The Accomack County Board of Supervisors agreed to shift its SmartScale transportation funding strategy after VDOT staff told localities that causeway and Route 175 improvements are unlikely to score well in the next funding round.

What staff presented: Lee Pambit, deputy county administrator for community and economic development, told supervisors the local residency and district VDOT staff had convened a meeting and identified the most problematic intersections on the Eastern Shore and noted a cost "sweet spot" of about $10 million to $15 million for likely successful SmartScale projects. Staff said no section of Route 175 ranked highly in the district's prioritization and that previous Route 175 applications (including a 2024 submission estimated at $103 million) were far outside favored project size and had been denied in prior rounds. VDOT staff indicated large causeway improvements would be costly and unlikely to score well. (Provenance: presentation s=1674.0549's=1995.87.)

Board direction and votes

- The board asked staff to pivot away from another large Route 175 SmartScale application and to pursue projects that fall within the district's preferred cost/benefit range.

- Supervisors specifically asked staff to move forward with pre-application planning for a SmartScale application that would include Marion Smith Road and Fisher's Corner (motions carried). (Provenance: motion s=3036.98'vote s=3063.8499.)

- The board also voted to send a written request to VDOT Richmond and the state secretary of transportation, copied to the county's legislative delegation, outlining the county's concerns about traffic and safety on Route 175 and the broader economic significance of Wallops Island-related travel demand. Supervisors said they expected the letter to highlight tourism and Wallops Research Park economic impacts and to ask agency leadership to reconsider regional prioritization and support. (Provenance: discussion and motion to send letter s=2663.7952's=2793.23.)

Why it matters: The board has sought SmartScale funds repeatedly for Route 175 projects; staff told supervisors this would be the fourth attempt. VDOT staff advised the county that large-scale causeway work would be "far too expensive with minimal impact," and that the preferred project size for higher scores is much smaller. The board's decision to pursue alternative intersections increases the county's chance of winning state competitive funds in round 7 (planned for 2026), while also preserving political options of asking Richmond and the secretary for additional consideration.

Context: In earlier meetings the county pursued wider economic-development aims for Route 175 (to accommodate large loads bound for Wallops Island). After a change in the economic context (including a dredging project), staff said the application rationale would need to shift from economic development to congestion and safety to meet VDOT scoring priorities.

Ending: Staff will pursue pre-application conversations with district staff this fall and prepare SmartScale pre-application materials if the board confirms the selected intersection projects. The board's letter to VDOT Richmond is expected to be drafted by staff and mailed on the board's behalf.