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Newport News council unanimously adopts easement ordinance, multiple grant appropriations and $12M bond for water projects
Summary
The Newport News City Council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing a utility easement at 7090 Church Lane, multiple grant appropriations including a $499,768 Operation Ceasefire award and a $1,026,617 CMAQ pedestrian grant, and a $12 million bond appropriation for water system improvements.
The Newport News City Council on a unanimous vote approved a package of ordinances, grant appropriations and a $12 million bond to fund water system upgrades and other projects.
During the meeting the council adopted an ordinance authorizing a utility easement with Main Energy Virginia across city property at 7090 Church Lane in James City County; the public hearing drew no speakers and the item passed 5-0.
Council also approved several staff-recommended actions presented by the city manager: a City Code amendment (Chapter 38, Article 2) intended to simplify fee schedules and authorize the Director of Engineering to waive or reduce fees; a memorandum of understanding with Virginia Veterans Memorials Inc. to fund an Iraq Veterans Memorial in Huntington Park (no financial obligation to the city); and the appropriation of $9,173 in federal grant funds for domestic violence emergency supplies and outreach. Each measure carried on unanimous votes.
The council accepted a $499,768 award from the Department of Criminal Justice Services under the 2026 Operation Ceasefire program to support the Commonwealth's Attorney's office in partnership with the Newport News Police Department; a council member noted the funds will help pay for a paralegal position and police overtime. The appropriation was approved 5-0.
Economic and transportation investments approved included: an endorsement of Annandale Millwork and Allied Systems Corporation's application for $625,100 in Rail Industrial Access funds; appropriation of $1,026,617 in Virginia Department of Transportation Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program funds for citywide pedestrian improvements; and a $12 million bond appropriation for the distribution system improvement program, which includes a reappropriation of $4,491,921 from FY2024 for an advanced metering infrastructure project and replacement of more than four miles of distribution pipelines with associated road resurfacing. Each resolution passed unanimously.
All roll-call votes recorded in the meeting were 5-0 in favor. No items in this package generated extended debate or public opposition during the meeting.
What happens next: the approved bond and appropriations will move to implementation steps identified by city staff, including procurement and project scheduling; specific project timelines and contractor selections were not specified at the meeting.
