Prince George board authorizes staff to negotiate wastewater options with Sussex, Hopewell and to develop funding plan

Prince George County on Aug. 12 directed county staff to pursue agreements with both Sussex County and the City of Hopewell while staff develops a financing plan for new wastewater capacity needed to attract industrial development.

At the start of a lengthy utilities discussion, Frank Holcomb, director of utilities and engineering, said the county’s current wastewater and water capacity “will not be able to meet our demands for the many industrial projects that we have already lost,” and summarized three options: sending wastewater to Hopewell, building a new plant (in‑county or regionally with Sussex), or continuing the status quo. He told the board that scope and cost estimates have risen since earlier planning and that the county must identify funding sources and contracts to take advantage of a $10 million Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) grant within an eight‑week window.

The county’s economic consultant, Martina Arel of Mangum Economics, presented an economic and fiscal impact model showing that a hypothetical build‑out of industrial sites could support thousands of jobs and generate substantial tax and utility revenue over 30 years — but only if utility capacity exists. “These new employers could help offset some of the trends in your county,” Arel said, noting modeled increases in average wages and long‑term tax revenue. Board members repeatedly cited that study in arguing that capacity is necessary to attract large, water‑intensive projects.

Mr. Holcomb reviewed the two partner options: expanding the City of Hopewell Water Renewal Facility and building a new plant tied to Sussex County. He said sending flow to Hopewell may require clarifier expansions and a force main and carries the risk of higher long‑term sewer rates; by contrast, a phased build with Sussex would carry higher upfront capital costs (for a longer force main and a new plant) but would give Prince George more operational control and potentially lower operating costs in the long run.

Citizens and regional officials also spoke. Justin Noblin of Centennial Road urged the board to act: “We are at a position now where previous boards have shorted the county,” he said, calling a Sussex partnership “the only logical option” for long‑term control. Richard Douglas, Sussex County administrator, told the board Sussex leaders are “very enthusiastic” about partnering and that the Sussex board would consider the proposal; David Conmeade, Sussex deputy county administrator for economic development, also noted potential mutual benefits and regional funding opportunities.

After discussion and two competing motions, the board voted to authorize county staff to negotiate agreements with both Sussex County and the City of Hopewell and to direct staff to present at least five potential funding options for capital and operations. That motion passed on roll call with one abstention. The board also instructed staff to pursue the state grant timeline and return with any agreements for board approval.

What this means: The county is now authorized to negotiate multiple partnership paths and to seek funding options that could include bonds, tax increment financing, dedicated local tax districts, grants, or other tools. Any agreement or construction contract will still require board approval.

Provenance: Staff presentation and discussion began at 02:22:08; public comments and Sussex representatives’ remarks occurred between 02:45:10 and 02:57:20. The board vote authorizing staff to negotiate with both localities occurred at 02:57:20.