Board updates VDOT support for Dillard site and backs $10,000 Go Virginia match for Sweet Briar

Summary

The board amended a prior resolution to support up to $800,000 in VDOT design funding for roads to the Dillard Industrial Site (no county cost); it also directed the administrator to include a $10,000 FY27 match for Sweet Briar College’s Go Virginia grant application to expand engineering workforce training.

The Board approved two economic‑development actions on Dec. 2.

The Economic Development Authority requested an update to a prior VDOT economic‑access resolution for the Dillard Industrial Site. Staff reported a revised design‑only estimate of $550,000 plus contingencies; the EDA sought board approval to increase contingency support in the resolution to allow up to $800,000 while maintaining no net increased county cost (the EDA said it had a small contingency match). The board approved the updated resolution.

Separately, Sweet Briar College representatives asked the county to include a $10,000 local match in the FY2027 budget for a $150,000 Go Virginia grant proposal to expand power‑generation instruction and local engineering workforce pipelines. Dr. Jonathan Bender said the program aims to place additional graduates locally and partner with industry; the board directed the county administrator to add $10,000 to the FY27 budget line for the match and approved the motion by voice vote.