Middlesex County purchases 21 acres on Broad Creek

Eyes public water access, marine trades training

The Middlesex County Economic Development Authority (EDA), with backing by the Middlesex Board of Supervisors, purchased about 21 acres with access to Broad Creek in Deltaville last week for $1 million.

The EDA’s acreage adjoins Norview Marina (see graphic on page A6). However, the EDA did not purchase the “marina” portion of the property, which will be owned and operated by a Deltaville corporation. The majority of the EDA’s land is undeveloped, but there are boat slips on Broad Creek.

The EDA’s site will serve as the foundation for “Project Access,” a long-term initiative to expand public access to the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay while also supporting training and workforce development in the marine trades industry, said EDA Chairman John Anzivino, in the EDA’s news release. “The Middlesex EDA will continue to work cooperatively with the board of supervisors and in conformance with stated objectives in the Middlesex County Comprehensive Plan, Tourism Action Plan and the EDA’s Strategic Plan to expand public access options to the Rappahannock River and the Bay from Deltaville; and develop both training and job opportunities for the marine industry,” said  Anzivino. “Successful completion of both tasks will be challenging, but they represent an important investment in Middlesex County’s future.”

County loan        

The purchase for Project Access was made possible through a $1 million loan from the Middlesex Board of Supervisors to the EDA. The interest rate is 1% and the term is 25 years, with a provision that no payments are required for the first two years, explained EDA Executive Director Trenton Funkhouser.

With no payments due for two years, the EDA will have time to explore grant opportunities, said Anzivino. “The EDA intends to pursue available grants to reduce the land purchase price and fund planned infrastructure improvements. The property includes two waterfront access points and extensive road frontage on General Puller Highway,” states the EDA’s press release.

Boat ramp and public access

The EDA’s first priority is focused on the development of a public boat ramp and water access point, addressing the longstanding absence of public water access in the Deltaville area of the county…