The Wise County Board is scheduled to consider public comment on a project referred to as the “Appalachian Rekindling Project” at its meeting on Oct. 8, 2026, according to the published agenda. The agenda, posted to the county’s Agenda Center on the CivicPlus platform, lists the item alongside references to small modular reactors (SMRs) and data centers.
The matter is relevant to residents because the agenda indicates public comment will be heard on a project connected to SMRs and data center development, according to the published record. The agenda does not include a staff report, financial figures, or technical details beyond the comment listings themselves.
- Meeting date: Oct. 8, 2026, Wise County Agenda Center
- Agenda item: Public comment on the “Appalachian Rekindling Project,” linked to SMRs/data centers
- Rusty Gilley, Big Stone Gap, Va., listed as expressing confusion about the Appalachian Rekindling Project, according to the agenda
- Gabby Gillespie, Big Stone Gap, Va., listed as expressing support for the project, according to the agenda
- Travis Kennedy, Wise, Va., listed in connection with comments supporting indigenous people and referencing data centers, according to the agenda
According to the published agenda, the item is slated for discussion at the Oct. 8, 2026, board meeting. The agenda does not specify whether a vote or formal action on the project itself is scheduled for that date.
Residents seeking to engage with the matter can attend the Oct. 8, 2026, meeting in person or submit public comment through the process outlined in the posted agenda, available via the Wise County Agenda Center.
Official source: the published record