Board approves diverging‑diamond agreement, water/sewer bond authorization and school switchgear appropriation

The New Kent Board approved a package of infrastructure and financing items Monday night.

VDOT agreement (Exit 211): Amy Edmond, director of transportation development, presented a VDOT‑administered project agreement to construct a diverging‑diamond interchange at Exit 211 (I‑64). Edmond said the full project is estimated at $94 million, funded with Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CBTA) funds, SmartScale awards, a $17.5 million contribution from Buc‑ee’s and other sources. The board voted to approve the project administration agreement and authorized the county administrator to execute it.

Water and sewer revenue bonds: County finance counsel outlined a proposed Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) pool financing for water and sewer projects with an advertised maximum issuance of $25,000,000. The board opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers and adopted resolution R‑13‑26 authorizing issuance up to the advertised amount.

School switchgear appropriation: The schools requested and the board approved appropriation of $368,920 to buy and install an electrical switchgear for New Kent Middle School. Schools staff said lead time for the equipment is 10–12 months and that advance purchase would allow installation within the current fiscal year window; the board confirmed sufficient capital fund balance to cover the purchase.

The board took the votes by roll call on all three items and thanked staff for the multi‑agency coordination that produced the funding packages.

What happens next: VDOT will proceed with design and procurement; county staff will finalize bond pricing with VRA and schedule fund drawdown; schools will place the equipment order and coordinate engineering and installation windows.