Carroll County votes to support Blue Ridge Rising Parkway repairs

The Carroll County Board voted to adopt a resolution of support for Blue Ridge Rising, a corridor improvement effort for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mister Watson told the board the request is for a support letter only and does not obligate county funds; he said the initiative has received funding for repairs and is pursuing wayfinding and marketing efforts to help visitors find local services.

"What you have in front of you or in within your packet is a resolution in support of Blue Ridge Rising," Mister Watson said, describing funding sources and the project's aims to repair damaged sections of the parkway and add signage to guide visitors to services (gas, lodging and food). A board member asked for the project's strategic plan; Watson said he would forward it to supervisors. The motion to approve the letter of support passed by roll call.

Watson noted that some funding (described in the meeting as ARC funds) applies only to areas within the Appalachian Regional Commission footprint, but that the Blue Ridge effort includes multiple funding streams for a broader parkway strategy. The board recorded unanimous support to move forward with the letter of support while staff follows up with the plan documentation.