Board authorizes county administrator to sign Port of Virginia MOU for Broad Creek dredging grant

Middlesex County supervisors authorized the county administrator March 4 to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Virginia to accept roughly $2.3 million for the Broad Creek dredging project.

County staff said the Port awarded the money on an expedited/emergency basis for waterway maintenance and that the award will be paid by reimbursement. Heather Lewis, the county attorney, and Matt Walker, county administrator, said the MOU follows the Port's standard form but contains only minor, agreed changes. Louie (Louis) Lawrence, the county's coastal program lead who applied for the funding, told the board the Port has previously issued emergency waterway maintenance awards only twice and that Middlesex is the second recipient.

Board members asked for clarity on how much county money has already been spent on dredging design, engineering and related contracts. County staff provided a breakdown during the meeting and said encumbrances from the county's dredging fund total about $949,926 across several contracts and designs, including Broad Creek design and other early work. Staff said many design and permitting costs should be reimbursable under the Port grant but that reimbursement occurs after the work is completed and invoices submitted.

Supervisor Jesse moved the authorization and Supervisor Bill Harris seconded; roll call was unanimous in favor. Staff said the port funds are reimbursement grants and that work should be shovel‑ready so the Port can approve the award and accelerate contracting and permitting where possible.

Board members asked staff to provide a clear accounting of money already spent from the county dredging fund and to return with details on reimbursements the county can expect. Staff said they will supply the requested breakdown to the board and the public.