Board approves $150,000 appropriation to Economic Development Authority for grocery project

County administration placed a request before the board on May 12 for an appropriation to the Economic Development Authority to support Cumberland Virginia Grocery LLC. The appropriation request followed prior board action on Dec. 22, 2025, when the board authorized $150,000 of a requested $300,000, conditioned on business owners addressing board concerns. Company representatives (Travis Harris and Michael Gaines) attended a joint workshop on May 5 and requested the additional $150,000 this evening.

After staff summary and board discussion, a motion was made and the board voted to appropriate $150,000 to the EDA. The county administrator said the funds are intended to complete the funding component of a performance agreement between the EDA and the grocery business; further disbursement beyond tonight's action would depend on the company's ability to address outstanding questions and provide required documentation.

Board members recorded ayes during the motion; the transcript shows the appropriation passed. The county will continue to coordinate with the EDA and the business owners on next steps.