Wythe County reports broadband progress, seeks federal aid for $7M water tank and Cannery relocation

Deputy County Administrator Matt Hankins updated the Wythe County Planning Commission on multiple infrastructure projects and funding efforts at the May 4 meeting.

Hankins said the county aims to finish the bulk of the current broadband rollout by the end of June and listed roads and neighborhoods completed or under active work, while noting easement issues have delayed some lanes. He said work on Dry Pond and Connor Valley was expected to be finished the prior week and named other streets still in process.

Ex-officio Jesse Burnett told commissioners the Board of Supervisors has submitted federal assistance requests tied to major infrastructure priorities. Burnett said one request is for a Lots Gap water tank tied to the Blue Star Project; he described the proposal as about a $7 million project to increase storage capacity. Burnett also said the county requested federal support for a new Cannery location, including a commercial kitchen and new offices for Extension staff; Burnett told commissioners he believes the Cannery project remains on track for completion by the end of the month.

Hankins also reported the county will hold a May 26 public hearing on codifying ordinances and provided dates for Recreation Department openings and the Liberty at the Lake festival July 3–5.

The commission did not vote on funding requests at the May 4 meeting; Burnett presented these items as Board-level funding initiatives currently under pursuit.