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FFEDI reports site studies, grants and Main Street work as county pursues development options
Summary
Franklin Southampton Economic Development Incorporated updated the board on site studies (Beale Farm), Main Street work in Courtland/Cortland, and two received grants, including a potential kayak project and a data-tracking grant; staff said work continues with Timmons Group and the county's building study.
Carl T. Heck, president and CEO of Franklin Southampton Economic Development Incorporated, briefed the Southampton County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 27, 2026, about ongoing economic development work.
Heck said staff are advancing site studies for the Beale Farm (EDP/BDP work) with Timmons Group to improve the site's tier ranking and to pursue additional state funding for site implementation. He reported work on a Cortland Main Street initiative and community visioning, including a branding exercise and planned public events. Heck also said the county received two grants — one for a potential kayak project and another for data tracking — and that a startup event (Franklin South Hampton) is expected in the spring.
Heck told the board a Virginia 250 committee is meeting to plan anniversary events for July 4, 2026, and staff will provide periodic updates. The board did not take action during the presentation but asked staff to continue coordination with state partners and return with details as projects progress.
