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Board directs staff to amend FY25 CIP to pursue VDOT revenue-share funding for Victoria Drive
Summary
The board voted to amend the fiscal year 2025 Capital Improvement Plan to include Victoria Drive (estimated $223,909.44) as a placeholder so the county can apply for Virginia Department of Transportation revenue-share funds; the item passed after debate over precedent for private-road upgrades.
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors on March 18 directed staff to amend the fiscal year 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to include Victoria Drive and a funding placeholder so the county can apply for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) revenue-share program.
Tyler Creasy, a county staff member, told the board that the revenue-share application requires the project be included in the county's current fiscal-year CIP. Creasy said the total amount to be added to the CIP for documentation to VDOT is $223,909.44. He noted that staff could wait to bring an ordinance adopting the road-improvement project until after VDOT makes a revenue-share decision, but VDOT requires the project be on the current CIP to apply.
Supervisor Martin moved to direct staff to amend the FY25 CIP to include the 50% local match required under the VDOT revenue-share program for the upgrade of Victoria Drive. During discussion, one board member raised reservations about setting a precedent that could prompt many private-road requests; another board member said the county could screen requests and would not be compelled to accept all future petitions. Martin clarified that the financing mechanism would not be a direct county gift: projects would be repaid through a special taxing district over 10, 15 or 20 years depending on the approach.
The board approved the motion by voice vote. The transcript records an affirmative voice vote with no roll-call tally.
Staff will prepare the CIP amendment and supporting documentation for the VDOT application and return to the board if revenue-share funds are awarded, at which point the board would consider the ordinance and acceptance of any VDOT award.
