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Alltel, Verizon merger slows Appalachia cell tower project

WISE — A merger between Alltel and Verizon Wireless has apparently put a promised cell tower to serve the town of Appalachia and communities north of the town on hold, drawing concern from public officials.

U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., recently sent letters to Verizon Wireless and Alltel officials over the delay.

Alltel had promised to have a cell tower erected and operational by the end of this year.

Boucher wrote that locals “now understand the merger and divestiture of Alltel assets in Wise County means the Appalachia cell tower project is now on hold.” Citizens and businesses have expressed concern over an “indefinite” delay in the project, he wrote, particularly on the issues of public safety and economic development.

Wise County Supervisor Ronnie Shortt on Monday said he, fellow Supervisor Fred Luntsford Jr. and Boucher intend to keep the pressure on to make the project happen.

“I think the merger has put it on a slower track, but I think the people of Appalachia need to know that Boucher, myself and Fred are committed to the project and committed to make it happen,” Shortt said. “I feel it will happen. We just need to work through the details of this merger.

“What has frustrated people the most is the merger and everything has put this project on a slow track rather than a fast track. We are committed to putting it back on a fast track and move this project forward because we know the need for it in Appalachia.”

A Democrat, Shortt is one of four county supervisors seeking re-election during Tuesday’s statewide elections in Virginia. His District 1 seat is the only contested supervisors race, facing a challenge from Marlene Bush of Exeter. Bush is running as an independent.

Supervisors seeking unopposed re-election bids today are Republicans Robbie Robbins of Tacoma, Virginia Meador of Big Stone Gap and Bob Adkins of Wise.

Running unopposed for re-election to the Wise County School Board are District 2’s Phillip Bates of Wise and Betty Cornett of Big Stone Gap in District 3. Contested races for the school board include Rocky C. Cantrell and Terry Shortt, both of Pound, in District 1, and Nolan Kilgore and Jess Roy Powers, both of Coeburn, in District 4.

Incumbent school board members Barry Nelson of Appalachia in District 1 and Monty Salyer of St. Paul in District 4 are not seeking re-election. Nelson is the current chairman of the school board.

Statewide posts on the Wise County ballot will include unopposed re-election bids by Delegate Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City, and Delegate Bud Phillips, D-Clintwood. Kilgore’s District 1 includes all of Lee and Scott counties and a portion of Wise County that includes Big Stone Gap.

Virginia voters will also elect a governor, lieutenant governor and state attorney general. The gubernatorial contest is between Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds. Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling is seeking re-election over Democratic challenger Jody Wagner, and the state attorney general’s contest is between Republican Ken T. Cuccinelli and Democrat Stephen Shannon.

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

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