SMYTH COUNTY ARPA COMMITTEE AND SMYTH COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVE $3 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR HOUSING IN SMYTH COUNTY

Contact: Kendra Hayden, Economic Development Project Manager

April 13, 2023

SMYTH COUNTY, VA – Today, the Smyth County Board of Supervisors approved a recommendation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) committee to provide $3,000,000 in funding to spur housing development in Smyth County. With the ARPA committee’s goal of generational impact, the Smyth County Board of Supervisors approved the partnership with Mount Rogers Planning District Commission to create a revolving, minimal interest loan fund that will bring approximately 100 new homes to the County.

“Housing is an issue that we need to tackle,” said Chairman of Smyth County Board of Supervisors, Charlie Atkins. “This program will have a positive ripple effect; providing community improvement, investment into our citizens, and stability for generations to come.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to increase the availability of housing in Smyth County to attract families to live, work, and play in our beloved county,” said Vice Chair of Smyth County Board of Supervisors, Lori Deel. “The ARPA funding is likely a once-in-a-lifetime program, and we wanted to ensure the funds could be used to spur economic growth and address needs of the county for years to come.”

With a proven track record for success, the partnership with Mount Rogers Planning District Commission will provide an incentive for developers and landowners to deliver new housing opportunities in Smyth County. The revolving loan fund will continually be replenished as homes are built and sold, allowing for an impressive return on investment with a structured, successful program that will achieve the county’s housing goals and provide a funding stream for future development opportunities. “

At the PDC we see this opportunity as a Smyth County focused continuation of our existing housing unit development project funded by Virginia Housing,” said Mt. Rogers PDC Executive Director Aaron Sizemore. “By using ARPA dollars Smyth County has created a locality-focused initiative to help alleviate this housing shortage. Housing affects all levels of society and is crucial for new economic development as well as business retention and workforce development. We applaud the Smyth County Board of Supervisors for recognizing the need and for their willingness to address it with such a robust program.”

Smyth County Administration continues to support efforts to increase housing inventory for both existing and future citizens. The program, dubbed “Grow Smyth County”, will not only provide new homes but will also bring with it momentum for growth. Building new homes is the goal; however, the byproducts of the development will be what creates the generational impact.

“The reversal of population loss in Smyth County is a top priority and this innovative proposal gives us a chance to do just that,” said County Administrator, Shawn Utt. If we could get 100 new families into our community, that could mean more than 100 new students in our school system, more than 100 new employees for our industries, more than 100 new taxpayers that will give back to our community. Even though it seems like a small number, in reality, it can be a game changer for Smyth County!”