Washington County approves Rural Transformation Grant; county ownership requirement prevents including civic center

The Washington County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution May 1 to move forward with a Rural Transformation Grant application after staff explained eligibility requirements and the proposed project.

County Manager/County Attorney Curtis Potter and Mr. Cameron Birtcher briefed the board. Birtcher told commissioners the grant could not be used jointly with the Skinnersville Civic Center because the applicant must own the property. He also said the grant requires no local match. "Commissioner Spruill was excited that a Pickleball court was included," the minutes record, noting community amenities proposed in the application.

Why it matters: The grant could fund local infrastructure or recreational improvements without a local match, but ownership requirements limit which facilities may be included in the application. Approval allows staff to proceed with the application process.

Next steps: Staff will complete and submit the grant application and follow the grant program’s requirements for ownership and project scope.