By Noel Oliver

The Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors has accepted a grant that will help construct about 1,500 feet of access roadway and 1,400 feet of water lines in the county’s industrial park on Commerce Road.

The unanimous action, which took place Tuesday, was driven by an effort to make the park more attractive for potential businesses and provide greater access to the property.

“Some of this is being driven by the interest that we’re getting from potential businesses,” said Sharon Carney, the county’s economic development director.

The $328,395 special projects grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission will be put toward the project, which totals about $1 million.

The county is also seeking a Southside Economic Development grant from the commission for $49,080 and a VDOT Revenue Sharing Grant for over $529,000 for the project.

The county’s industrial development authority recently approved the logging of about 60 acres of timberland in the park, which is set to bring in between $57,000 and $65,000 for the project. The revenue from the operation will be applied toward the required local match for the VDOT grant.

“It is an effort to be proactive in the recruitment of businesses and industries,” Carney said of the project.

She said the road and water lines were part of the county’s creating “ready-to-go” sites at the park — places where infrastructure exists for businesses looking for a quick opening.

“We’re going to be working … on some form or fashion [of] about 60 acres,” she said.

“We have a great deal of interest in that park and I have no access to that interior 60 acres. It’s landlocked,”  Carney said. “The development of the road is important to stay competitive with businesses and industries … in their recruitment,” she said.