No budget deal this week, but negotiators report progress

Opponents of a proposed Google data center in Botetourt County, Virginia, voiced their concerns to the Western Virginia Water Authority board during a meeting on January 15 in downtown Roanoke. The specifics of their opposition were not detailed in this report. Separately, the Virginia General Assembly convened for a special session. While no agreement was reached on the state budget, lead negotiators from both the Senate and House of Delegates indicated progress in private discussions aimed at reconciling a $1 billion difference between their respective two-year spending plans.