New Kent Considers $25M Infrastructure Loan

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The New Kent County Board of Supervisors is considering borrowing $25 million to fund three major water infrastructure projects to meet growing demand in the rapidly expanding county. The proposed borrowing could lead to utility rate increases of up to 8% for residents.

Why it matters

As one of Virginia's fastest-growing counties, New Kent is grappling with the need to upgrade its water systems to keep pace with residential and commercial development. The proposed infrastructure investments aim to ensure the county can reliably provide water to both existing and future customers, though the costs will ultimately be passed on to ratepayers.

The details

The Board of Supervisors agreed to advertise a public hearing on the proposed $25 million borrowing plan, which would fund three key water infrastructure projects. While the board acknowledged the need for the upgrades, some supervisors expressed reservations about the potential rate hikes, with one noting the county had already proposed a 4% utility rate increase in its current budget proposal.

• The Board of Supervisors discussed the infrastructure borrowing plan at a meeting last week.
• A public hearing on the $25 million borrowing proposal is scheduled to be held.

What’s next

The county will hold a public hearing on the proposed $25 million infrastructure borrowing plan, after which the Board of Supervisors will decide whether to move forward with the project and associated utility rate increases.