Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development And Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Big Stone Gap pump track groundbreaking set for September; Gateways plan and POWER programs advance
Summary
The board heard updates that construction documents for the Big Stone Gap pump track are final and construction will begin in June with a September 2025 groundbreaking; Gateways to Southwest Virginia plan is expected by end of June and POWER 23/24 program work is underway.
Jen Otey told trustees that construction documents for the Big Stone Gap pump track are finalized, construction is set to begin in June and a groundbreaking is planned for September 2025.
Otey also updated the board on the Gateways to Southwest Virginia Outdoor Recreation Economy Plan, noting recent public input meetings in Norton and Critz and an expected completion date at the end of June. Jessica Lawrence reported that downtown assessments tied to the Virginia Main Street ARC ARISE grant are underway in 10 designated Main Street communities, with site visits completed in Wytheville, Galax and Pulaski and strong public engagement during walking tours.
Catherine Fox said the POWER 23 and POWER 24 initiatives are progressing: the team is drafting an RFP for POWER 23 focused on creative economy and tourism workforce development, and POWER 24 is scheduled to launch in summer 2025 to continue investment in the cultural and creative sectors.
Board members did not take formal action on these development items at the meeting; updates were presented for informational and planning purposes.
