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Buchanan County breaks ground on Southern Gap High School; federal, state and local partners praise project
Summary
Officials and project partners marked the groundbreaking for Southern Gap High School, highlighting federal funding authorities tied to historic flood response, construction progress across a 59‑acre site and plans for a consolidated, state‑of‑the‑art facility for the region.
Sherry Fletcher, emcee for the ceremony and a member of Buchanan County Public Schools administration, opened the Southern Gap High School groundbreaking by tracing the project’s origins to flood recovery authorities stemming from the April 1977 flood and the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 1981. She said supplemental appropriations and a 2020 sponsor agreement enabled the relocation and consolidation plan that led to the Southern Gap site.
"This has been a long journey," Fletcher said, describing the project as a milestone that will expand academic, vocational and athletic opportunities for students in the county. She thanked federal, state and local partners, school staff and community members for their role in bringing the project to this point.
Colonel Jason Putman, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Huntington District, described the work as an example of disaster recovery producing long‑term benefits. "Sometimes good can come from that," Putman said, referencing the historic flood program that supported risk‑reduction and relocation efforts. Project representatives told the assembled audience the consolidated campus sits on roughly 59 acres and noted ongoing site work, including grading, excavation for soccer and baseball/softball fields, foundation pours for Areas A–D, and upcoming concrete slab work scheduled for early March, weather permitting.
Curtis Saleslick, Skanska’s project manager, introduced the expanded construction and design team — including Branch Builds as design‑build contractor and BMDO Architects as lead architect — and thanked local contributors and school officials who supported planning and execution. Mark Cooper, identified as the principal for Southern Gap High School, and assistant principals Chad Stevens and Greg Tester joined school leadership representatives for photos and brief remarks; the district also noted it has applied to trademark the school mascot and brand ("Southern Gap Eagles" in white, gold and black).
Representatives from Sen. Mark Warner’s office and other legislative staff read commendations and presented a flag flown at the U.S. Capitol in recognition of the project manager’s service. Speakers emphasized the expected benefits of a consolidated modern facility for academics, arts, trades and community events.
The ceremony closed with acknowledgments of the county board of supervisors, county IDA members, school staff and students who served as ushers. Project teams said they will provide regular construction updates to the board and to the public as work continues toward school opening.
