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Board asks legislators to study rail fuel delivery alternatives for Montvale terminals
Summary
The supervisors unanimously approved a resolution asking staff and local legislators to study rail delivery and other alternatives for fuel delivery to the Montvale terminals after pipeline disruptions and terminal permit rescissions raised local fuel‑security concerns.
The Bedford County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution requesting staff and the locality's state legislators study alternatives — including rail delivery — for delivering fuel to the Montvale terminal area.
Supervisor Davis moved the resolution (R102521‑08), citing the cessation of pipeline fuel flow into the region since early 2018, several terminal operators beginning to rescind Department of Environmental Quality permits, and Colonial Pipeline's unwillingness to rehab the existing pipeline. The resolution asks staff and local legislators (including Delegate Terry Austin) to assess feasibility, costs and potential funding sources for rail delivery and other delivery alternatives for the Montvale area.
Supporters of the resolution argued the matter is a local security and resilience concern, noting the potential for severe weather or a pipeline failure to interrupt truck deliveries and create shortages. Staff said the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and legislative contacts could assist with feasibility conversations and that the General Assembly could potentially fund a study if the board requests it.
The board approved resolution R102521‑08 by unanimous vote and directed staff to begin coordination with regional partners and legislators on the study scope and next steps.
