BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – A group of West Virginia coal miners helped rebuild a road in North Carolina that was destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
The unnamed coal miners helped restore access to a 2.7-mile stretch of highway from Bat Cave to Chimney Rock, according to Senator Joe Manchin.
The project was originally estimated to take months by state officials. Some considered the project impossible, according to Governor Jim Justice. However, the coal miners did it voluntarily in under a week.
Justice thanked the miners for “pulling the rope together and being amazing” and said this is “another reminder of why West Virginia miners are the absolute best in the world.”
Manchin echoed Justice’s sentiments.
“West Virginia’s coal miners are the most heroic and patriotic men and women I have ever met in my life, and the fact that several of them voluntarily went to North Carolina to help restore access to a road destroyed by Hurricane Helene is proof of just that,” Manchin said. “This is a perfect example of the Appalachian tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. Our brave miners have consistently done the heavy lifting to power West Virginia and America to greatness. Because of their work ethic and determination, they helped our country win two world wars, build cities and a strong middle class, and our miners continue to support Americans in every corner of the country. I want to send my deep appreciation to these coal miners for their selfless act of service to our Appalachia neighbors in need.”
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