Board backs CV safety action plan and recommends Smart Scale option C for CVTC access

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the Central Virginia safety action plan and to recommend Option C from three smart-scale designs for a proposed second entrance to the Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC) property.

A deputy director from the Central Virginia Planning District Commission (CVPDC) told the board the plan was developed in coordination with localities and summarized regional crash statistics: the plan targets a 50% reduction in serious and fatal crashes by 2045 and is intended to help jurisdictions qualify for federal dollars under USDOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The CVPDC noted a $280,000 grant funded the action-plan work, with a $70,000 match from the PDC and in-kind support from partners.

Staff presented three design options for a second entrance to the CVTC property and recommended Option C as the strongest smart-scale application because it preserves the most existing buildings and has a lower projected cost, which raises competitiveness in the program selection process. The EDA submitted a letter supporting Option C. The board voted to recommend Option C to the smart-scale portal and adopted the safety action plan resolution to signal leadership commitment in pursuit of future grant funding.

The deputy director emphasized that the safety action plan is a data-targeted approach, noting a small percentage of roadway mileage accounts for a disproportionate share of serious and fatal crashes; local staff participation and alignment with the county comprehensive plan were cited as reasons to adopt the resolution.