Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
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Roanoke County presented its State of the County address on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Green Ridge Recreation Center.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul M. Mahoney delivered the address. He touched on a number of topics, including economic development, transportation projects, personal property tax relief, American Rescue Plan funding, broadband, housing, outdoor recreation, public safety and education.
“Before we position the county for future growth, we must first look at where we are now. I am proud to report that we have enjoyed many successes over the last year, many of which are worth acknowledging this morning,” he said.
He noted much of the county’s growth can be attributed to its economic development efforts. “We saw more than $170 million dollars in new project announcements and investments in 2022, along with the creation of over 550 new jobs.”
Mahoney outlined the county’s legislative priorities for the upcoming year, including additional resources and funding to localities for school capital needs, capital grant funding and economic development workforce grants for career and technical education capital projects, using available state funds to continue the operation and expansion of Catawba Hospital and support mental health and public hospital needs, utilizing state funding to improve the access and affordability of reliable broadband services and promote the goal of statewide coverage and advocate for funding for the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport to support a runway extension and other improvements.
“Our vision for the future is bright,” Mahoney said. “Let’s continue to strengthen the foundation of our community and explore the possibilities that lie ahead. And let’s all continue working together as we make our region even greater and better than it is today.”
School Board Chairman David Linden also provided an update on the school system.
“We still have work to do because we’re committed to lifting every student, but we’re working from a solid foundation of practice and success,” Linden said. “We need to make sure our schools are places families will want their children to learn.”
