Welcome to the latest updates on key projects shaping the future of Augusta County. Here’s a snapshot of ongoing initiatives and progress as of January 2025:
Following the 2022 referendum, the construction of the new Augusta County Courthouse in Verona marks the final phase of a master plan decades in the making.
Current Construction Progress:
- Footings for the three-story building are complete.
- Steel work continues on all three levels and the lower level.
- The northwest stairwell block has been finalized, with work continuing on other stairwells and elevator shafts.
- Stakeholders are finalizing furniture, AV equipment, and interior signage selections.
- Brick and grout selections match the referendum rendering.
- Security and IT requirements are under review.
Timeline:
- 2023: Design, permits, and bidding completed.
- 2024: Construction in full swing.
- Fall 2025: Substantial completion anticipated.
Dick Huff Lane Improvements
This project supports the courthouse development by enhancing accessibility and safety along Dick Huff Lane.
Planned Improvements:
- Widening the road with a grass median.
- Adding sidewalks to connect pedestrian facilities in Verona and around the Government Center.
- Maintaining existing lanes while adding an additional left-turn lane.
Funding and Timeline:
- Total cost: $2.65M, funded 50/50 through VDOT’s Revenue Sharing Program.
- 2025: Design and right-of-way acquisition.
- 2026: Utility relocation and construction begin.
The Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center will move to the renovated former Verona Elementary School, providing enhanced facilities for animal care in Augusta, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
Current Progress:
- Admin building and Pod 1 are 60% complete.
- Pod 2 and Pod 3 are 35% and 30% complete, respectively.
- A new name—Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter—will debut upon opening.
- The Memorandum of Understanding among partner localities is under revision.
Timeline:
- Spring 2025: Substantial completion anticipated.
The 2024 property reassessment, conducted by Wampler-Eanes, adjusted the values of real property to reflect fair market value. Reassessment provides a path for equitable tax distribution across Augusta County. The county convened the Board of Equalization to review cases which concluded in October 2024.
Key Outcomes:
- 771 hearings resulted in 714 changes by the Board of Equalization.
- Discussions on improving future processes, including vendor and operations options, are planned for spring.
- The Commissioner of Revenue will hold a community input meeting to discuss the reassessment process on February 3, 2025.
Regional Radio Project
This initiative enhances public safety communications across Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
Current Progress:
- Microwave equipment installed at multiple locations (Troxell, Wintergreen, Waynesboro, Deerfield, and Reservoir Hill). Site work is underway in Grottoes.
- Structural upgrades scheduled for Augusta Dispatch Tower.
Augusta County continues to partner on VATI grants to extend high-speed internet access.
VATI 2021 (with MGW / Lingo):
- Project complete, with closeout paperwork submitted.
VATI 2022 (with All Points Broadband (APB) & region):
- Preconstruction milestones achieved.
- All Points continues to work through the VDOT permitting process.
- Last-mile construction begins in 2025, with completion expected in 2026. Residents will be notified approximately 60-90 days before service becomes available at their address.
- APB is working with their upstream internet provider to get the circuit activated.
- APB will begin last mile construction in Augusta pending pole attachment and VDOT approvals.
- APB conducted a site visit and presented at the Board meeting in December 2024.
- Dominion middle mile fiber construction continues in Augusta.
Residents can preregister for updates and confirm their inclusion at www.apbfiber.com.
ERP (Financial Software) Project
The new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system modernizes county operations in finance, HR, community development, and facilities management. This solution will provide for citizen engagement and real-time budget information for department heads; work for both the County and schools; and grow with increasing technology needs.
Milestones:
- Finance and HR modules in advanced implementation stages.
- HR set to go live with ERP on July 1.
- Community Development module scheduled to launch in 2026.
- Treasurer and Commission of the Revenue modules contract considered in February.
Staff is finalizing a schedule for completion of the Comprehensive Plan.
The Action Matrix for the Economic Development Strategic Plan will likely be presented to the Board of Supervisors at the February work session.
Body Cameras for Law Enforcement
Funding for body and in-car cameras is included in the FY25 budget.
Current Progress:
- Infrastructure and equipment installation underway.
- Fleet and body camera installation targeted for April 2025.
Stay tuned for further updates as these transformative projects progress. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Augusta County!
