Laserfiche WebLink
September 23, 2025 <br /> <br /> <br /> Every year, the Economic Development Department identifies projects for <br />consideration for Port Host Community funding, and the Portsmouth Port and Industrial <br />Commission (PPIC) or Economic Development Authority (EDA) may select which project <br />should be submitted to DHCD for possible grant funding. <br /> <br /> In FY2025, the Department and PPIC partnered with the Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt <br />Line Railroad and received an award of $800,000 for the redevelopment of a rail-served <br /> <br />transloading facility at 1040 Virginia Ave. <br /> <br />Discussion: <br /> <br /> On September 16, 2025 the EDA adopted a resolution authorizing an application <br />for this year’s round (FY2026) of Port Host Community funding. <br /> <br /> The project involves the renovation of an EDA owned commercial property at <br />1117-1121 High St. into leasable commercial space. Improvements include roof <br />replacement, interior building renovations, façade improvements, utility improvements, <br />paving, landscaping and other related development expenses.The project will continue <br /> <br />the revitalization of the City’s LINC District and provide space for new small business <br />locations. <br /> <br /> The application will seek a grant of $480,000 from DHCD. The EDA will expend <br />at least $480,000 of its own funds to serve as the required match for the grant and the <br />project will ultimately result in increased business operations and an estimated 5 new <br />employee positions. The project will also improve the aesthetics of the area. <br /> <br /> The City will have no liability for the project or obligation to commit any City funding <br />to the project. <br /> <br /> The Resolution proposed for City Council consideration affirms Council’s support <br />for the project and is required in order for the Port Host Community Revitalization Fund <br />application to be submitted. <br /> <br />Financial Impact: <br /> <br /> If the application is successful, the project would be funded entirely by the <br />Commonwealth of Virginia and the EDA. No City funds are required to be expended as <br /> <br />a match for the Port Host Community Revitalization Fund grant. <br /> <br />Recommended Action: <br /> <br /> Adoption of the Resolution. <br /> <br />Next Steps Following Council Action/ if applicable: <br /> <br /> <br /> Submission of FY26 Port Host Community Revitalization Fund grant application to <br /> <br />the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. <br /> <br />Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Bryant, to adopt the following <br />ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: <br /> <br />“RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH’S SUPPORT OF AN <br />APPLICATION FOR A VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY <br />DEVELOPMENT PORT HOST COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION FUND GRANT IN THE <br />AMOUNT OF $480,000 IN FURTHERANCE OF THE REVITALIZATION OF 1117-1121 <br />HIGH STREET FOR PORT-RELATED USES. <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, <br />the Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund was established by <br />the Commonwealth to provide grants of state funds for port-related revitalization projects <br />in five localities that are especially impacted by Port of Virginia operations: Portsmouth, <br /> <br />Front Royal, Newport News, Norfolk and Richmond; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, <br /> the grants are funded annually from a pool of $2,400,000; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, <br /> the Economic Development Department conducts outreach to solicit <br />applications from port-related Portsmouth businesses; and <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />