia Department of Education Superintendent’s Annual Report
Public responsibility for education does not stop at the provision of schools and libraries,
it extends to such diverse areas as public television and radio, adult literacy, and job training.
Educational television and radio provide ways of making specialized information available to
the majority of the population.
Colleges and universities are often the best providers of higher education for
non-traditional adult students in this region, and these institutions may require local government
assistance in performing this function. Community-based educational programs or extension
services sometimes need the part-time use of public facilities to hold weekend and evening
programs. Schools, libraries, and other public structures should be made available for this
purpose.
Public responsibility for education does not stop at the provision of schools and libraries,
it extends to such diverse areas as public television and radio, adult literacy, and job training.
Educational television and radio provide ways of making specialized information available to
the majority of the population.
Colleges and universities are often the best providers of higher education for
non-traditional adult students in this region, and these institutions may require local government
assistance in performing this function. Community-based educational programs or extension
services sometimes need the part-time use of public facilities to hold weekend and evening
programs. Schools, libraries, and other public structures should be made available for this
purpose.
Two major institutions of higher learning in the county are the Appalachian School of
Pharmacy (ASP) and the Appalachian School of Law (ASL). Both of these institutions offer
professional degrees in their respective fields. Enrollment in ASP has remained strong with 225
students enrolled in their full time program. Enrollment in ASL has declined in recend years,
slipping below 150 students in 2016. Enrollment has seemed to recover somewhat as of 2017
with the closure of some competing law schools.
Southwest Virginia Community College operates the Booth Center in Grundy jointly
with ASL. This facility offers classes leading to an R.N. degree and provides employment
training such as computer classes through the JTPA program. Another educational facility in the
immediate area is the SVCC A.R.C.H.S. Incorporated Education and Training Center in Haysi,
Virginia. Although it is located in Dickenson County, it can be reached hi a few minutes by
many of Buchanan County’s residents.
The following colleges are located within three hours driving time from Buchanan
County :
University of Virginia at Wise Wise,VA
Emory and Henry College Emory, VA
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State Univ. Blacksburg, VA
Radford University Radford, VA
East TN State University Johnson City, TN
King College Bristol, TN
Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN
Pikeville College Pikeville, KY
Southwest Virginia Community College Richlands, VA
Appalachian School of Law Grundy, Va
Appalachian School of Pharmacy Oakwood, VA
Two major institutions of higher learning in the county are the Appalachian School of
Pharmacy (ASP) and the Appalachian School of Law (ASL). Both of these institutions offer
professional degrees in their respective fields. Enrollment in ASP has remained strong with 225
students enrolled in their full time program. Enrollment in ASL has declined in recend years,
slipping below 150 students in 2016. Enrollment has seemed to recover somewhat as of 2017
with the closure of some competing law schools.
Southwest Virginia Community College operates the Booth Center in Grundy jointly
with ASL. This facility offers classes leading to an R.N. degree and provides employment
training such as computer classes through the JTPA program. Another educational facility in the
immediate area is the SVCC A.R.C.H.S. Incorporated Education and Training Center in Haysi,
Virginia. Although it is located in Dickenson County, it can be reached hi a few minutes by
many of Buchanan County’s residents.
The following colleges are located within three hours driving time from Buchanan.
County :
University of Virginia at Wise Wise,VA
Emory and Henry College Emory, VA
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State Univ. Blacksburg, VA.
Radford University Radford, VA
East TN State University Johnson City, TN
King College Bristol, TN
Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN
Pikeville College Pikeville, KY
Southwest Virginia Community College Richlands, VA
Appalachian School of Law Grundy, Va
Appalachian School of Pharmacy Oakwood, VA
INDUSTRIAL PARKS
Built in 2004 Buchanan County has invested heavily in developing modern infrastructure
and buildings to suit industry needs. The Buchanan Information Park is a modern, multi-tenant
facility that has approximately 26,000 sq. ft. of available office space.
Buchanan County has numerous other sites which are well suited for industrial facilities.
Most of these sites are situated in the valleys of the county, and lie alongside public highways,
streams and the Norfolk & Southern Corporation’s rail lines. Most of these sites are currently
being used, or have been used, as sites for coal preparation and loading facilities. As the coal
industry continues to decline, less of these sites will be needed for use by the coal industry.
These sites are served by public water and sewer facilities and are accessible to large gas
transmission lines. An example of such a site is the location of Island Creek Coal Company’s
Beatrice/Pocahontas mine. This site is located directly across the Levisa River from U.S. Route
460 (a four - lane highway) between Oakwood and Keen Mountain, Virginia. The site contains
INDUSTRIAL PARKS,
Built in 2004 Buchanan County has invested heavily in developing modern infrastructure
and buildings to suit industry needs. The Buchanan Information Park is a modern, multi-tenant
facility that has approximately 26,000 sq. ft. of available office space
Buchanan County has numerous other sites which are well suited for industrial facilities.
Most of these sites are situated in the valleys of the county, and lie alongside public highways,
streams and the Norfolk & Southern Corporation’s rail lines. Most of these sites are currently
being used, or have been used, as sites for coal preparation and loading facilities. As the coal
industry continues to decline, less of these sites will be needed for use by the coal industry.
These sites are served by public water and sewer facilities and are accessible to large gas
transmission lines. An example of such a site is the location of Island Creek Coal Company’s
Beatrice/Pocahontas mine. This site is located directly across the Levisa River from U.S. Route
460 (a four - lane highway) between Oakwood and Keen Mountain, Virginia. The site contains
approximately twenty acres of level land; is served by the Norfolk & Southern Corporation’s rail
line; is served by public water and public sewer; and is located within close proximity to several
gas transmission lines, which transmit to areas outside of the County millions of cubic feet of gas
per day which has been produced in Buchanan County. The site is also located near abundant
supplies of high grade bituminous coal and hardwood timber. The site has not been used for coal
mining for several years, and some reclamation work has been completed on the site.
There are also numerous large tracts of level land which lie along the ridgetops of the
County which may be developed for industrial use or for use by the tourism industry. Many of
these sites have magnificent views.
HOSPITALS
Approximately 20 primary care physicians provide health care services in Buchanan
County. The Buchanan General Hospital, which is located on State Route 83 in Slate Creek,
provides ICU, PCCU, laser surgery, minor and major surgery as well as same-day surgery
services. The Buchanan General offers many other services including ultrasound,
mammography and physical therapy.
Regional hospitals include:
Russell County Medical Center Lebanon, VA
Norton Community Hospital Norton, VA
St. Mary’s Hospital Norton, VA
Wise Appalachian Regional Hospital Wise,VA
Johnston Memorial Hospital Abingdon,VA
approximately twenty acres of level land; is served by the Norfolk & Southern Corporation’s rail
line; is served by public water and public sewer; and is located within close proximity to several
gas transmission lines, which transmit to areas outside of the County millions of cubic feet of gas
per day which has been produced in Buchanan County. The site is also located near abundant
supplies of high grade bituminous coal and hardwood timber. The site has not been used for coal
mining for several years, and some reclamation work has been completed on the site.
There are also numerous large tracts of level land which lie along the ridgetops of the
County which may be developed for industrial use or for use by the tourism industry. Many of
these sites have magnificent views.
HOSPITALS
Approximately 20 primary care physicians provide health care services in Buchanan
County. The Buchanan General Hospital, which is located on State Route 83 in Slate Creek,
provides ICU, PCCU, laser surgery, minor and major surgery as well as same-day surgery
services. The Buchanan General offers many other services including ultrasound,
mammography and physical therapy.
Regional hospitals include:
Russell County Medical Center Lebanon, VA
Norton Community Hospital Norton, VA
St. Mary’s Hospital Norton, VA
Wise Appalachian Regional Hospital Wise,VA
Johnston Memorial Hospital ‘Abingdon, VA
Bristol Regional Hospital Bristol, TN
Indian Path Pavilion Kingsport, TN
Indian Path Hospital Kingsport, TN
Holston Valley Medical Center Kingsport, TN
Buchanan County General Grundy, VA
PUBLIC SAFETY
A major responsibility of local government is to keep public order and to protect citizens
from the dangers of crime, fire and natural catastrophes.  Volunteer fire departments in
Buchanan County work to protect all the development in the county from fire. Each department
serves a roughly defined area in the county, but each one has a mutual agreement with the others
to assist each other upon request.
Police protection in Buchanan County is provided by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s
Department, which has 33 sworn officers, the Town of Grundy Police Department, which has 4
sworn officers, and several Virginia State Police Officers. Vansant is the location of this area’s
Virginia State Police Headquarters. Police activities include the prevention of crime,
apprehension of offenders, recovery of property and regulation of noncriminal conduct.
The duties of policemen in a rural county such as Buchanan also include traffic
supervision, patrolling, prevention of delinquency, crime investigation, and performance of
administrative functions within the department. Buchanan County police departments should
continue efforts to obtain new equipment in order to provide the latest technology available to
aid the police in crime prevention and detection.
Bristol Regional Hospital Bristol, TN
Kingsport, TN
Indian Path Hospital Kingsport, TN
Holston Valley Medical Center Kingsport, TN
Buchanan County General Grundy, VA
PUBLIC SAFETY
A major responsibility of local government is to keep public order and to protect citizens
from the dangers of crime, fire and natural catastrophes. Volunteer fire departments in
Buchanan County work to protect all the development in the county from fire. Each department
serves a roughly defined area in the county, but each one has a mutual agreement with the others
to assist each other upon request.
Police protection in Buchanan County is provided by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s
Department, which has 33 sworn officers, the Town of Grundy Police Department, which has 4
swom officers, and several Virginia State Police Officers. Vansant is the location of this area’s
Virginia State Police Headquarters. Police activities include the prevention of crime,
apprehension of offenders, recovery of property and regulation of noncriminal conduct.
The duties of policemen in a rural county such as Buchanan also include traffic
supervision, patrolling, prevention of delinquency, crime investigation, and performance of
administrative functions within the department. Buchanan County police departments should
continue efforts to obtain new equipment in order to provide the latest technology available to
aid the police in crime prevention and detection.
Rescue squad units are located throughout Buchanan County to offer assistance to all
citizens of the community on a twenty-four hour basis. These organizations provide on the-spot
first aid to victims of accidents, natural disasters, sudden illness or any other emergency
situation.
RECREATION
The Breaks Interstate Park is a recreational and scenic area encompassing 4,500 acres
located on the Virginia-Kentucky border in Dickenson County. The park’s close proximity to
Buchanan County allows residents of both counties to enjoy the facilities and share the benefits
of the park’s increasing recognition. The park includes a 1,000 foot deep canyon carved by the
Russell Fork River, which is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South”.
SEWERAGE
The Buchanan County Public Service Authority plans and designs the county’s sewer
projects. This agency is responsible for dealing with all water, sewer, solid waste and air
pollution problems within the county. The sewer treatment capacity is 1,250,000 gallons per
day, with an average of 314,490 gallons per day being treated. Sewerage from the town of
Grundy is treated at the Conaway treatment plant.
SOLID WASTE   DISPOSAL
Solid Waste is defined as any type of garbage or refuse including solid, liquid, semi-solid
or contained gaseous material. This includes industrial, hazardous, medical and municipal waste,
Rescue squad units are located throughout Buchanan County to offer assistance to all
citizens of the community on a twenty-four hour basis. These organizations provide on the-spot
first aid to victims of accidents, natural disasters, sudden illness or any other emergency
situation.
RECREATION
The Breaks Interstate Park is a recreational and scenic area encompassing 4,500 acres
located on the Virginia-Kentucky border in Dickenson County. The park’s close proximity to
Buchanan County allows residents of both counties to enjoy the facilities and share the benefits
of the park’s increasing recognition. The park includes a 1,000 foot deep canyon carved by the
Russell Fork River, which is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South”
SEWERAGE
The Buchanan County Public Service Authority plans and designs the county’s sewer
projects. This agency is responsible for dealing with all water, sewer, solid waste and air
pollution problems within the county. The sewer treatment capacity is 1,250,000 gallons per
day, with an average of 314,490 gallons per day being treated. Sewerage from the town of
Grundy is treated at the Conaway treatment plant.
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
Solid Waste is defined as any type of garbage or refuse including solid, liquid, semi-solid
or contained gaseous material. This includes industrial, hazardous, medical and municipal waste,
each of which requires different treatment. Most of these waste types are strictly regulated by
federal agencies, but several aspects of their collection, processing, and disposal are local
planning issues. Solid Waste collection and disposal is a growing responsibility for county, city
and town governments.
Once refuse has been collected, there are two main methods of preparing it for final
disposal, incineration and compacting.  Both methods are aimed at reducing the mass and
volume of waste, the former by burning and the latter by compression. Incineration, although
sometimes thought to be more cost effective and efficient, may produce gaseous pollutants which
can be removed from the exhaust gases only by stack scrubbing.  However, wet scrubbers
produce liquid effluent, creating a trade off between polluted air and polluted water. The heat
generated by combustion can be recovered for beneficial uses such as the generation of steam,
chilled water or electricity.  Compacted waste is placed in a sanitary landfill, where fresh waste
is covered with clean fill.
There are a number of ways to limit the need for disposal, including recycling, source
reduction, composting and energy reclamation. All of these methods should be elements of a
comprehensive solid waste management program.
Buchanan County operated a non-hazardous industrial waste disposal facility, but this
landfill closed in the Spring of 1994. At this time disposal services are being provided by the
Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management Authority (CPRWMA). A regional approach
to solid waste management is offered by the Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management
Authority, which includes Dickenson, Buchanan and Russell Counties. The authority has signed
a five-year option with BFI, Inc., to dispose of solid waste at a facility outside the three-county
each of which requires different treatment. Most of these waste types are strictly regulated by
federal agencies, but several aspects of their collection, processing, and disposal are local
planning issues. Solid Waste collection and disposal is a growing responsibility for county, city
and town governments.
Once refuse has been collected, there are two main methods of preparing it for final
disposal, incineration and compacting. Both methods are aimed at reducing the mass and
volume of waste, the former by burning and the latter by compression. Incineration, although
sometimes thought to be more cost effective and efficient, may produce gaseous pollutants which
can be removed from the exhaust gases only by stack scrubbing. However, wet scrubbers
produce liquid effluent, creating a trade off between polluted air and polluted water. The heat
generated by combustion can be recovered for beneficial uses such as the generation of steam,
chilled water or electricity. Compacted waste is placed in a sanitary landfill, where fresh waste
is covered with clean fill.
There are a number of ways to limit the need for disposal, including recycling, source
reduction, composting and energy reclamation. All of these methods should be elements of a
comprehensive solid waste management program.
Buchanan County operated a non-hazardous industrial waste disposal facility, but this
landfill closed in the Spring of 1994. At this time disposal services are being provided by the
‘Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management Authority (CPRWMA). A regional approach
to solid waste management is offered by the Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management
Authority, which includes Dickenson, Buchanan and Russell Counties. The authority has signed
a five-year option with BFI, Inc., to dispose of solid waste at a facility outside the three-county
area.
Three transfer stations should be constructed, one in each county. Buchanan County will send its
waste to the county transfer station, where the waste becomes property of the authority.
The Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management Authority has compiled a regional
waste management plan and is reviewing waste management options being operated successfully
in other regions, in order to provide the three-county area with safe and adequate disposal in the
future.
Private landfills will not be established in Buchanan County until the private enterprise
meets the requirements of each ordinance of Buchanan County, including, but not limited to,
performance standards, health, and safety ordinances.
WATER
As stated in the survey of Buchanan County’s natural resources, a safe, clean, and
dependable water supply is required for many commercial, industrial, agricultural and
recreational purposes. Coal mining operations have damaged the supply of groundwater in
Buchanan County. Underground aquifers have been depleted in some areas and only a small
amount of groundwater is still available.
Lack of water is a major problem for many residents in the outlying areas and remote
sections of the county. Projects are currently underway to provide adequate water services for
all of Buchanan County.
A master water plan has been designed for Buchanan County by Thompson and Litton
area,
Three transfer stations should be constructed, one in each county. Buchanan County will send its
waste to the county transfer station, where the waste becomes property of the authority.
‘The Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management Authority has compiled a regional
waste management plan and is reviewing waste management options being operated successfully
in other regions, in order to provide the three-county area with safe and adequate disposal in the
future.
Private landfills will not be established in Buchanan County until the private enterprise
meets the requirements of each ordinance of Buchanan County, including, but not limited to,
performance standards, health, and safety ordinances.
WATER
As stated in the survey of Buchanan County’s natural resources, a safe, clean, and
dependable water supply is required for many commercial, industrial, agricultural and
recreational purposes. Coal mining operations have damaged the supply of groundwater in
Buchanan County. Underground aquifers have been depleted in some areas and only a small
amount of groundwater is still available.
Lack of water is a major problem for many residents in the outlying areas and remote
sections of the county. Projects are currently underway to provide adequate water services for
all of Buchanan County.
A master water plan has been designed for Buchanan County by Thompson and Litton
Engineers. The first priority is to replace water lines in the town of Grundy. The plan will be
developed, designed, and installed in phases. The Buchanan County Public Service Authority provides
water for much of Buchanan County. The PSA’s average daily water use is approximately 3,947,556
gallons.
FINANCE
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Business and industrial financial assistance is available through the Buchanan County Industrial
Development Authority. This Authority is empowered to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds and can also act
as the recipient of Virginia Revolving Loan Funds.
The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) manages a financing
program that provides grants and loans for infrastructure improvements and for the location of new
industry and the expansion of existing industry. Its funding is derived from a portion of the coal
severance tax. The VCEDA maintains a current listing of all available industrial property in its service
area, and coordinates its activities with the local government jurisdictions that it serves. The Virginia
Coalfield Economic Development Authority also serves as an advocate for the coalfield region,
representatives from VCEDA serve on numerous organizations, committees, and special task forces
dealing with economic development related issues for the coalfields.
TAX RATES
Buchanan County has a 1% local sales tax above and beyond the 4.3% state sales tax
imposed on sale of goods throughout the state. The amount of taxable sales in Buchanan County
has risen over 20% in the past 15 years. This rise is within the same approximate range as other
counties in the area.
Engineers. The first priority is to replace water lines in the town of Grundy. The plan will be
developed, designed, and installed in phases. The Buchanan County Public Service Authority provides
water for much of Buchanan County. The PSA’s average daily water use is approximately 3,947,556
gallons.
FINANCE
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Business and industrial financial assistance is available through the Buchanan County Industrial
Development Authority. This Authority is empowered to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds and can also act
as the recipient of Virginia Revolving Loan Funds.
The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) manages a financing
program that provides grants and loans for infrastructure improvements and for the location of new
industry and the expansion of existing industry. Its funding is derived from a portion of the coal
severance tax. The VCEDA maintains a current listing of all available industrial property in its service
area, and coordinates its activities with the local government jurisdictions that it serves. The Virginia
Coalfield Economic Development Authority also serves as an advocate for the coalfield region,
representatives from VCEDA serve on numerous organizations, committees, and special task forces
dealing with economic development related issues for the coalfields.
TAX RATES
Buchanan County has a 1% local sales tax above and beyond the 4.3% state sales tax
imposed on sale of goods throughout the state. The amount of taxable sales in Buchanan County
has risen over 20% in the past 15 years. This rise is within the same approximate range as other
counties in the area.
A portion of the coal severance tax provides revenue for the Buchanan County general
fund.  The coal severance tax is also used for road improvements.
Real Estate tax in Grundy is .39 cents, and personal property tax is 1.95 dollars per
hundred dollars of assessed value.
Taxable Sales
2000-2015
Year ‘Buchanan Dickenson Russel Tazewell CPPDE
2000 115,923,478 | $48,398,260 | $107,862419 | $409,177,303 | $681,361,460
2001 114597950 | $47,977,617 | $101,878423 | $414,s83,974 | $679,337,964
2002 $114,720922 | $49,531,310 | $12,525,574 | $421,810,028 | 708,587,834
2003 112,152,118 | $50,249,767 | $129,188,820 | $439,228,597 | $730,819,302
2004 $16,924,712 | $52,914,791 | $138,753.68 | $462,767,675 | $71,360,546
2005 $107,211477 | $50,357,215 | $132,085,662 | $43,462,904 | $723,117,258
2006 123,290,187 | $57,182,687 | $149,040,720 | $503,888,173 | $83,401,767
2007 127,687,900 | $60,083,344 | $156,657,814 | $520,718,233 | $865,147,291
2008 $139,048887 | $63,232,095 | $161,030.85 | $541,605,045 | 905,817,012
2009 127,560,716 | $64,054,957} $157,889,960 | $532,354,982 | 881,860,615
2010 $125,345514 | $65,984411 | $158,276136 | $531,158,462 | $880,764,523
2011 142,304,553 | $68,042,398 | $159,840,501 | $540,216,247 | 910,403,699
2012 156,984,874 | $66,417,728 | $160,139.87 | $552,018.68 | 935,560,957
2013 $148,902,737 | $65,552,723 | $153,199.81 | $527,292,801 | 894,848,072
2014 $147,726,232 | $69,962,263 | $159,893,054 | $521,246,767 | $898,828,316
2015 141,875,222 | $60520,561| $172,010.22 | $531,489,881| _$905,896,586
Source: Virginia Department of Taxation
A portion of the coal severance tax provides revenue for the Buchanan County general
fund. The coal severance tax is also used for road improvements.
Real Estate tax in Grundy is .39 cents, and personal property tax is 1.95 dollars per
hundred dollars of assessed value.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Goal:  Improve the quality of education for all students.
Objective:  Structure curricula to promote acquisition of basic educational skills.
Policies:


Promote the development of a satellite educational system.


Expand special needs programs.


Carefully monitor population and enrollment trends to accurately project


educational needs.
Goal: To encourage an acceptable level of community facilities to be located in areas
throughout Buchanan County where they will be most efficiently and effectively
utilized.
Objective:  Provide all citizens of Buchanan County with access to community facilities.
Policies:

Insist that all new public buildings are built in compliance with the Americans

with Disabilities Act.

Follow the county ADA Plan to make the necessary renovations to existing public

buildings, to ensure that they meet ADA standards.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Goal: Improve the quality of education for all students.
Objective: Structure curricula to promote acquisition of basic educational skills.
Policies:

Promote the development of a satellite educational system,
Expand special needs programs.
Carefully monitor population and enrollment trends to accurately project

educational needs.
Goal: To encourage an acceptable level of community facilities to be located in areas
throughout Buchanan County where they will be most efficiently and effectively
utilized,
Objective: Provide all citizens of Buchanan County with access to community facilities.
Policies:
1, Insist that all new public buildings are built in compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act.

Follow the county ADA Plan to make the necessary renovations to existing public

buildings, to ensure that they meet ADA standards
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
Goal: To diversify the county’s economic base in order to reduce the dependence on coal
mining.
Objective:  Foster new or expanding local business by creating the necessary incentives. Policies:

Work with financial institutions to improve the availability of venture capital

for existing and new industries.

Provide a highly trained and motivated work force by using jobs training

programs to improve the skills of unemployed and underemployed
workers.


Increase inventory of industrial buildings and developed land.


Commit resources into market research and technical assistance for


local businessmen and local developers.

Encourage the development of industries utilizing raw materials from our

area’s natural resources.
Goal:  To reduce the number of persons and families living below poverty level.
Objective: Strengthen Buchanan County’s economy so that all residents will have
access to suitable employment.
Policies;


Continue area-specific industrial marketing and recruitment program.


Improve entrepreneurial opportunities, especially for unemployed workers.


 Improve access to skill training programs and enhance the programs'          



linkages with industry.
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
Goal: To diversify the county’s economic base in order to reduce the dependence on coal
mining.
Objective: Foster new or expanding local business by creating the necessary incentives, Policies:

Work with financial institutions to improve the availability of venture capital
for existing and new industries.
Provide a highly trained and motivated work force by using jobs training
programs to improve the skills of unemployed and underemployed
workers.
Increase inventory of industrial buildings and developed land.
Commit resources into market research and technical assistance for
local businessmen and local developers.
Encourage the development of industries utilizing raw materials from our

area’s natural resources.
Goal: To reduce the number of persons and families living below poverty level.
Objective: Strengthen Buchanan County’s economy so that all residents will have
access to suitable employment.
Policies:


Continue area-specific industrial marketing and recruitment program.


Improve entrepreneurial opportunities, especially for unemployed workers.


Improve access to skill training programs and enhance the programs’


linkages with industry,
FINANCE
Goal:  To provide the needed funding for county improvements and expansions.
Objective:  Maintain an adequate tax base.
Policies:

Consider the development of retirement facilities as a potential foundation for

diversified future growth and revenue.

Consider long terms gams from increased public investment in education,

transportation, and public utilities.

Support efforts to collect all assessed taxes.

Objective: Use Geographic Information System technology to develop an organized, up-to-date
cadastral system. Policies:

Convert Buchanan County tax maps into digital format and link the geographical

features with all tabular data relative to each parcel.

Periodically renew data in order to sustain accurate records.

FINANCE
Goal: To provide the needed funding for county improvements and expansions.
Objective: Maintain an adequate tax base
Policies


Consider the development of retirement facilities as a potential foundation for
diversified future growth and revenue.


Consider long terms gams from increased public investment in education,
transportation, and public utilities.


Support efforts to collect all assessed taxes.


Objective: Use Geographic Information System technology to develop an organized, up-to-date
cadastral system. Polici

Convert Buchanan County tax maps into digital format and link the geographical
features with all tabular data relative to each parcel.

1 Periodically renew data in order to sustain accurate records.
HOUSING
Goal:  To expand the range of housing opportunities for all county citizens.
Objective: Define and implement a residential development policy which will protect and
enhance the right of citizens of modest means to acquire housing.
Policies:


Develop programs to construct affordable housing.


Support the development of housing for citizens who are handicapped.


Support the development of low-income housing.


Support the development of alternative housing options for senior citizens.


Objective: Provide for safe and attractive housing and housing areas.
Policies:


Encourage property owners to maintain their dwelling units.


Promote rehabilitation of existing housing units which are below standards, where


possible seek federal and state funding to assist in making the
renovations.

Encourage cleaning and fix-up campaigns, calling upon the civic and church

groups within the community.

Sponsor a housing maintenance/housekeeping educational training program.

HOUSING
Goal: To expand the range of housing opportunities for all county citizens.
Objective: Define and implement a residential development policy which will protect and
enhance the right of citizens of modest means to acquire housing.
Policies:


Develop programs to construct affordable housing.


Support the development of housing for citizens who are handicapped,


Support the development of low-income housing.


Support the development of alternative housing options for senior citizens.


Objective: Provide for safe and attractive housing and housing areas.
Policies:
Encourage property owners to maintain their dwelling units.
2. Promote rehabilitation of existing housing units which are below standards, where
possible seek federal and state funding to assist in making the
renovations.
3. Encourage cleaning and fix-up campaigns, calling upon the civic and church
groups within the community.

Sponsor a housing maintenance/housekeeping educational training program,

LAND USE
Goal: To encourage harmonious and wise use of land through future developmental
decisions.
Objective: Implement a land use plan which will be used to guide future
development.
Policies:

Encourage new housing in areas where water and sewer service exists or is

planned.

Encourage development to occur in a manner which will best utilize the

natural characteristics of the land.

Discourage non-residential encroachment on residential areas, where feasible and

in the best interest of the area.
TRANSPORTATION
Goal: To promote feasible solutions to relieve current traffic problems and support future
land use objectives.
Objective: Provide a street and highway system that is compatible with residential,
commercial and industrial uses.
Policies:


Encourage improvement in the primary and secondary road system.


Improve traffic flow and circulation in the commercial areas.


Encourage the development of the Coalfield Expressway.


Encourage the development of scenic roads to help develop tourism.


LAND USE
Goal: To encourage harmonious and wise use of land through future developmental
de
jons.
Implement a land use plan which will be used to guide future
development.
Policies


Encourage new housing in areas where water and sewer service exists or is
planned.


Encourage development to occur in a manner which will best utilize the
natural characteristics of the land.


Discourage non-residential encroachment on residential areas, where feasible and


in the best interest of the area.
TRANSPORTATION
Goal: To promote feasible solutions to relieve current traffic problems and support future
land use objectives.
Objective: Provide a street and highway system that is compatible with residential,
commercial and industrial uses.
Policies
1 Encourage improvement in the primary and secondary road system.
2. Improve traffic flow and circulation in the commercial areas.
3. Encourage the development of the Coalfield Expressway.
4, Encourage the development of scenic roads to help develop tourism
IMPLEMENTATION
A number of tools and mechanisms may be used to implement a comprehensive plan.
These tools are mostly the responsibility of local governments and their administrative officials.
The effectiveness of these tools is dependent upon official commitment and citizen
understanding and endorsement. Some of the more common methods of plan implementation
include capital improvement programs, water and sewer facilities, subdivision regulations, road
improvement programs, community codes, ordinances and several state and federal grant and
loan programs.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
A capital improvements plan is a very effective implementation tool. This program is a
budgetary listing of all major public improvements needed over the next five to ten years, along
with the estimated costs of the improvements. The improvements are itemized on the basis of
priorities. Advantages to preparing such a budget are that ample time is available for perfection
of designs and gaining the best deal in terms construction costs, and adequate time is also
available for selecting the least burdensome method of financing.
COMMUNITY CODES
Housing, building, plumbing, electrical and fire codes are important to the
implementation of any planning program.  Codes can aid in ensuring adequate health,
sanitation and safety standards for the citizens of the county.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance standards can be used in the implementation of plans. They can be used as
a method of insuring that sub-standard development does not occur.  Performance standards
may be oriented toward flood protection, preservation of open space and agriculture lands,
IMPLEMENTATION
A number of tools and mechanisms may be used to implement a comprehensive plan
These tools are mostly the responsibility of local governments and their administrative officials.
The effectiveness of these tools is dependent upon official commitment and citizen
understanding and endorsement. Some of the more common methods of plan implementation
include capital improvement programs, water and sewer facilities, subdivision regulations, road
improvement programs, community codes, ordinances and several state and federal grant and
Joan programs.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
A capital improvements plan is a very effective implementation tool. This program is a
budgetary listing of all major public improvements needed over the next five to ten years, along
with the estimated costs of the improvements. The improvements are itemized on the basis of
priorities. Advantages to preparing such a budget are that ample time is available for perfection
of designs and gaining the best deal in terms construction costs, and adequate time is also
available for selecting the least burdensome method of financing.
COMMUNITY CODES
Housing, building, plumbing, electrical and fire codes are important to the
implementation of any planning program. Codes can aid in ensuring adequate health,
sanitation and safety standards for the citizens of the county.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS,
Performance standards can be used in the implementation of plans. They can be used as
a method of insuring that sub-standard development does not occur. Performance standards
may be oriented toward flood protection, preservation of open space and agriculture lands,
historical and cultural areas, as well as the more traditional residential, commercial, and
industrial areas.
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
The citizens, individually and collectively, can be of assistance and important in
implementing the comprehensive plan by keeping well informed to the changes in Buchanan
County’s growth patterns and using this knowledge to formulate sound and sensible
recommendations for needed revisions to the plan; by fostering widespread support for the
goals; by working with the administrative officials, offering advice and suggestions; and by
supporting other governmental and planning endeavors which endorse updates of the plan.
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Subdivision regulations are available as a way by which control can be exercised over
the division and development of land. They may be used to set standards for future
development by establishing design standards for block lengths and widths, street widths and
grades, street intersections, street alignment, lot sizes and other important features. Subdivision
regulations may be used to require the installation of basic improvements on land being
developed, such as
water distribution and sewage collection facilities, utilities easements, sidewalks, curbs, gutters,
etc.  They may also be used to require open space or recreation areas.
LAND ACQUISITION AND ASSESSMENT
The acquisition and/or assessment of land areas by a jurisdiction for the preservation of
open space, natural, or agricultural areas, is becoming important as a planning tool. Land
acquisition obtained by total, partial, lease, sale, rental or other techniques provides a wide range
historical and cultural areas, as well as the more traditional residential, commercial, and
industrial areas.
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
The citizens, individually and collectively, can be of assistance and important in
implementing the comprehensive plan by keeping well informed to the changes in Buchanan
County’s growth patterns and using this knowledge to formulate sound and sensible
recommendations for needed revisions to the plan; by fostering widespread support for the
goals; by working with the administrative officials, offering advice and suggestions; and by
supporting other governmental and planning endeavors which endorse updates of the plan.
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Subdivision regulations are available as a way by which control can be exercised over
the division and development of land. They may be used to set standards for future
development by establishing design standards for block lengths and widths, street widths and
grades, street intersections, street alignment, lot sizes and other important features. Subdivision
regulations may be used to require the installation of basic improvements on land being
developed, such as
water distribution and sewage collection facilities, utilities easements, sidewalks, curbs, gutters,
etc. They may also be used to require open space or recreation areas.
LAND ACQUISITION AND ASSESSMENT
The acquisition and/or assessment of land areas by a jurisdiction for the preservation of
open space, natural, or agricultural areas, is becoming important as a planning tool. Land
acquisition obtained by total, partial, lease, sale, rental or other techniques provides a wide range
of alternatives for Buchanan County or for any town therein.
of alternatives for Buchanan County or for any town therein.
Cover 2017 Buchanan
Buchanan County Comprehensive Plan 2017
LOCATION AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
POPULATION
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
HOUSING
LAND USE
Industrial land use guidelines:
Recreational and open space land use guidelines:
FINANCE
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal:  Improve the quality of education for all students.
Goal: To encourage an acceptable level of community facilities to be located in areas throughout Buchanan County where they will be most efficiently and effectively utilized.
Goal: To diversify the county's economic base in order to reduce the dependence on coal mining.
Goal:  To reduce the number of persons and families living below poverty level.
Goal:  To provide the needed funding for county improvements and expansions.
Goal:  To expand the range of housing opportunities for all county citizens.
Goal: To encourage harmonious and wise use of land through future developmental decisions.
Goal: To promote feasible solutions to relieve current traffic problems and support future land use objectives.
IMPLEMENTATION