BOONE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On Thursday, June 10th, 2021, Congresswoman Carol Miller, who represents West Virginia’s Third Congressional District, visited communities, held a discussion with small business leaders, and met with elected officials across Boone County. Delegate Josh Holstein (R-Boone) accompanied her along with two members of her staff.
In a series of stops across the county, Congresswoman Miller discussed economic recovery, job growth, economic development, and the work she is doing in Washington D.C.
She made her first stop in Comfort, WV. This community, which has been severely impacted by the substance abuse epidemic, recently saw Lotus Recovery Centers open a facility in Comfort. Congresswoman Miller toured the facility to celebrate the importance of having a substance abuse treatment facility in Boone County and to discuss potential legislation that could remove barriers to substance abuse treatment.
“First, I visited Lotus Recovery Centers in Comfort. These facilities do remarkable work for those suffering from addiction. Thank you for having me, and for all you do to care for and support our communities,” said Congresswoman Miller in a Facebook post.
Seeking input from small businesses concerning the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Congresswoman Miller stopped by ‘The Country Store’ in Seth, WV. Miller was greeted by store owner Jimmy Craig and spoke with store customers as they shopped.
Miller spoke about her efforts in keeping the coal industry moving in the right direction in West Virginia. She touted her successful negotiation with Vietnam who has agreed to purchase West Virginia coal as an energy resource.
“I’m working, not with just Vietnam, but several other nations to establish a relationship and work to sell West Virginia coal to keep our economy going,” Miller said.
In addition, Congresswoman Miller visited the Upper Big Branch Miner’s Memorial in Whitesville, WV, laying flowers at the memorial base. “I visited the Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial to honor the 29 brave coal miners who lost their lives on April 5th, 2010. This is a tragic reminder of all our coal miners do to keep our lights on and houses warm. These miners will never be forgotten,” Miller said.
In Madison, Congresswoman Miller met with several local and county elected officials to discuss economic development, spending of COVID-19 relief money, and establishing a open line of communication between her office and their respective offices.
“I’m here to listen. You all tell me how I can help you,” Miller said.
The Congresswoman took questions about the HOBET mine property in Boone County that has long been seen as a potential hub for economic development not only for Boone County but for the entire region. Miller explained that she had requested funding in the amount of $10,000,000 from the federal government to develop the property.
In the requesting document to the committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Miller wrote, “This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and is anticipated to have the following benefits of connecting the citizens of the region to a part of the state that has been cut off from development and is in a prime position to become and economic hub to Boone County and the surrounding Appalachian region.”
Boone County Commissioners Craig Bratcher and Brett Kuhn, Sheriff Chad Barker, Circuit Court Judge Will Thompson, and Delegate Margitta Mazzocchi were in attendance.
Finishing up her visit, Congresswoman Miller toured the BARN Community Center in Nellis. The former elementary school building, now serves the area as a community resource center, offers services such as counselling, a free food pantry, a clothing closet, a library with computer and internet access, and more. She expressed her support for the work of the organization and offered her full support in helping solve any potential issues in the future.