Board approves series of motions including SMR support letter, grants and facility funding

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors voted on a slate of motions at its Jan. 7 meeting, approving actions that range from regulatory steps on a flood-hazard ordinance to funding for school construction, public-safety facilities and park lighting.

Taken together the votes direct staff to advertise proposed changes to the flood hazard overlay district, authorize the county administrator to send a letter of support for Appalachian Power Company's small modular reactor early-site-permit grant application, accept the county's fiscal year 2024 audit, and approve several appropriations and capital expenditures. Board members made the motions during the regular meeting and each passed on voice votes.

Why it matters: The votes set several multi-step processes in motion. Advertising the flood ordinance starts the public hearing process required before adoption. The letter of support helps Appalachian Power Company pursue federal early-site-permit grant funding; the county still will participate in subsequent public review steps. Accepting the audit closes the county's formal review of FY2024 finances and triggers filing and reporting obligations.…