Goochland officials say board will vote to oppose ValleyLink transmission route after residents cite harms

County Administrator Jeremy Raley told a packed Goochland County town hall that the Board of Supervisors will consider a resolution opposing the ValleyLink transmission project at its April 7 meeting, reflecting strong community opposition. "Our residents' voices have been heard loud and clear and ultimately understand the voices of our community," Raley said, adding that the final application goes to the State Corporation Commission.

Residents at the meeting pressed county officials about route maps and notice. One attendee described being told she was "not one of the affected properties" until staff opened an alternate map and found an "alternate h" route next to her home; another, speaking for his children, said a 160-acre timber farm "will be completely ruined" if the line is placed there and urged the board to pass "not just a resolution, but a strong resolution of opposition." The county reported more than 360 people attended a ValleyLink open house the previous night.

Speakers at the meeting raised technical and health concerns, including whether electricity carried by the line would serve local residents or feed Northern Virginia data centers. One resident asserted the power would not provide "any sort of direct benefit to Goochland County," a point Raley said would likely be reflected in the draft resolution. Raley also said the county has had "good communication with Dominion" and expects to be notified before a route is filed with the SCC; he urged residents to continue submitting feedback through ValleyLink's website and county channels.

On next steps, Raley said the county plans regional coordination with neighboring localities and possible participation in the State Corporation Commission process to represent residents' views. He encouraged attendees to use a county webpage the staff plans to centralize with maps, contact points and links for public comment. The board vote on the resolution is scheduled for April 7; the project’s ultimate regulatory approval rests with the State Corporation Commission.

Discussion vs. decision: the town hall recorded public comment and a county announcement of a forthcoming resolution; no final board vote on the resolution was taken at the meeting. The county said the resolution is being drafted and will be posted when the April 7 agenda is published.