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Amelia County EDA approves archaeological survey and to pursue VDOT access study for Richardson Road site
Summary
The Amelia County Economic Development Authority voted to add a Phase 1 archaeological survey to a Go Virginia due‑diligence grant for the Richardson Road property and authorized staff to pursue a VDOT access‑road analysis; the measures are expected to incur no out‑of‑pocket cost to the EDA.
The Amelia County Economic Development Authority on May 13 approved rolling a preliminary Phase 1 archaeological survey into existing Go Virginia due‑diligence grant funds for the Richardson Road site and authorized staff to begin exploring VDOT funding for intersection and access‑road planning.
Neil, a staff participant who presented the update remotely, said Sam Carroll is finishing the master plan and preliminary engineering report; the EDA has a $100,000 Go Virginia grant for due diligence and Sam’s current contracts total less than $90,000, leaving room in the grant to cover an archaeological survey estimated at about $5,000. “The grant should cover the total cost of it,” Neil said, adding that the survey would reduce the risk of later delays if gravesites or other archaeological resources are found.
Board members discussed the tradeoffs of surveying now versus discovering historic resources during construction; several noted the survey is simpler and cheaper than stopping work later. The board moved, seconded and voted in favor of seeking a scope amendment through the Go Virginia network and authorizing Sam Carroll to proceed with the Phase 1 archaeological investigation under the grant.
Members also authorized staff to initiate discussions with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff about access‑road analysis and permitting for the site’s intersection with Route 316. Neil said VDOT maintains a rolling funding process for access planning and that preliminary cost estimates and permitting analysis would be required before a formal grant application or design work.
Because the EDA’s current grant balance and contract status indicate adequate funds, board members indicated no out‑of‑pocket cost was expected for the archaeological work and agreed it was a prudent step in the project’s due diligence. The board did not identify a named mover or seconder for the motion in the transcript; the action was recorded as passed.
Next steps: staff will seek the Go Virginia scope amendment, authorize Sam Carroll to perform the Phase 1 archaeological work if the amendment is approved, and assemble cost estimates and initial discussions with VDOT for an access study.
