In opposition to the Valley Link Transmission Line Project, Goochland County approved $250,000 in funding to support advocacy efforts. Goochland is one of 8 other counties impacted by the 115-mile 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission line that is planned to extend from Campbell to Culpeper County. Valley Link is a $1 billion joint venture between Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy Transmission and Transource with the stated goal to meet Virginia’s growing energy needs.

During the April 14 Goochland County Board of Supervisors (BoS) meeting, the BoS unanimously approved a resolution to amend their Fiscal Year 2026 budget and allocate a quarter of a million dollars from the county’s unassigned fund balance.

Before the vote, Vice-chair of the BoS Neil Spoonhower addressed their reasoning for the resolution.

“The reality is, there’s very little that we can do as a board as this decision is not in our hands, it’s in the [State Corporation Commission’s] hands,” Spoonhower said. “But as a board, what we can do is work with our citizens, the most powerful people in this county, to ensure that we are being heard.”

Spoonhower said the county is pursuing a citizen-led committee, which will help tell stories of Goochland residents impacted by the transmission line.

At the April 7 meeting, the Goochland board unanimously approved a resolution in opposition to the project; Goochland was one of seven other counties who had representatives attend a summit in Louisa to discuss a desire to pursue a collaborative effort against the Valley Link project. Campbell was the only county impacted by the project who did not have a representative attend.

Gum Spring resident Christie Payne addressed the BoS during public comment, first thanking them for passing the resolution to fund advocacy efforts and then advising them of the SCC process, when Valley Link will submit their plans in September.

“Valley Link and its partners will be represented by experienced legal teams, engineers and consultants,” Payne said. “To effectively participate in this process, Goochland must be prepared. Allocating these funds would allow the county to retain legal counsel experienced in SCC proceedings to formally represent the county’s position, engage independent engineers and energy experts to review the project and evaluate alternatives, conduct environmental analysis related to wetlands, wildlife habits and protected species, perform property value impact studies to provide data supported findings, assess fire and emergency services impacted associated with high voltage transmission infrastructure, [and] prepare expert testimony and documentation to meet the SCC requirements.”

Without appropriate resources, the county’s ability to influence the outcome is limited, she added.

“At this stage, it is not a question whether Goochland should be involved. It’s a question whether Goochland will be prepared,” Payne said.

Gum Spring resident Virginia Donaldson found out three weeks ago that one of the proposed route variations of the Valley Link Project would slice her family’s property in half.

“We were absolutely devastated as I know my neighbors were as well,” Donaldson said. “If variation G goes through, we will lose the serene atmosphere that we desired when we bought the property. I’m supporting this resolution in the hopes that we can protect all of Goochland County in a way that reduces damage to our properties and landscape.”

Donaldson thanked the board for passing the resolution to support advocacy efforts.

“Many may not understand why one would support his resolution, but it’s not a done deal,” Donaldson said. “It’s happening right now and there has been no formal filing with the State Corporation Commission. Also, there has been no formal substation application filed [in Culpeper County] and no final route submitted to the SCC. That means there is still time to influence the outcome if we act now. Advocacy matters most at this very time.”

The resolution was approved unanimously. Board member Charlie Vaughters reiterated that while this is a state-level issue with the SCC, Goochland wants their voice to be heard.

“We must be extremely judicious in our expenditures on this advocacy,” Vaughters said. “For a state-level decision, we have to be focused on how our funds are spent where they can truly make a difference and not just be spending money for advocacy’s sake.”