Jan. 25-Henry County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the building of a new marina at Philpott Lake.

Source: Martinsville Bulletin, January 25, 2012, page 1. County OKs Philpott marina Ridgeway District Supervisor H.G. Vaughn made the motion at Tuesday’s supervisors’ meeting to proceed with building a marina at Philpott Lake. The motion passed 5-1, with Iriswood District Supervisor Milton Kendall opposing it. (Bulletin photo) Wednesday, January 25, 2012 By PAUL COLLINS - Bulletin Staff Writer The Henry County Board of Supervisors voted 5-1 Tuesday to proceed with construction of a basic marina at Philpott Lake. Ridgeway District Supervisor H.G. Vaughn made a motion that the county build and operate a marina and commit $400,000 contingent on the county securing $400,000 in grants and donations to match its contribution. Iriswood District Supervisor Milton Kendall voted against the motion. During the meeting and in an interview, Kendall mentioned a number of concerns. He said he thinks the bad economy and high gasoline prices make the marina a risky venture, and he thinks the public would want the county to spend money on creating jobs instead. Several other supervisors said they think the project would increase tourism. In October, an updated study concluded that building a marina at Philpott is feasible within a short time frame from capital funding at an estimated cost of $771,375. Under that proposal, the marina would provide fuel sales, bait and tackle; a fueling slip and gangway access; 40 uncovered boat slips that could be covered in the future if needed; 30 parking spaces for cars and trucks; and 12 extended parking spaces for trucks and trailers. The report projected annual income of such a marina at $100,620 and operating costs at $75,011 per year. County Administrator Benny Summerlin said the county fund balance includes more than $15 million in uncommitted funds. Summerlin also said he hopes to announce the first grant commitment for the project within 30 days. Summerlin stated in a Jan. 4 memo to the supervisors: “The county has identified four potential grant sources to assist with the project. Discussion has ensued with several sources, and staff believes if the county will commit $400,000 capital to the project, the county will have a strong chance of securing $400,000 in grant funds. It will take approximately 24 months to complete the project.�