The Nottoway County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to enter a contract to sell county-owned land to the Ward Burton Foundation, approving a $2,013,000 agreement to acquire parcels discussed during a public hearing on the Foundation’s offer and proposed protections for Fort Pickett’s training mission.

Board members, Foundation representatives and residents spent more than two hours discussing three priority parcels (including a 183-acre tract adjacent to the base and smaller parcels with an officers club and barracks). The Foundation’s spokesperson said the organization had “maxed out with what we are allowed to pay within our program” and outlined additional due-diligence commitments the foundation would cover, including legal expenses, an environmental assessment and surveys.

Supervisors said their vote aimed to protect the military mission while capturing up-front revenue for local services. "It brings over $30,000,000 to the county," one presenter said when describing Fort Pickett’s regional economic impact. Board members also emphasized that accepting airport overlay protections and deed restrictions could limit incompatible uses near the base.

During the hearing supervisors and speakers asked for written clarifications about which uses would be allowed and who would enforce compatibility restrictions. Foundation representatives and several speakers said the base commander — not the county — would have the continuing role of deciding whether a future tenant or project was compatible with training needs. One Foundation representative said, “We’re gonna pay for all legal expenses. We’re gonna pay for the DVR, environmental assessment. If a survey is needed, we’re gonna pay for it.”

The hearing covered tax implications at length after citizens and supervisors raised concerns that a 501(c)(3) owner could affect the county tax base. Foundation representatives responded that the organization does pay real estate taxes where it owns land; specific tax treatments for individual parcels were discussed as part of post-approval steps and public advertising requirements.

Speakers also raised concerns about potential long-term changes to what the military deems compatible — citing examples such as wind turbines or data centers that can affect training systems — and asked that deed restrictions and any base-commander language be documented. Board members requested the Foundation put key terms in writing before final closing and complete required public-advertising steps.

Following public comment and questions about appraisals, deed restrictions, archaeological review and the sequencing of funding modifications, Speaker 12 moved to authorize a contract for the sale; Speaker 8 seconded. The board recorded the motion and announced the result as a 5-0 vote to proceed to contract and public advertisement. The county will complete required public-advertising steps and verify funding availability before closing.

The board adjourned after directing staff to follow up on written commitments and the public-advertising process.