Caroline County Board of Supervisors
VSE 100 Jobs Announcement and Utilities Expansion Agreement
Percy Ashcraft, County Administrator
The Board of Supervisors approved a contract last evening that purchases one-half acre and a high producing well found on the property of VSE, Inc. in Ladysmith and also allows VSE to expand at its Circle Drive location by 40,625 sq. ft. and 90-100 jobs. The VSE investment is estimated to be valued at $6,000,000 (Six Million Dollars).
In addition to securing the largest industrial announcement in the region so far this year, the high volume production well will be added to the water utilities grid at Ladysmith to provide a more secure source of potable water for the community. The well flow tests indicate a sustained 150 gallons a minute or 216,000 gallons per 24 hours. This expands the Ladysmith water supply by 15-20% and significantly enhances Caroline water utilities.
Water from the Ladysmith well also contributes to a larger grid serving the Carmel Church area and points in between. Supervisors Thomas and Rozell remarked that their constituents will also benefit from the project’s infrastructure enhancement.
The price of the land and well is $150,000, a market price verified by independent contractor, Arcadis of Richmond. In addition, VSE has constructed $66,500 in line extensions to the County system offsetting that potential expense for Caroline.
VSE water use is primarily anticipated for potential fire suppression as demanded by Commonwealth Fire and Building Codes. Much of the well supply is directly available to fill the current water grid.
County Supervisors remarked that the land purchase from VSE was a major win-win transaction. The much needed water would add to the Ladysmith—Carmel Church system while also triggering an industrial expansion and the creation of more jobs in Caroline and significant financial investment.
Madison District Supervisor, Wayne Acors summarized the deal: “Caroline and Ladysmith, for a modest price, gets much needed water, more jobs, more business expansion and revenue from industry for critical services and schools.”
Chairman Rozell concluded, “Caroline is showing growth in jobs and investment through our focus on industry. Caroline is the place to be when you can help businesses grow, and in turn, expand needed infrastructure. Mattaponi District Supervisor Floyd Thomas noted: “Our district will be better served in a vital utility through this agreement. All of Caroline benefits in jobs, water resources and investment. The county agreement with VSE is a win-win deal.”
VSE Vice President and Director of Facilities, Gene Hosier noted that, “Caroline County offices from staff, building, environmental and economic development have been very dedicated to help and assure our success.”
VSE has targeted March 30, 2008 as the date for the new facility’s substantial completion.
Many of the jobs coming on line at VSE can be found on the Caroline County Jobs Hotline, call: (804) 632-1259.
Contact:
Gary R. Wilson
Director, Caroline County Department of Economic Development
gwilson@co.caroline.va.us
804.633.4074