Board defers 183‑acre LRA parcel decision, hears REPI purchase option from Ward Burton Foundation

After public comment and a foundation presentation, the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors moved to defer action on a proposed sale of an approximately 183‑acre tract adjacent to Fort Pickett and asked the Economic Development Committee to examine the parcel’s intended use and valuation before further action.

Tommy, executive director of the Ward Burton/Wally Foundation, explained REPI (Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration) purchase options available to landowners near military installations. He said the foundation can acquire property and conserve it to protect the military mission, but purchases do not automatically place a conservation easement on the deed; National Guard Bureau approval is required for any restrictions or leases that might affect mission compatibility. Tommy also said the foundation typically does not take a percentage of project funds and often requests only modest donations from landowners when it negotiates easements or purchases.

Board members pressed the foundation director on possible contractual protections for the county—asking, for example, whether the county could secure a resale-sharing clause if the foundation later sold land at a profit. Tommy said the foundation is open to negotiating terms and can structure cooperative agreements with the National Guard Bureau to protect both military readiness and community interests. He added the foundation currently has funding allocated (FY25 funds) to purchase the 183‑acre tract and the officers club but emphasized timing constraints for spending those funds.

The board tabled E1b, the 183‑acre parcel, and directed staff to schedule EDC review and town participation at the January 22 EDC meeting; the motion to defer carried. County members said they want more detail on potential conservation restrictions, tax implications and options to secure value-sharing terms if the county sells property below market.