Goochland Board OKs $250,000 to support county participation in ValleyLink proceedings

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors voted to amend the FY2026 budget to transfer and appropriate $250,000 from the unassigned general fund to support county advocacy in proceedings related to the proposed ValleyLink transmission project.

Several residents urged the board to move beyond a symbolic resolution and fund technical and legal representation for the county. "Allocating these funds would allow the county to retain legal counsel and experience in in the NSCC proceedings to formally represent the county's position," resident Christie Payne told supervisors during citizen comment, noting the project’s large towers and right‑of‑way footprints.

Supporters of the transfer said the SCC proceedings will be decided on technical evidence, and county participation requires expert testimony, environmental analysis and property‑value studies. Board members who supported the transfer emphasized the need to spend funds judiciously and to coordinate with neighboring localities to ensure that the county’s resources are used where they are most effective.

During board discussion, supervisors reiterated that the SCC is the decision‑maker for transmission siting and that Goochland’s role is to present evidence and testimony. The roll‑call vote recorded the motion’s passage; the appropriation will be overseen by the county administration with reporting requirements to the board.

The funding is intended to pay for consultants, engineers and legal counsel to prepare materials and present testimony in state proceedings, should the county pursue those options.

Next steps include formalizing spending guidelines and a process for vetting and retaining consultants; the board emphasized transparency and strict oversight on advocacy expenditures.