Cumberland supervisors authorize steps to pursue Dominion Energy power‑generating facility, hire counsel and engineers

The Cumberland County Board of Supervisors on May 5 unanimously approved three actions to advance discussions with Dominion Energy Virginia on a potential power‑generating facility in the county. The board voted to "retain Gentry Locke to provide legal services necessary for the Dominion Energy Virginia project," to authorize the county administrator or designees to negotiate with Dominion Energy on facility location and related needs subject to final Board approval, and to procure engineering services to assess infrastructure needs and costs.

Supervisor Eurika Tyree moved the package of authorizations and Supervisor Robert Saunders Jr. seconded the motion; the motion carried with all members voting aye. The board's motion empowers county staff to negotiate site specifics and concurrently hire technical and legal advisors so the county can assess potential impacts, infrastructure costs and contract terms before bringing any final agreement back to the Board for approval. The board also scheduled a joint workshop with the Economic Development Authority that evening to continue related economic development discussions.

The authorizations covered by the motion are procedural approvals to begin negotiations and contracting for evaluation work; no final agreement with Dominion Energy Virginia was approved at the meeting. The board recorded the vote as Mr. Hamlet — aye; Mr. Newman — aye; Mrs. Tyree — aye; Mr. Stimpson — aye; Mr. Saunders — aye.