FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 30th, 2023
Contact: Eric S. Pollitt – Town Manager
Email: epollitt@tappahannock-va.gov
Phone: (804) 443-3336 

The Town of Tappahannock is pleased to announce that the Town is a recipient of a $261,300
grant award from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) Development Grant.
This grant is awarded from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for planning and
design services. These funds will support the development of an industrial park located at
540 Airport Road; property formerly known as the ‘old airport.’

540 Airport Road is a former Federal Airport that was decommissioned in 1955. Following
that, the property was acquired as a donation to the Town. Since the acquisition, the 126-acre
property has been rented out to local farmers for temporary grain storage. The Town has
aspired to turn this property into an industrial park for many years. Mayor, Roy M. Gladding,
stated, “The Town is honored to receive this grant for the industrial park. This grant will
support the Town’s economic development initiatives.”

Construction is not expected to begin for another 24-36 months. The Town’s goal is to locate
higher wage paying employers shortly after construction is complete. The principal use of
land and buildings will be for light use manufacturing and assembly plants, processing
storage, warehousing, wholesaling, and distribution. It is the intent that permitted uses of
each operation is confined within an enclosed building limiting noises, odor, dust, and glare.

Town Manager, Eric Pollitt, remarked “We will continue to work with TRC Companies to
advance this project forward.” Connie Dalton, Director of Community Development added
that “From a community development perspective, this grant provides the Town with an
excellent long-term opportunity to provide for diversity in employment opportunities and the
opportunity to provide additional business services to support our region. We are excited to
utilize this exceptional resource for our community.” Councilman, Troy Balderson stated
“This is great news for Tappahannock and Essex County. This money will help the Town
prepare the Old Airport property for future commercial development. This will support our
community’s continued economic growth.”

If you have any questions, please contact the Town Manager Eric S. Pollitt at (804) 443-3336 or
epollitt@tappahannock-va.gov, Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.