Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Tourism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves resolution supporting Blue Ridge Rising action plan and Parkway recovery
Summary
The board adopted a resolution endorsing recovery of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Hurricane Helene and supporting the Blue Ridge Rising action plan; the resolution does not obligate county funding but designates an Amherst County ambassador for the program.
Amherst County supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution supporting full recovery of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Hurricane Helene and endorsing the Blue Ridge Rising action plan, a multi-county initiative to boost economic resilience in communities along the Parkway.
Kevin Brandt, Virginia development director for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, presented the Blue Ridge Rising effort, describing a corridor-wide planning process begun in 2023 that engaged more than 800 participants across 29 counties. Brandt said the initiative proposes six themes and more than 50 strategies — from unified marketing and enhanced visitor facilities to voluntary scenic-resource protection — and is seeking $12 million in implementation funding including an Appalachian Regional Commission grant and private fundraising. He emphasized that the foundation is not asking counties for operating funds; instead, each county is invited to appoint an ambassador to the Blue Ridge Rising Ambassadors Action Team.
Brandt noted the Parkway is among the most-visited National Park Service units and stressed expected economic benefits for gateway communities. He said the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has applied for ARC funding and will seek state and foundation matches; Amherst County, Brandt said, would not be expected to provide funding by adopting the resolution. Board members complimented the plan’s potential benefits, discussed Parkway sites such as Otter Creek and the Bluffs restaurant restoration, and noted the local ambassador role. Supervisor Martin moved to adopt the resolution as presented; the board approved the motion by voice vote.
The board’s action is an endorsement of the planning initiative and of Parkway recovery, not a funding commitment. Randy Nixon was identified as Amherst County’s representative to the Blue Ridge Rising ambassadors group; Brandt said Nixon had agreed to serve.
What’s next: The foundation will continue fundraising and application processes for ARC and other grants; Amherst County’s ambassador is expected to participate in the ambassadors action team and help prioritize projects local to the county.
