Buchanan County breaks ground on Southern Gap High School; Army Corps and contractor report active site work

Buchanan County Public Schools and local, state and federal partners held a groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 14, 2025, to mark the start of construction on Southern Gap High School. Speakers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the county and lead contractors described active site work and framed the project as a long-awaited investment in the region’s students.

Angie McClanahan, chair of the Buchanan County School Board, called the occasion a ‘‘milestone’’ and thanked ‘‘agencies and departments’’ whose collaboration made the project possible. She said the new facility will expand opportunities in academics, athletics and vocational trades and will ‘‘open so many doors for our youth.’’

A construction representative reported that site grading is under way, ‘‘the football field is nearly excavated,’’ stone has been placed for athletic parking and concrete foundation work in the gym and auditorium areas is progressing. The speaker said mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in has begun in the gym area and that crews will continue work as weather allows.

Colonel Jason Putman, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Huntington District, said the project traces to post-flood federal programs and underscored the Corps’ role in completing flood-risk mitigation and related community investments. ‘‘This focus is really about education for the children,’’ Putman said, adding that projects born of disaster recovery can yield long-term community benefits.

Curtis, introduced as the project manager for Skanska, and representatives from Branch Builds and local consultant firms introduced the construction team and thanked local officials for months of planning and coordination. Skanska and its design-build partners outlined the on-site team, noted that some foundation and block work is complete, and said further work will proceed as weather permits.

Federal and legislative representatives participated in the ceremony. Shane Flynn, speaking for Senator Mark Warner, read a letter of recognition and presented a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to the project manager. Tyler Lester, representing Senator Todd Pillion’s office, pledged legislative support and said the facility will ‘‘be the envy of Southwest Virginia.’’

The ceremony concluded with community acknowledgements and a symbolic shovel-turning. Officials said next steps include ongoing construction milestones, continued coordination between the school system and contractors, and regular project updates as work advances.