Albemarle County has been awarded a $613,570 state grant to go toward its work to develop the Rivanna Futures site.
This one isn’t going to be popular with the local anti-military set, even as it means more money for the local tax base.
County leaders have been working to make this Rivanna Futures site a hub for intelligence and national security agencies, academic institutions and private-sector partners.
The county purchased the property, located adjacent to Rivanna Station, a sub-installation of Fort Belvoir that home to the U.S. Army National Ground Intelligence Center, in 2023.
County leaders have taken steps since to prepare a 172-acre portion of the site for future development, including environmental assessment, zoning and infrastructure planning.
“This funding moves us one step closer to making Rivanna Futures a location of choice for companies developing services and technologies that advance national security interests,” Albemarle County Economic Development Director Emily Kilroy said. “We’re pleased that Albemarle County’s collaborative approach and alignment with Virginia’s targeted sectors positioned us to receive this support.”
The state grant will fund design work on road access, site plans, grading, stormwater infrastructure and utility extensions associated with the initial phase of development, accessing the first 50 acres.
The work will help accelerate the deployment of any future funding the county may receive state and federal sources.
“This award is a strong affirmation of our vision for Rivanna Futures and the role it can play in strengthening our local and regional economy,” Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Andrews said. “We are grateful for the partnership with the state and look forward to the momentum this creates in growing the national security sector in Albemarle County.”
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Chris Graham
