Photo by Matt de Simone
By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County officials say a grant-funded cleanup and flood mitigation project in Eagle Rock remains on schedule, with work expected to be completed ahead of a Sept. 30 federal deadline.
Deputy County Administrator David Moorman updated the Board of Supervisors on the project during last Tuesday’s regular meeting, outlining the progress made since the county acquired the property earlier this year.
The county received a joint federal and state grant to purchase the site, remove debris from a collapsed building, and restore the property to reduce future flood risks.
Moorman said the county has completed the property acquisition and is now working through several grant-mandated requirements before on-site cleanup can begin.
“The county now owns that property,” Moorman told the board.
Among the remaining requirements are completing a title search, an updated boundary survey, an erosion and sediment control plan, an environmental site assessment, a hazardous materials survey, and a site grading and contour plan.
Moorman said much of that work is nearing completion, allowing staff to move into the next phase of the project.
“That work is finishing up, and staff is in the process of advertising and issuing an Invitation for Bids to solicit a contractor to actually conduct the on-site work,” he said.
Selecting a contractor through the competitive bidding process is another requirement of the grant, Moorman explained.
The county is operating under a strict timeline established by the grant agreement, which requires all cleanup and restoration work to be completed by Sept. 30.
“We are hopeful and we are targeting to complete the work by early September,” Moorman said. “But nonetheless, Sept. 30 is our deadline to have all that work completed.”
During the discussion, supervisors asked what would happen if the county is unable to meet the grant deadline.
Moorman said county staff has already submitted a preliminary request for an extension as a precautionary measure but he does not anticipate needing additional time to complete the project.
“We have made a preliminary request for an extension just as an insurance policy, if needed, but we’re hopeful and do not anticipate needing it,” he said.
Supervisors also asked whether the property has been secured while work is pending following concerns raised by a resident.
Moorman said the site has been cleaned to reduce hazards to motorists and the traveling public, but has not been completely fenced off.
“It’s been cleaned up and pushed to try to keep it from being a nuisance to the public travel and the right of way,” Moorman said. “But it’s not completely secured.”
Moorman noted that additional county staff from the Department of Community Development and County Attorney Mike Lockaby have been assisting with the project’s technical and legal requirements.
County officials have also maintained regular communication with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management throughout the process.
Once a contractor is selected, work will focus on removing the remaining debris from the collapsed structure, restoring the property, and completing improvements designed to lessen future flood risks in the Eagle Rock area.
No action by the Board of Supervisors was required following the update.
