Town Moves on Virginia Port Authority (VPA) Aid to Local Ports Grants

As part of the Cape Charles Harbor Redevlopment Plan, the Town has over the years leveraged Virginia Port Authority (VPA) Aid to Local Ports (ALP) program grants for several capital improvements around the harbor, such as the current breakwater project. Last year, the VPA approved a carryover of $830,000 for the town in order to fund Phase 3 of the breakwaters at a cost of $645,000, as well as $184,000 for other projects.

At the February 4th work session, council agreed to move forward with Phase 4 of the offshore breakwater project. This will include raising the height of the existing jetty by two feet, using $190,000 of the remaining grant funding, as while requesting additional funds to finish the project.

Phase 4 construction is currently estimated to be close to $860,000; this price includes the bid package preparation. Design and engineering for jetty rehabilitation is estimated to be $40,000, bringing the total cost to $900,000. With the VPA 75/25 match, the Port Authority portion would be $675,000. Minus the existing $190,000 carryover, that total would be $485,000, with the Town share being $225,000. According to staff, the town’s share could be paid for via ‘bond proceeds or other revenue sources’.

During discussion, Councilwoman Natali recommended that the town ask for an even $500,000 instead of $485k.

Council voted to authorize the Mayor to request that VPA approve carryover of $190K of the existing grant and $500K of new grant funds.