Board backs moving forward with PPTA finding for Eastern Avenue connector in Crozet

Albemarle County staff told the Board of Supervisors they will seek a county-executive authorization to execute a Public-Private Transportation Act finding of public interest for the Eastern Avenue connector in Crozet, opening the way to issue an RFP for a public-private partnership.

Lance Stewart, the countys director of facilities and environmental services, said the project has been in Crozet plans since 2004 and that VDOTupdated its cost estimate last year to $39.5 million, up from earlier estimates near $28 million and prior planning figures of about $17.4 million. He said the county has identified $17.3 million in its capital improvement plan as a ceiling for public funds. Consultant Brian McPeters described the teams risk assessment and said the project has been rated a medium risk; the proposed procurement strategy emphasizes a best-value request for proposals that will embed risk allocations into contracts.

Supervisors pressed staff on timing for FEMA floodplain approvals (staff said a Letter of Map Revision process can take roughly eight to 12 months and that the concessionaire would typically complete that work), how VDOT revenue-sharing funds would affect schedule and reimbursement, and whether private partners exist to close projected funding gaps. Several supervisors said they supported pursuing the PPTA route to shorten delivery time and limit inflation risk, while seeking clear contract terms on who bears cost and permitting risks. Stewart said, pending executive approval, the county would target issuing an RFP this fall and use the risk matrix to shape procurement and contract terms.

The briefing was informational only; no board vote was required at the meeting.