Floyd supervisors approve Blue Ridge Parkway support, VRS hazardous-duty change and hazard-mitigation plan; authorize transfer-station grading and fee public-he

Floyd County supervisors moved quickly through several items Tuesday, voting to back a regional Blue Ridge Parkway initiative, adopt the New River Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan, approve a retirement-plan change that enables enhanced hazardous-duty retirement benefits for county first‑responders, and authorize a grading contract for the county transfer station. The board also authorized public hearings on proposed changes to the building-inspection and solid-waste fee schedules and reappointed a county representative to New River Community College.

The board voted 5‑0 to adopt a resolution supporting Blue Ridge Rising, the regional Blue Ridge Parkway initiative. Kevin Brandt, vice president for engagement at the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, briefed the board on the foundation’s role and the Appalachian Regional Commission grant that will fund corridor projects across 22 counties. "We kicked off an initiative called Blue Ridge Rising... it aspires to unite all the counties and the gateway communities," Brandt said during his presentation.

On another unanimous vote the board approved the New River Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 update, an FEMA‑reviewed document county staff say is required to preserve eligibility…