Those pesky electrons

 

Current structure vs. proposed (Dominion energy image)

You are reading this thanks to the movement of electrons between atoms that we know as electricity. Like it or not, modern life is dependent on this and we use it more every day.

On May 14, Dominion Energy (D)held an informational community meeting at the Residence Inn at the Notch to explain its proposal to rebuild existing lines between Midlothian and North Anna substations that run through Goochland County using current rights of way. This line crosses Broad Street Road in Oilville and Rt. 6 in Crozier before crossing the James River. (See https://www.dominionenergy.com/carson-northanna for details.)

These lines, which have been keeping local lights on for nearly 50 years, are reaching the end of their useful life and need to be upgraded. The new lines will carry 500 kilovolts on double circuit steel monopoles that will replace aging lattice structures. The new poles will be 190 feet, taller than structures currently in place and able to carry an additional 230 kv line for future expansion without adding more support structures.

For comparison, an existing monopole tower just south of Rt. 6 in Crozier is109 feet tall, the lattice structure rises 110 feet. The new configuration will use one pole with an average height of 190 feet to carry upgraded lines and accommodate another line using the same infrastructure.

Current power lines near Crozier (Google Earth Image)

Using existing rights of way wherever possible will minimize disruption to surrounding areas. D representatives said that land under the lines is often used for farming, riding horses and ATVs.

Placing power transmission lines underground is expensive and involves more land disturbance than above ground infrastructure. During construction, D takes great care to mitigate impact on environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands where clearing is done by hand and within 100 feet of streams. Matting is used to lessen the degree to which heavy equipment sinks into the ground during construction. Tree clearing outside of existing rights-of-way removes “danger trees those tall enough to fall on the lines. Inside the ROW—approximately 450 feet wide at the Carson substation, about 235 other places—trees, vegetation and other encroachments will be cleared to ensure safe operation.

The May 14 meeting was one of several planned along the route as part of the community engagement and will continue through July. An approval application will be filed with the state corporation commission in August with its final order expected in April 2027. Construction could begin in mid-2028 with completion by late 2030.

This project will benefit Goochland by improving the reliability and capacity of our power grid as we use more and more of those pesky electrons every day.

Please direct questions about the project to powerline@dominioneergy.com.

 

 

 

 

 

May board highlights

 

Goochland’s Board of Supervisors usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month. In the afternoon, the board deals with housekeeping matters and holds public hearings in the evening.

On May 5, in addition to approving the county budget for FY27, which begins on July 1, the Board adopted proclamations proclaiming May as Older Americans Month; May as business appreciation month; and May 3 to 9 as public service recognition month.

Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 said that the public service proclamation honors the dedication of workers at every level of government and celebrated the talent, commitment, and service that they bring to Goochland government, “we have the best team,” he said.

Following that note, County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley celebrated the accomplishments of professionals in attendance by recognizing their achievements. Joe Rozzano recently earned the certified parks and recreation professional designation, and certified playground inspector credential, which qualifies him to conduct playground safety inspections, to ensure that recreational facilities are free from hazards. He completed these credentials at night and on weekends.

Angelia Miller, Assistant Director of Recreation, recently completed the certified farmers market manager program, which equips her with skills to ensure the success of the Goochland Farmers Market.

In April, Chance Robinson, Assistant Director of Economic Development, earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council. He is one of 1,100 people worldwide to have earned this. Robinson, who has been with Goochland County since 2022, manages business expansion, retention programs, marketing, tourism, and attracting new business.

Raley pointed out that these team members who earned professional credentials outside of business hours, “did not have to do this.”

Kudos to Raley for public appreciation of the accomplishments of members of “team Goochland" who work hard every day to serve county citizens.

Fulfilling his pledge to engage with residents, Raley reported that a citizen advisory committee and round table discussions with residents and business owners have been established. The next community roundtable discussion will be held on May 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. Attendance is limited and registration is required. Please register for the May 20th Community Roundtable Discussion using the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/MF8V6dFp6D

A presentation was made by John Riley, President of the Freedom Flag Foundation about the Freedom Flag, which was created by area restaurant owner Richard Melito as a meaningful reminder of the horrors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania that took the lives of 2,977 people. As we approach the 25th anniversary of this awful day, Riley said that nearly a quarter of our population was born after 9/11 and the mission of the Freedom Flag Foundation is to ensure that horrific day is never forgotten. Go to https://www.freedomflagfoundation.org/  for details.

The supervisors approved the sale canine Deputy Achilles to Deputy Shawn Whitlock for one dollar. Achilles served Goochland well during his six-year career and will now retire.

A public hearing was set for June 2 concerning donation of approximately two acres of county owned land between Sandy Hook Road and the high school to VDOT to facilitate the extension of Fairground Road to Rt. 6.

Tom Cocke, Director of Parks and Recreation presented the updated master plan for his department. This plan is the product of extensive community input over several years, including results of a countywide survey. In addition to details presented last month, Cocke’s presentation included cost estimates broken down into three funding “buckets” that could be used in the county’s capital improvement plan, which is supported by long term financial strategies.

The bucket for sustainable projects like life cycle replacements, upgrades, and additions at existing facilities was estimated at $3.6 million.

A $455 k bucket for expanded projects such as outdoor investments at Central High Sholl Educational and Cultural Center and Leakes Mill Park.

Visionary projects including a new 60-acre park on the county owned parcel on Hockett Road, a major renovation of the sports complex relocating the skate park and farmers market, major renovations to existing parks, and creating a Courthouse linear park to connect the fire training center and Reynolds Community College, are estimated at $23.7 million.

Cocke pointed out that the plan does not commit the county to any project or funding but provides a framework for decisions going forward. Items in the plan include recreational opportunities for children, older adults and accessible amenities.

The need for county recreation facilities in the east end of the county, where there are none, has a high priority. Jonathan Lyle, District 5 said he would prefer that those get high priority.

Charie Vaughters, District 4 lauded the plan adding a budget to the visionary piece to frame it as a long-term capital improvement project that benefits the health and wellbeing of the citizens as preventative infrastructure. He said the plan is very thoughtful to Goochland showing what we can provide that is different from neighboring jurisdictions.

 The plan is a comprehensive assessment of existing facilities and needs for the next ten years. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1390/Parks-and-Recreation-Master-Plan for details.

 

 

The FY27 budget and other items of note

 

Goochland Day 2026 will be held on Saturday May 16. The event kicks off with a wonderful hometown parade beginning at 10 a.m. at the Courthouse and concludes at the old GES, just north of the administration building. The free festival runs from 11-3 around the Goochland Sports Complex, near the administration building. Go to https://goochlandday.com/ for details.

The Goochland Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Thursday, May 28 beginning at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium about the proposed Valley Link transmission line. Representatives from Valley Link will attend to hear concerns and answer questions.

At the Goochland Board of Supervisors’ regular monthly meeting on May 5, Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 said that Goochland has, along with Louisa, Orange, Culpeper, and Fluvanna counties, submitted a filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission giving Goochland a seat at the table and right to be heard on the issue. The board continues to actively and deliberately oppose the Valley Link project to protect the well-being of our residents and rural character of the county.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, was absent.

The supervisors adopted the Goochland County budget for FY27, which begins on July 1.  Tax rates for calendar year 2026 were set in April. Tax bills computed using those rates have been mailed out. They are due on June 5.

The FY26 budget was amended by transferring and appropriating $491,741.74 from unassigned fund balance to cover unanticipated expenditures resulting from the aftermath of winter storm Fern on January 24. Another amendment to the FY26 budget transferred and appropriated $235k to the Department of Public Utilities operating revenues to be used for projected chemical needs at the eastern wastewater pump station.

County administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley Ed. D. said that the $170,997,815 FY27 budget is the result of an excellent team effort that began last September working through complications caused by personnel transitions in the finance department. “We remain steadfast in our approach to making sure that we’re strong stewards of the taxpayer dollars entrusted to us.” He gave special recognition to Kathleen Smith, Assistant Director of Finance, for her work on the nearly 300-page budget document. (Go to https://goochlandva.us/1165/Budget-Transparency )

Charlie Vaughters, District 4 also commended “team Goochland” for its work on the budget. He urged everyone to read Raley’s letter of transmission, which begins on page 15.  “It provides great context and demonstrates how this budget is the result of a thorough and detailed process,” he said.

Director of Financial Services Denise Sandlin presented the FY27 budget for adoption by the supervisors. She explained that the final budget, thanks to strategic review and detailed ‘scrubbing” identified cost savings of $3.4 million, adds items not included in the February version.  These include a three percent raise for school and county employees; enabling the county to absorb a 9.1 percent increase in health insurance costs rather than passing it on to participants; two dispatchers and a full-time information technology director for the Sheriff; and five fire-rescue employees. Schools received an additional $1.5 million. Modernizing human resources software and internal alignment of employees as they earn professional credentials are also funded.

Capital projects for both county and school were funded at $4,400,510. Among the FY27 CIP items are an ambulance replacement for $501,769; $250k for roof replacement at the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center; $1,760,000 for various school projects; and $500k for upgrades and replacements for information technology.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5, moved to amend the FY27 budget by moving $37k allocated to Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD) to the instructional category in the schools’ budget for agricultural education. He contended that MCSWD is well funded but is not reimbursed by the schools for its “meaningful watershed” presentations to students. The proposed transfer would provide funds for this. The other supervisors declined to support this motion and approved the FY27 budget as presented.

Since late last year, workshops chaired by Raley explored county finances in depth to give the supervisors and public a greater understanding of the budget process. (These are archived on the county website.)

The “books close” on FY26 in the summer. It will be interesting to see how the actual revenues collected on June 5 compare with the budget estimates based on January 1, 2026 valuations and how the supervisors might allocate surplus revenue, if any. Stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

Preparing for a world of unknowns

 

Lt. Col. Williams (l) and GHS MCJROTC leaders (GCPS image.) 

Our world is changing at breakneck speed. Technology has made things like smart phones, that not so long ago would have been considered science fiction, indispensable tools for daily life.

The mission of Goochland County public schools (GCPS) is to maximize the potential of every learner and inspire the next generation. Equipping students with tools to navigate, function, and flourish in a rapidly evolving world is a complex task.

Attendees at the spring Business Roundtable, a periodic gathering of local businesspeople and community leaders, organized by the GCPS Career and Technical Education Department under the Direction of Bruce Watson, held on April 30 in the exquisite headquarters of Luck Stone (https://www.luckstone.com/) in Manakin were treated to a trio of perspectives by dynamic speakers. Go to https://ghs.goochlandschools.org/o/ghs for a glimpse of our high school.

“The question what do you want to be when you grow up is dead, because you’re going to have to constantly reinvent yourself,” Scott Luberto of Luck Stone told the group. “The world will keep changing and jobs will evolve.”

First up was Lt. Col. Kevin Williams, USMC, retired. who leads the GHS Marine Corps Jr. ROTC program, which, with 147 cadets, is the largest in the region. He explained that the program does not prepare students for miliary service—high school students with no ROTC experience enlist at the same rate as those who take part the program. While on active duty, Williams was involved with JROTC programs before being deployed and knew that after his days of leading Marines ended, he wanted to lead cadets.

“Through the Grace of God, I had the opportunity to come to Goochland high school to partner with amazing civilian leaders and fantastic young people that have restored my faith in the future of our nation.”

“Our purpose is not to make Marines,” explained Williams, “It is first and foremost a citizenship program. Many of our cadets have no business in the service and that’s okay with me. I want to develop informed and responsible citizens. The name of our class is leadership education.”

Williams was joined by current leaders of the four-year MCJROTC attired in “the cloth of our nation” Marine uniforms, a privilege earned in their second year of participation. Three of them expect to serve in the military. Two seniors will attend college, Penn State and Virginia Tech, on Marine option NROTC scholarships. One will go to Marine boot camp next summer, and another will also attend Penn State with no military service in her future. The cadets were poised and articulate as they shared career plans and answered questions.

Cadets study history; how our country is organized; about the military chain of command from private to general all of whom report to a civilian. They learn the role of uniforms in life whether it be military or mechanic coveralls to fulfill a role on whatever team they may be a part of. They study and practice good leadership skills, develop personal accountability and responsibility to inspire their peers, and have fun along the way. Williams contended that skills taught at the master’s level are the same given to tenth graders, “better than I got in in college, free at Goochland High School.”

Using Marine models, MCJROTC teaches students how organizations function, including respect for the boss, regardless of who it may be, and the value of citizenship so they can be responsible and informed participants in our republic. The Corps’ motto of strength, honor, courage, and commitment helps young people realize that not everything is about them and where they fit into the scheme of things.

Community service is also a part of the program. Cadet participation includes providing a color guard at local events and doing the heavy lifting at the county’s annual fall tire amnesty collection. They visit military bases, the Marine Corps Museum, and participate in national competitions with other JRROTC cadets.

Skills, hard and soft, obtained in the MCJROTC program will stand our kids in good stead no matter where life’s journey takes them.

Local businessman Stan Corn reflected on his own military service and observed that the most valuable part of the MCJROTC program is the opportunity to mature while still in high school, to better enable them to deal with the challenges they meet in the next place.

(See https://www.goochlandschools.org/o/ghs/article/673462  and https://sites.google.com/glnd.k12.va.us/goochlandhighschoolmcjrotc/home for details of the program.)

Luberto of Luck Stone (https://www.luckstone.com/) said that the skills described by Williams are the exact ones that Luck seeks in new employees, not necessarily quantitative mastery. “I need somebody who’s a good values fit, a good leader, and does care.”

In a world constantly changing, Luberto contended,  skills most needed are: learning agility—people comfortable being beginners over and over; curiosity—the ability to use AI to answer questions; collaboration—people who can work alongside AI as a teammate as well as every iteration of human difference; and figure-it-outiveness—persistence, grit, the drive to problem solve when the path is unclear, and AI is confidently wrong. The last, he said, is the human muscle that saves the day.

Luberto said that he is excited that in a few years his infant son will attend Goochland Schools, where he will learn skills necessary to survive and thrive in a future rife with unknowns.

He explained that Luck has replaced people with AI to autonomously operate the huge vehicles that transport rock up the side of quarries. This did not result in any job loss but allowed employees “displaced” by that technology to fill other jobs in the company to learn new skills.

Erin Yearout-Patton, affectionately known as Mrs. EYP, a teacher in the CTE program and coordinator of its work-based learning (WBL) program, said that the title of which she is most proud is “Bulldog Momma.”

WBL gives students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career opportunities to enable them to plot satisfying and productive career paths and reject those in which they have no interest. Mrs. EYP alluded to a comment made by a META executive that 250k electricians will be needed by 2030. WBL can help fill that void.

WBL helps students build real world skills through immersion; test drive various occupations; connect classroom theory to real world experience; and prepare them for the diverse challenges of life beyond graduation. This helps students to make smarter professional and educational choices for their futures. Families are involved in every step of the program.

To meet its goals, WBL “building tomorrow’s workforce today”, uses flexible integration that seamlessly melds a student’s goals with workforce opportunities so they can simultaneously complete academic requirements while developing real world skills and relationships. It is a solutions-based program to bridge the skills gap in today’s workforce. Business partners can choose the participation model that works for their industry.

Mrs. EYP explained that WBL interactions with business partners range from guest speakers describing their company to full blown internships to shape curriculum and mentorships to prepare tomorrow’s workforce.   A recent tour of the Amazon facility sparked an interest in two CTE students who will spend next summer there with an internship and have enrolled in the CTE electricity class next fall well on their way to becoming badly needed electricians.

Business partners are asked to provide a safe environment for students; give constructive feedback on the program and participants; offer meaningful exposure to the company; and model the standards of a professional workplace.

To learn more about WBL contact Bruce Watson, Director of CTE & STEM bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us (804) 556-5613 or Erin Yearout-Patton, Work-Based Learning Coordinator eyearoutpatton@glnd.k12.va.us (804) 556-5322.