Virginia Gazette News |

James City County clears way for road, infrastructure improvements

JAMES CITY — The James City County Board of Supervisors allocated about $4.6 million on Tuesday for new internet infrastructure and road improvements.

The board approved a $2.7 million contract with JSG Corp. to do needed work to improve roads in the Settlers Market area. Improvements include milling and repaving the existing pavement, striping of lane markings, fixing and updating handicap accessible ramps, and working on the stormwater/drainage infrastructure, said Assistant County Administrator Jason Purse.

Purse said the improvements should be done within the next six months.

The board also authorized a $1.9 million fiber optic cable purchase to complete the county’s internet and communication infrastructure. The installation of the cable will complete connections to local public sites in the county, eliminating the need for leasing fiber optic cable use.

Currently, fiber optic cable serves 15 county sites, two James City Service Authority sites, 14 Williamsburg-James City County School sites and the two Williamsburg Regional Library sites.

Because one county site and three school system sites currently rent use of the cables for $76,000 per year, buying and installing 19 miles of new cable will eliminate the need to lease them.

“The installation of this fiber will also provide an improved infrastructure assuring continued communications in the event of a fiber cut or the failure of communications equipment at any given site,” according to the county.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, board Chair Ruth Larson reminded residents to take part in the annual National Night Out, which is being recognized in James City County on Aug. 6. The event is a chance for the police department and community to come together.

“It’s always a special night on National Night Out when we go into our communities to really continue to build on those relationships and friendships,” James City County Police Chief Mark Jamison said. “It takes all of us to really provide a safe and vibrant community.”

That evening, from 5-8 p.m., groups of officers and staff will attend neighborhood block parties at 14 different locations throughout the county.

Also Tuesday, the board also heard a presentation on how to stay safe during hurricane season, which began June 1 and goes through Nov. 30.

Fire Chief Ryan Ashe presented advice on storm preparation for severe weather such as flooding, thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes. Recommendations include making a family plan, building a storm kit, staying informed and taking protective measures during emergencies.

“The time to prepare for severe weather is not when the announcement comes out when the storm starts, it really should be an all-around process,” Ashe said.

Residents should maintain an emergency support network and identify meeting places and transportation options in the case of severe storms, he recommended. Residents should also have evacuation kits on hand that include supplies such as food and water, prescription medications, first aid kits, emergency cash and important documents, extra clothing and hygiene items.

Households can find their hurricane evacuation zone through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Know Your Zone map, available at vaemergency.gov/know-your-zone. Ashe also recommended that families be aware of drowning prevention measures such as supervision, knowledge of CPR and water competency.

More information about severe weather preparedness and emergency alerts can be found through the JCC website and social media accounts. County residents can also sign up for emergency notifications through JCCAlert.org.

Sam Schaffer, samuel.schaffer@virginiamedia.com, and Emma Henry, emma.henry@virginiamedia.com