County holds RAISE grant planning hearing for Route 19/460 corridor study

Tazewell County held a public hearing Dec. 3 on a planning study tied to a potential RAISE grant focused on traffic and safety improvements along Route 19/460 near Claypool Hill.

County staff explained the RAISE process: the initial grant typically funds planning and alternatives analysis that produce a list of improvement options; later grant rounds or matching funds are needed to implement capital projects. Staff described the study area roughly between the Lowe’s and Walmart sites and emphasized traffic safety issues created by multiple closely spaced commercial entrances and limited sight lines.

Supervisors and staff discussed potential options (including a dedicated turning lane to allow safer entry/exit for businesses), the multi‑year timeline for study and implementation, and coordination with VDOT and local economic developments that could increase road funding opportunities in the future. Public comment periods were opened; no substantive public testimony was recorded during the meeting. The board does not take immediate action on implementation—this is a study-step to support future grant applications.

What happens next: staff will include public comments in the planning record, present the study area to the planning commission, and pursue grant applications if the study identifies implementable options. The board noted that potential local matching funds (including future revenues) could improve the county’s prospects for implementation grants.