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PO Box 643
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Bedford County future home of B&W facility

Nuclear technology company Babcock & Wilcox will set up shop in Bedford County's New London Business and Technology Center. Details about what exactly the facility will focus on and how many jobs will be created are expected to be released on Tuesday. The company has said that no nuclear materials will housed at the site.

B&W is investing millions to prepare the site, and if a large number of jobs are created the impact on the Bedford County economy could be significant.

Officials consider options for Roanoke County's Explore Park

The Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, which governs the 1,100-acre Virginia Explore Park, was presented with possible plans for the park on Tuesday. New plans are needed because would-be developer Larry Vander Maten was unable to find funding for a planned family resort.

The proposals include generating funds through rentals, leases, and program fees, reopening a historic area, and opening an adventure park, a bike center, campgrounds, and cabins. Also under consideration are a river walkway, a riverside pavilion, and an amphitheater.

Successful development of Explore Park would provide residents in nearby counties with new recreation opportunities, and would also enhance the area's image as a destination for people who love the outdoors. Homeowners could find the value of their properties increasing as a result of the stimulated local economy.

Bedford County brings flood plain ordinance in line with FEMA requirements

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors voted to revise the county’s floodplain ordinance to prohibit certain uses and activities in flood-prone areas. The changes were necessary to meet requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The agency has completed a flood insurance study and a flood insurance rate map. Both will take effect Sept. 29.

Flood ordinances and FEMA maps of flood plains can impact homeowners by restricting how they can use their property, potentially influencing the value of their homes.

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010 - 8:29pm

Roanoke home sales up over last year

Roanoke-area home sales rose 14% in April over last year, likely a result of buyers rushing to sign housing contracts in time to qualify for federal tax credits.

According to the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, 328 area homes were sold during the month, compared with 287 in April 2009. The average price of a house also rose, to $182,471, up from $176,964 in April 2009, the association said.

Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 11:53am

Lynchburg-area officials seek citizen support for water cleanup

MapTech Inc., Virginia’s Region 2000, the City of Lynchburg, and Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality are working on a plan to clean up local waterways, and they are looking for help from everyday citizens.

The plan will be based on a December 2007 assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency that spelled out the volume of bacteria the James River and six of its tributaries could contain and still be safe for recreation, known as the Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL. Studies have shown that the James, as well as Ivy Creek, Fishing Creek, Blackwater Creek, Tomahawk Creek, Burton Creek and Judith Creek contain bacteria levels higher that the TMDL.

Organizers are forming working groups comprised of citizens and officials. The groups will study particular problems in depth, and propose solutions.

Homeowners -- and their property values -- benefit from clean waterways. Not only is clean drinking water a necessity, but sparkling waterways are a great recreational resource that draws prospective buyers.

Posted on Friday, May 7, 2010 - 12:29am

Verizon seeking lower property assessments

verizon Verizon is challenging the assessed value of its property in Virginia. If the move is successful, the telecommunications giant would pay about $500,000 less in taxes in the Lynchburg region.

If its property assessments are lowered, the company will ask for refunds on its 2009 property taxes. A public hearing on the matter will be held in March 2011.

Losing such a significant source of tax revenue would force localities to make up the difference by cutting services or raising money in other areas. Homeowners could see higher taxes and fees as a result.

Read more in the Lynchburgh News & Advance....

Posted on Saturday, May 1, 2010 - 10:32am

Local budgets take center stage across Virginia

Cities and counties across Virginia are working hard to balance their budgets, often hampered by the need to pay for schools and community programs with often-shrinking property tax funds.

Local governments deal with budget issues

Schools and governments statewide are dealing with declining revenues, in part due to lower property assessments. There aren't a lot of solutions available to officials -- in general, they have to raise taxes, cut services, or both.

Local governments in Virginia making tough decisions to balance budgets

Statewide, counties and cities are pulling out all the stops to find the funds needed to keep their schools and government services up and running. Some are cutting jobs and salaries, many are cutting back on programs, and others are looking for extra money in unusual places.

Read more in the local news outlets below:

York School Board passes $115 million budget Monday night (Daily Press)

Beach weighs options to save ailing golf courses (The Virginian-Pilot)

Roanoke tries to cut $10 million from city budget (The Roanoke Times)

Clearbrook fire and rescue station would welcome $93,600 (The Roanoke Times)

Pittsylvania County Supervisors talk finances (The Danville Register & Bee)

Campbell Co. School Board approves budget with school closure, job cuts (Lynchburg News & Advance)

County, school leaders get down to numbers in Bedford (The Lynchburg News & Advance)

Overtime debated, fees considered by Augusta supervisors (The Waynesboro News Virginian)

Public hearing tomorrow on Goochland County budget issues (The Goochland Gazette)

County, schools get additional $1 million (Mechanicsville Local)

School board OKs budget with 12 staff cuts (Amherst New Era Progress)

Early retirements will aid Washington County school budget (Bristol Herald Courier)

County proposes position, capital project cuts (The Staunton News Leader)

Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 1:16pm

Local governments do what it takes to balance budgets

Officials in cities and counties throughout Virginia are doing what they can to balance their budgets. Programs and jobs are being trimmed away, fees and taxes are rising, and stronger measures are being considered to bring tax scofflaws into compliance.