Rodney Hathaway, staff member, presented a proposed local historic roadside marker program and a draft resolution on Aug. 29, and the Board of Supervisors adopted the resolution establishing the program.

Hathaway told the board the state permits localities to operate their own roadside marker programs if they adopt a local resolution and submit a marker design for Department of Historic Resources (DHR) approval. He said once the county’s program is approved by DHR, the New Kent Historic Commission would review proposed marker language and sites, then present marker proposals, cost estimates and installation plans to the board for final approval.

Why it matters: the local program gives the county discretion on marker language, site selection and timing; Hathaway said the county’s design proposal will prominently display the county logo and that DHR historically prefers a green sign but the county will submit a white‑background design with a green alternative if needed.

Board action: the board adopted the resolution (R‑2425 R1) to establish the New Kent County Historic Roadside Marker Program. Hathaway and commissioners said maintenance of markers is a concern, and that while the state maintains many markers, the local program will need a plan for ongoing upkeep; the board directed staff to follow the process in the adopted resolution.

Next steps: staff will submit the proposed marker design to DHR for approval. After the Historic Commission approves individual marker language and locations, the commission and staff will come to the board with cost and installation proposals for each marker for the board’s approval.