County approves $6,000 VA250 grant match and up to $4,000 contingency for Botetourt Preservation events

The Botetourt Preservation Partnership asked the board to fund a VA250 reimbursement grant for a three-event series in spring and early summer 2026. Staff described programming that would include historical exhibits, reenactors, family-focused activities and partnerships with local wineries and a brewery.

Request and vote: the county was asked to appropriate $6,000 as the matching contribution for the $6,000 reimbursement grant; the applicant also requested an additional $4,000 contingency to cover unanticipated overages. The board approved the $6,000 appropriation and separately approved a motion authorizing up to $4,000 in contingency funds contingent on county-administrator approval to ensure appropriate procurement and expense documentation.

Next steps: staff said the grant reimburses up to half of eligible expenses; the county will disburse the match and the preservation partnership will proceed with event planning and procurement processes subject to county oversight.