James River Water Authority (JRWA)

The Counties of Fluvanna and Louisa entered into an agreement in 2003 to enhance the ability of the two Counties to develop the Zion Crossroads area by bringing a sufficient and reliable water supply from the James River to that area, shared geographically by the two Counties. The project also serves to meet the long-term water source need for each county and supports each County’s required 50-Year Water Supply Plan.  The project will also help decrease our reliance on wells and groundwater sources.

Necessary permits from two Virginia agencies have been obtained by the James River Water Authority (JRWA). The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a permit for water withdrawals from the James River in 2015, with minor modifications in 2016 and 2017.  The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) issued a permit in June 2016 for use of subaqueous lands owned by the Commonwealth.   

The final permit necessary to proceed to construction of the project is a permit from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) for construction activities within waters under federal jurisdiction. As part of the permitting process, JRWA is currently working with the USACE, Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR), Federal- and State-recognized Tribal Consulting Parties, and other related Consulting Parties to identify and minimize potential impacts to any historic resources at the site in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.  A Phase I and II Cultural Resources Survey of the project site was completed in 2018. The USACE, as the lead Federal agency for the permitting process, is presently engaging in consultation with VDHR, interested Tribes, and other Consulting Parties.

Given the historical context and sensitive archeological nature of this project site, the JRWA is making every effort to be respectful of and sensitive to everyone’s input during this project. 

Records pertaining to the James River Water Project may be requested under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act in the following ways:

Online: FOIA Request
Email: to Kelly Belanger Harris, JRWA FOIA Officer
Fax: 434-591-1911
U.S. Mail: FOIA Request, Attn: Kelly Harris, PO Box 540, Palmyra, VA 22963
In Person: 132 Main Street, Palmyra, VA 22963, County Administration Office, 3^rd Floor of the County Administration Building