Hanger scores high, algae update, more I-81 work: THE DIGEST

Akhil Ganesh, Monique Calello and Jeff Schwaner, Staunton News Leader
·5 min read
Sen. Emmett Hanger during the 2022 Fourth of July parade in Gypsy Hill Park.
Sen. Emmett Hanger during the 2022 Fourth of July parade in Gypsy Hill Park.
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Hanger headlines local state representatives on Virginia League of Conservation Voters report card

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters released their annual report card grading state politicians on their work in conservation of agricultural land and natural spaces, based off of 20 votes in the House of Delegates and 23 votes in the Senate. The scores are on a scale from 0-100, with 100% being the highest possible score for a legislator. For Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro, the scores were:

Sen. Emmett Hanger 

  • Career Score: 52%

  • 2023 Score: 68%

Del. John Avoli

  • Career Score: 39%

  • 2023 Score: 35%

Del. Chris Runion

  • Career Score: 33%

  • 2023 Score: 17%

Del. Ellen Campbell

  • Career Score: 29%

  • 2023 Score: 29%

Hanger was singled out amongst representatives from the area as a “statesman and lead negotiator on key conservation issues.” In April, Hanger announced the Land Preservation Tax Credit that he had co-patroned in 1999 had been responsible for the conservation of more than 1 million acres of natural, cultural, scenic, and historic resources. He was also lauded for his work on clean water issues and the Chesapeake Bay cleanup. He is recognized for helping find a compromise between environmental and agriculture communities regarding the Chesapeake Bay in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To see the report card for yourself and to learn more, check out the Virginia League of Conservation Voters website.

Construction begins at I-81, exit 235

AUGUSTA COUNTY — A project to enhance safety and ease traffic congestion is scheduled to start Monday, July 10, around the Interstate 81 exit 235 (Weyers Cave/Grottoes) interchange in Augusta County, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The improvements will help drivers entering the interstate on-ramps from Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) and Route 11 (Lee Highway), VDOT said.

Contractors will construct a 450-foot right-turn lane on Route 256 westbound leading to the entrance of the I-81 northbound on-ramp. They will also build a 350-foot right-turn lane that begins on northbound Route 11 and continues on eastbound Route 256, leading to the I-81 southbound on-ramp.

During most phases of the project, construction will require only shoulder closures, VDOT said. However, motorists should be alert for occasional flagger traffic control during nighttime and overnight hours (8 p.m. to 7 a.m.), and heavy equipment moving in and out of the work zone.

In May, VDOT awarded a $1,144,958.40 construction contract to General Excavation Inc. in Warrenton. The project has a contract completion date of May 29, 2024. All work is weather permitting.

Augusta County launches video tours website

AUGUSTA COUNTY — Augusta County has launched a video tours website that holds a collection of short videos sharing information about the county with visitors and for new and future residents and businesses.

The community video tour gives visitors along with new and future residents and businesses an overview of life in Augusta County and includes topics such as agriculture, education, healthcare, public safety, quality of life, outdoor recreation and community organizations.

You can find links to the community video tour website on the Augusta County website or go directly to the tours, www.AugustaCountyVA.gov/videotour.

The videos were produced with CGI Digital through a program in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo). CGI Digital is a corporate member of NACo and produces the official state-wide video program cost-free to members of NACo.

Detail from a Google map created by Virginia Department of Health.
Detail from a Google map created by Virginia Department of Health.

Precautions continue at Smith Mountain Lake regarding harmful algal blooms

The Upper Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County is continuing to experience a harmful algal bloom (HAB), according to a Virginia Department of Health press release. A swimming advisory remains in effect for the Upper Blackwater River above the confluence of Giles Creek. The advisory area where the public should continue to avoid swimming can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map.​

Because of improved water test results, "the advisory from the Blackwater River from the confluence with Gills Creek to the confluence with the Roanoke River has been lifted," according to the press release.

The most recent status report, containing the advisory area and sites where samples were collected, may be viewed at Smith Mountain Lake – Blackwater River HAB Status Report July 7, 2023.

​People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddle-boarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water in this area.

Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution throughout the lake. Additional follow-up samples indicating algae and toxins are below levels of concern are necessary to lift the remaining advisory – dates of next sampling are to be determined.

VDH warns that the map does not include all possible blooms, only those reported and under investigation." They list the following guidelines for preventing illness:

  • Avoid contact with any area of the lake where scums are present or water is green or blue-green or an advisory sign is posted,

  • WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!

  • Not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.

  • Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algal bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after contact with algal scum or bloom water.

  • Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom.

  • Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs and cook fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish fillets are safe to eat.

  • Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154 if you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom.

  • Visit http://www.SwimHealthyVA.com to learn more about harmful algal blooms or to report an algal bloom or fish kill.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Hanger scores high, algae update, more I-81 work: THE DIGEST