The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 11. This meeting will be available virtually in the following ways: Live Stream on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sVpJ6BFKek0 and Audio Only Telephone call in: 1-877-853-5247 Meeting ID: 4623508430. Please plan on watching and listening!
Economic Development Strategy Approved
I am pleased to inform you that the Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC) Comprehensive Economic District Strategy (CEDS) has been approved by the Economic Development Administration. This is big news for Buckingham and our region!
As Chairman of the CEDS Committee, and now the Buckingham representative on the CRC, I have learned a great deal about the economic potential our region has and the assets we have to offer. The CEDS is a prerequisite for designation by EDA as an Economic Development District (EDD) which allows us access to millions of dollars in money for economic development, infrastructure, small business development, innovation and entrepreneurship, workforce development, etc.
The CRC will also be seeking an update of the CEDS to include the recently joined County of Cumberland. According to EDA, Cumberland County however, can still apply for EDA funding utilizing another regional plan resource in the interim.
I am certain that our county will directly benefit from this participation and process, a result of the hardworking staff of the CRC, led by Melody Foster.
The Latest on COVID-19
County staff report that the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) website has not changed from yesterday’s count of 55 confirmed cases in Buckingham County.
Notably, the Virginia Department of Corrections update advises of 157 positive cases at Dillwyn Prison and 10 positive cases at Buckingham Prison.
I understand that, with the two correctional facilities being in the top three employers in Buckingham County, there is concern about community spread as so many people in the county work and interact with those who are employed with the prison system. Please continue to follow VDH guidance of practicing social distancing, only going out for essential needs and services, wearing masks and washing your hands frequently.
Great Interest in Anti-Litter and Cleaning Up Our Roads
I am very excited to note that I have heard from many of you from across the county who are interested in playing a part in the process of bringing life back to the Buckingham Anti-Litter Task Force!
I plan on submitting and nominating the names of those interested during our May 11 meeting in an effort to begin plans for a fall 2020 cleanup of our roadways.
I am in continued discussions with VDOT regarding this and how we can best make this effort work in the county.
For far too long we have seen too much litter along our roads, and it looks bad, simply put. And together, we can solve this problem, and this is the first step toward that. If you are interested in being a member, picking up trash, or helping in any way, please contact me or your Supervisor (find their information here).
Payroll Protection For Small Businesses
Here is more information on the Payroll Protection Program enacted by the Congress recently, which allows for more funds for this program. If you know of a small business that would qualify, please forward this information to them. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP–Fact-Sheet.pdf
Contact Me
As always, if you have any issues, criticisms, concerns, or comments, please do not hesitate to call or text me at 434-390-7023, email me at jmiles@buckinghamcounty.virginia.gov, or stop by my house and we can chat outside while practicing social distancing. I would love to hear from you.
Maysville District Supervisor Thomas Jordan Miles III 