We are pleased to submit to you and the Virginia General Assembly the 2023 Annual Report of the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority (the “Authority"). This report is submitted as both the annual report and the annual executive summary of the Authority required under Virginia Code § 15.2-6015.4(3).

The Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority was formed by the General Assembly in 2017 to improve the transportation into, from, within, and through Southwest Virginia, assist in regional economic development, and generally enhance highway safety in the affected localities of Southwest Virginia. The Authority has a 12-member board and is staffed by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA).

The Coalfields Expressway, designated as U.S. Route 121 and a Congressional High Priority Corridor, is a proposed limited-access highway to provide a modern, safe, and efficient transportation artery through the coalfield region of far Southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia. The completion of the Coalfields Expressway will open up the area for economic development and tourism, including new business and industrial sites and improved access to business and industrial parks and tourism assets such as the Breaks Interstate Park, thereby making the region much more competitive for economic development projects and tourism opportunities. The Coalfields Expressway also will allow the region’s citizens much better access to employment, educational, workforce development, and health care opportunities.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor’s office and the General Assembly to help advance the completion of the Coalfields Expressway in as expeditious manner as possible for the benefit of the Commonwealth’s citizens in Southwest Virginia.

Sincerely,

/s/ Jay Rife
Chairman