Board pledges $100,000 to FFA alumni ag complex to unlock matching grants

The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors voted to support the Appomattox FFA Alumni Association’s plan for a multiuse agricultural complex by approving a $100,000 county contribution to unlock matching grant requirements.

Ed McCann, an agriculture teacher speaking for the FFA Alumni, described the proposed 96‑by‑132‑foot facility as a hands‑on space for students and the community, hosting livestock pens, training rooms and events that organizers said would support workforce development and local economic activity. McCann said the project is roughly a $1.0 million program with a building cost target just over $800,000; the alumni group reported nearly $200,000 in private donations and said it is 91% of the way through initial fundraising for the building phase. The contribution requested from the county would allow the group to meet matching requirements for a Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission grant and support a resubmission to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Board members discussed funding options and the appropriate mechanism. County staff advised that a direct contribution should come from the general fund as a special appropriation rather than EDA funds, which have limited mechanisms and would require a separate EDA board vote. Supervisor Herman Jones moved that the county support the project with a $100,000 contribution; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with all supervisors indicating aye.

Staff said the timing and fiscal‑year placement of the appropriation will be determined by the county administrator and that a special appropriation from the general fund is the recommended path. The board also agreed to the request to resubmit the Department of Agriculture grant application on the FFA Alumni’s behalf.