Our legislative victory at the federal level this week brings to a successful conclusion many years of work. I want to take this opportunity to thank one person in particular who has been instrumental in achieving this success. The designation of the Coalfields Expressway as part of the National Highway System stems from the joint effort I have undertaken with Senator Warner, and I commend him for the leadership he has shown as chairman of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. We both appreciate the enormous importance of this project to our coal producing counties, and we have joined in a bipartisan approach, the effectiveness of which has now been demonstrated. We have made a highly positive beginning with this week's Congressional action.
Challenges now lie ahead at the state level.
Given the enormous benefits to our region which this vital transportation link will produce, I am confident we will meet those challenges successfully.