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Committee advances bill allowing Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority to dissolve so Roanoke County can assume Explorer Park
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to report a bill that would authorize the Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority to dissolve and allow Roanoke County to assume ownership and operation of Explorer Park; DCR supported the transfer and Roanoke County representatives described about $8 million in local investments.
Senate Bill 796, presented in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, would authorize the Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority (VRFA) to dissolve and allow localities to assume ownership of a park project known as Explorer Park along the Roanoke River.
The bill's sponsor told the committee that the VRFA — created in 1986 to develop the park — has not met expectations over decades and that Roanoke County and Bedford County have sought authority to take full ownership so local governments and concessionaires can invest directly in the site. "Roanoke County has spent about $8,000,000" on the park since assuming operations under a lease, a Roanoke County representative said during testimony.
Matt Wells, director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), told the committee the department supports the bill and that county operation has succeeded. "We support the bill," Wells said, adding the county "will continue to do a fine job with it. There's no need for this to revert back to the Commonwealth."
Eldon James, representing Roanoke County, described water and sewer extensions and recent investments intended to expand recreational offerings and concession opportunities.
The committee voted to report the bill and refer it to the Finance Committee. The clerk reported the roll call as Ayes 13, Noes 0.
What happens next: Because the committee reported SB 796, the bill will be considered by the Finance Committee as the legislative process continues.
