Rep. John McGuire's Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act passes in the House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John McGuire's (VA-05) Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act passed in the House of Representatives, resolving a 25-year problem five other  lawmakers had worked on in the past. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a right-of-way for an emergency exit on a specified section of NPS land, allowing the town of Wintergreen to construct an additional exit route to use in case of an emergency.

“I am proud my Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act passed in the House of Representatives today,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “This bi-partisan legislation will make it safer for residents and visitors of Wintergreen to exit the mountain in the event of an emergency. As a Navy SEAL veteran, father of five, and your representative, protecting people is a core tenant of who I am. I would like to thank my colleagues for coming together to pass this legislation. I look forward to a similar outcome in the Senate where companion legislation is being pushed forward by Senator Tim Kaine. When we can put our differences aside and work together, Virginians are safer.”

"For over 25 years the community of Wintergreen has been trying to obtain permission to construct a 400’ gravel road which will allow our citizens a pathway to safety during certain wildfire scenarios," said Chief of Wintergreen Fire and Rescue Curtis Sheets. "We’re extremely encouraged by the passage of this act and we very much appreciate the work of Congressman McGuire, his staff, and all those who have participated along the way."

Background on the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act

• The town of Wintergreen, Virginia, home to Wintergreen Resort, is a popular tourist destination for those who reside in Virginia and across the country. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County, Wintergreen only has one entrance and exit road, which poses a significant safety concern.
• Without an additional emergency evacuation route, the thousands of people who live in Wintergreen or are staying at the Wintergreen Resort are at risk in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Thousands of lives could be in jeopardy if an alternative emergency route is not constructed.
• Congressman McGuire’s bill, the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act, would authorize the creation of an emergency egress on NPS land, ensuring that Wintergreen residents and visitors have access to a critical, life-saving evacuation route.

You can find a copy of the bill's text here.