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Public Policy

The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce spearheads the business community’s involvement in public policy issues through its Government Affairs Committee.

The committee analyzes policy issues, makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, and drafts letters and other communications to convey the organization's positions. The Chamber voices dissent or support, as appropriate, for key legislation and government action.

State and local issues directly impacting the Lake region’s economic vitality are the focal point of the organization’s government affairs agenda.

Following are examples of how the Government Affairs Committee acts to serve the needs of its members:

    • Provides leadership in the drive to secure AMTRAK service in the Town of Bedford.
    • Supports improvements to the safety and traffic flow on local roads and aging bridges as well as Interstate 81.
    • Along with the Smith Mountain Lake Association, SMLRCC encouraged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to tighten environmental constraints along the Mountain Valley Pipeline route so as to protect ground water flows into the Lake.
    • Annually creates a Public Policy Agenda to communicate the Chamber's public policy objectives to legislators, elected officials, and  policy leaders. The widely-distributed agenda is used to express the collective desires of the business community in Franklin, Pittsylvania and Bedford Counties. Often cited by legislators in discussions with visiting Chamber members.

Local State Legislators

Newman, Steve

23rd District (R)

Campbell County (Part), Botetourt County (All), Craig County (All), Bedford County (Part), Roanoke County (Part), Lynchburg City (Part)

Contact Sen. Newman

Ruff, Frank

15th District (R)

Brunswick County (Part), Charlotte County (All), Mecklenburg County (All), Lunenburg County (All), Nottoway County (All), Campbell County (Part), Dinwiddie County (Part), Halifax County (Part), Pittsylvania County (Part), Prince George County (Part), Danville City (Part)

Contact Sen. Ruff

Stanley, Bill

20th District (R)

Galax City (All), Martinsville City (All), Patrick County (All), Henry County (All), Carroll County (Part), Franklin County (Part), Halifax County (Part), Pittsylvania County (Part), Danville City (Part)

Contact Sen. Stanley

Suetterlein, David

19th District (R)

Floyd County (All), Salem City (All), Bedford County (Part), Carroll County (Part), Franklin County (Part), Montgomery County (Part), Roanoke County (Part), Wythe County (Part)

Contact Sen. Suetterlein

Adams, Les

16th District (R)

Counties of Henry (part) and Pittsylvania (part); City of Martinsville

Contact Del. Adams

Austin, Terry

19th District (R)

Counties of Alleghany, Bedford (part), and Botetourt (part); City of Covington

Contact Del. Austin

Byron, Kathy

22nd District (R)

Counties of Bedford (part), Campbell (part), and Franklin (part); City of Lynchburg (part)

Contact Del. Byron

Williams, Wren

9th District (R)

Counties of Franklin (part), Henry (part), and Patrick

Contact Del. Williams

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Legislative Websites & Resources

Local Governments

State Government

Federal Government/Regional Commissions & Coalitions

BFRRI - Bedford Franklin Regional Rail Initiative

Bedford is a logical stop to get where you’re going – Charlottesville, Washington, D.C. and New York City are easier to get to by train. The train will bring visitors to our great places – downtown Bedford, Smith Mountain Lake, SML State Park, Peaks of Otter, Poplar Forest, Booker T. Washington Natl. Monument, and the National D-Day Memorial.

Join 11,000 others who support a passenger rail stop in the Town of Bedford. The Bedford Franklin Regional Rail Initiative group needs your support to make a rail stop in Bedford a reality. Already on board are the governing bodies in the Town of Bedford, the counties of Bedford, Franklin and Botetourt, the city of Roanoke, Region 2000 Local Government Council, local members of the Va. General Assembly, the two local Chambers of Commerce, tourism destinations, and 130 local businesses.

Read the July 2, 2019 Lynchburg News & Advance Editorial advocating for Bedford Amtrak https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newsadvance.com/opinion/editorials/amtrak-take-a-chance-on-bedford/article_a419aeaf-8f61-5064-9775-cbbe0c0c103d.amp.html

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