Goochland supervisors approve $250,000 to support opposition to ValleyLink transmission project
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Summary
After public comment urging county participation at the State Corporation Commission, the Board of Supervisors approved a $250,000 transfer from the general fund to retain counsel, engineers and experts to formally participate in review of the ValleyLink transmission proposal.
The Goochland County Board of Supervisors voted to transfer $250,000 from the unassigned general fund to support the county’s participation in State Corporation Commission review of the ValleyLink transmission project.
Supporters framed the funding as a way to prepare technical testimony and legal advocacy at the state level. “Allocating these funds would allow the county to retain legal counsel and experienced engineers … to meet the SCC requirements,” resident Christie Payne told the board during the citizen‑comment period.
Board members said the county has no regulatory authority over the route—those decisions rest with the State Corporation Commission—but argued public resources can help the county present evidence and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions. One supervisor stressed that the funds must be spent “very judiciously” and focused on work that will influence a state‑level decision.
The resolution passed on a roll‑call vote after brief discussion about coordination with nearby localities and the need for careful oversight of any contracted experts. The board also said it plans to invite ValleyLink and Dominion Energy representatives to a public session to present the project and proposed routes so residents can question the developers directly.
Next steps: the county will publish guidance for residents who want to participate in a citizen‑led committee and will post contact and sign‑up information on the county website.
