Rep. McGuire's Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act Advances Through the Committee Process

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative John McGuire's (VA-05) legislation, the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act, was included in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands' legislative hearing. Senator Tim Kaine (VA) leads the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate with Senator Mark Warner (VA) as an original cosponsor.

Wintergreen, Virginia is a popular tourist destination located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County, Virginia. Currently, the Wintergreen community has only one entrance and exit route; presenting a significant safety concern if there were to be an evacuation due to a natural disaster.

Congressman McGuire's Wintergreen Emergency Egress Actdirects the Secretary of the Interior to issue a right-of-way to Wintergreen to finish an emergency route upon the completion of the required reviews; ensuring residents and visitors have an alternative route to use to evacuate during a catastrophic event, while minimizing disturbance to federal land.

"I am proud to introduce this legislation which will help solve an over 25-year problem for the town of Wintergreen and puts public safety first," said Congressman McGuire. "The danger posed by limited evacuation routes is well documented. The difference between survival and catastrophe comes down to whether there is more than one way out during times of emergency. I'm proud to have the support of seven of my House colleagues in the Virginia Delegation and both of Virginia's Senators on this straightforward bill that prioritizes public safety."

Watch Rep. McGuire's testimony here.

"There is currently only one road for entry to and exit out of Wintergreen, and residents have shared their concerns with me about the risks that poses if there is an emergency," said Senator Kaine. "I'm proud to be introducing this bipartisan legislation to support the construction of a new road and enhance public safety."

"Every American is taught as a child the importance of knowing where emergency exits are located. It's why schools have fire drills," said Curtis Sheets, Chief of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue. "Every American who travels by air understands the importance of knowing where the exits from the plane are located. That is why we have safety briefings on every single flight. Serious wildfire events such as those in Gatlinburg, TN, and Paradise CA, have all underscored the importance of having emergency exits from neighborhoods. The Wintergreen community does not have an emergency exit, even though creating such an exit would be incredibly simple. We have tried for over 25 years to gain approval from the National Park Service. We appreciate Congressman McGuire for helping us continue and hopefully finish the fight."

While Congressman McGuire and other members of the Virginia Delegation work to pass this through the House, Virginia's Senator Kaine and Senator Warner are advancing it in the Senate. This important piece of legislation will provide the thousands of residents and visitors with a reliable and safe emergency evacuation route and help keep Virginians safe.

"Currently, there is only one road in and out of Wintergreen, posing a great risk to residents and first responders in the event of an emergency," said Senator Warner. "This legislation takes the first step towards fixing this potentially life-threatening problem and prioritizing public safety during a natural disaster or emergency situation."

"This legislation is critical to the safety of the thousands of residents and visitors who visit Wintergreen Resort every year," said Congressman Wittman (VA-01) "I am proud to support this investment into the emergency preparedness of Virginia's tourism industry - ensuring that both tourists and staff aren't put in harm's way."

"The thousands of people who live in Wintergreen or are staying at the Wintergreen Resort deserve a safe and reliable evacuation route - this legislation would establish just that," said Congressman Vindman (VA-07) "I'm proud to support the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Actto decrease the risk in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, guaranteeing that federal partners can help Wintergreen build the infrastructure its residents and first responders have needed for years."

"Wintergreen is one of Virginia's greatest treasures, and the safety of the families who live, work, and visit there must always come first," said Congressman Cline (VA-06) "With only a single road in and out, the risk during a natural disaster or emergency is simply too great to ignore. Congressman McGuire's Wintergreen Emergency Egress Actis a commonsense, life-saving solution that will give first responders and residents the critical access they need to safely evacuate when it matters most."

"In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, we must prioritize the safety of our communities above all else," said Congresswoman McClellan (VA-04) "Construction of an additional exit route for Wintergreen will give residents and tourists the peace of mind that they can safely and calmly evacuate the area if needed. I am pleased to join Congressman McGuire's efforts to save lives through the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act."

"The Blue Ridge Parkway is a major tourism engine that generates revenue for mountain communities in Virginia, including in Virginia's Ninth District," said Congressman Griffith (VA-09). "I am proud to join my Virginia colleagues in exploring sensible policies that support the Parkway. The Wintergreen Emergency Egress Actprovides a safer environment for a significant Parkway attraction."

Background:

Wintergreen, Virginia, home to the very popular Wintergreen Resort, has only one entrance and exit road, creating a serious safety risk for the thousands of residents and visitors who rely on it. Without an additional emergency evacuation route, lives could be endangered during a natural disaster or crisis. Congressman McGuire's Wintergreen Emergency Egress Actwould authorize the construction of a crucial emergency exit on National Park Service land, providing the community with a safe, reliable way out when it matters most.