Montgomery County Economic Development Meeting 10-20-2026 Part 2

The Montgomery County Economic Development meeting on October 20, 2026, approved an amended performance agreement for Meld’s expansion at Falling Branch Corporate Park. The project involves a planned $3 million investment in real estate, machinery, and tools. The amendment adds Trio Properties as the building owner and construction party while retaining the previously approved $150,000 grant and eligible uses; the motion passed with no opposition. The board also received an update on the Town of Blacksburg’s downtown façade grant pass-through: the EDA has issued $129,750 in reimbursements to 15 businesses, with individual payments ranging from $994 to $20,000.

The EDA reported that the Falling Branch Phase Two pump-station contract, valued at $377,740, is 75% complete, with the pumps already on site. The EDA also expects to pay Appalachian Power $2,548.84 to install more than 1,000 feet of electrical line to serve the station. Broadband updates included 115 additional active passings and completion of addresses in Valley 2022; a contract extension through June 30, 2027, was being pursued to allow time to finish the work. No vendor selection or new procurement award was reported. A question was raised about using unused land for solar generation, but the transcript contains no substantive discussion of it.