Botetourt County secures $18M investment from Google for community development and infrastructure

During the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 24, 2025, significant discussions centered around community development and the impact of a major investment from Google. The meeting highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to enhance public facilities and support local initiatives, particularly in parks, recreation, and small business development.

One of the key topics was the proposed construction of a community event center and office for the recreation program at Greenfield, estimated to cost $3.6 million. This facility aims to address the county's deficit of public meeting spaces, although officials acknowledged it would not be a complete solution to the issue.

In addition to the community center, the meeting revealed that Google would provide $100,000 annually to support parks and recreation efforts. This funding is part of a broader commitment from Google, which includes a total of $500,000 allocated for community development projects. These funds will assist in acquiring necessary software, vehicles, and other capital needs for the department.

The meeting also addressed the final payment of $500,000 toward the Botetourt Historic Museum, which is expected to be located near the recently relocated slave quarters. This funding is part of a matching commitment facilitated by Delegate Terry Austin from the Virginia General Assembly.

Library renovations were another focal point, with plans for a $3.5 million upgrade to the Buchanan branch. Google’s funding will play a crucial role in making this renovation possible.

Furthermore, the meeting underscored the importance of small business development in the county. Funding for this initiative will double over the next five years, with additional interest from these funds expected to contribute over $250,000 back into the program.

Public safety was also a topic of discussion, with plans to implement an additional dollar per square foot fee on new data center buildings to support fire and EMS services, particularly for ambulance replacements.

The meeting culminated in the announcement of a significant milestone for Botetourt County: the attraction of the first hyperscale data center in the region, backed by Google. This investment is seen as a validation of the county's long-term economic development strategy and is expected to stimulate further growth in technology-oriented businesses, enhancing the region's economic landscape.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect Botetourt County's proactive approach to community development and economic growth, with a focus on leveraging partnerships and investments to improve local infrastructure and services. The anticipated next steps include the implementation of these projects and continued collaboration with Google and other stakeholders to maximize the benefits for the community.