Economic development report: Beale Farm site work, broadband nearing county completion

Summary

Franklin–Southampton Economic Development reported a $223,000 site-readiness grant for Beale Farm (about $199,235 reimbursed to date), progress on a Go Virginia grant, and broadband build progress (4,931 passings completed, 169 remaining), with several projects expected to finish by the end of the fiscal year.

Carl D. Heck, president and CEO of Franklin–Southampton Economic Development, told the board March 24 that the county's Beale Farm site-readiness work is advancing under a $223,000 Virginia Economic Development Program grant, with $199,235 reimbursed so far. He said Timmons Group is completing engineering work to raise the site's readiness tier.

Heck also summarized a Go Virginia grant ($87,900 plus $9,600 local match) for Turner Tract site activities and said the VADI broadband project has completed 4,931 passings in the county with approximately 169 passings remaining, largely in cul-de-sacs and rural pockets; he said contractors expect completion by June.

Why it matters: Site-readiness grants and broadband completion are central to the county's strategy to attract industry and support agriculture and commerce. Heck said the county is keeping farmland in production while preparing sites for potential industrial or logistics prospects.

No formal board action was required; supervisors asked clarifying questions about timelines and permit status for a private prospect. Heck said he will report back as permits and project milestones move forward.