County Board Approves Major Opioid Settlement with Kroger

During a recent government meeting, Page County officials discussed two significant initiatives aimed at improving public safety and addressing the opioid crisis.

The first topic focused on the proposed improvement of the Collins Avenue intersection with US Highway 340 North. County administration staff highlighted the need for this project, citing a history of accidents in the area. A resolution for local support was presented to accompany the application for a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Smart Scale project. The motion to endorse the intersection safety project was unanimously approved, with one member abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

The second major discussion revolved around a proposed settlement related to opioid claims against Kroger. The settlement, recommended by outside counsel and the Virginia Attorney General, could see Kroger pay up to $1.2 billion to states and localities, with Virginia potentially receiving around $28 million if full participation is achieved. Page County's share is estimated at 0.410% of that amount, with funds expected to begin arriving in October 2024. The county plans to allocate these funds primarily for rehabilitation services through its recovery court, ensuring that the money is used effectively to combat the opioid crisis.

Both initiatives reflect the county's commitment to enhancing public safety and addressing pressing health issues within the community.