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County attorney says Southwest Virginia training academy discussion could bring major investment; site talks preliminary
Summary
The County Attorney told the Smyth County board that early outreach about a possible Southwest Virginia Regional Training Academy center drew interest and mentioned a potential investment figure that officials characterized as preliminary; no site or commitment was made and decisions could take years.
The County Attorney told the Smyth County Board of Supervisors that conversations are underway about a possible expansion of the Southwest Virginia Regional Training Academy and the possibility of a new center in Smyth County. The county attorney credited the Wellspring Foundation with instigating discussion and said local leaders had "got our foot in the door" with parties exploring site options.
At the meeting the county attorney described the project as potentially large and said, as an estimate presented during outreach, it "can be a significant investment, $6,070,000,000 potential." The attorney and board members emphasized that site selection and final decisions are preliminary and could take a couple of years; no binding commitments were made and no formal vote was taken.
Board members welcomed continued engagement and the county will track outreach and updates as plans evolve. The attorney said the county will continue to explore locations and the broader regional interest in a training center, and he thanked community partners who have participated in early conversations.
No motions or authorizations to commit county funds or land were brought at the meeting. The discussion was presented as informational and staff were not directed to take any immediate procurement or land actions.
