Powhatan Live Cam

Virginia's robust business climate is creating a new "energy" throughout the Old Dominion. As the 20th century comes to a close, the commonwealth's economic development success is the envy of the nation.

During the past few years, scores of innovative ideas and billions in new capital investment have transformed Virginia's regions into the communities of the future. And on top of Virginia's economic vitality, the commonwealth's residents enjoy a quality of life that is second to none in the South, as shown by a recent survey conducted by Money magazine.

These accomplishments are due to the strong partnership that exists between business, government and local civic organizations working together to retain and bring jobs and investment to the commonwealth.

Virginia Power, the commonwealth's leading supplier of electric service and the nation's seventh largest electric utility, is proud to be part of Virginia's success. We are committed to being a strong partner in the effort to help the commonwealth grow its economy and build competitive strength. The company's economic development mission is to support state, regional and local efforts to attract jobs and capital investment.

Virginia Power is preparing for the future by actively participating in the transition to a competitive electricity market. Our goal is to create greater market efficiency for all customers while enhancing the delivery of electric service to Virginia's homes and businesses.

For example, in June 1998, the company reached a settlement of its rate case with the State Corporation Commission that will bring more than $300 million in rate reductions and save customers close to $1 billion by 2002.

Those savings come on top of six years without an increase in electricity prices -- further evidence that Virginia's outlook is bright for continued economic growth in the 21st century.

The county seat of Powhatan County

Taxes are evaluated each year along with the County's budget and are adjusted as needed. A primary attraction for new business growth in the County is the absence of a gross receipts-based business, professional, and occupational license tax.

According to the 1998 Weldon Cooper Center estimates from the University of Virginia, the population of Powhatan County is 21,800, a 42 percent increase from the 1990 population of 15,328. Powhatan ranks as the fifth fastest growing locality in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The projected population for the year 2010 is 31,000.

The County's economy relies heavily on government, construction, and retail trade and service industries. Powhatan has a civilian labor force of 10,615. Approximately 4,300 people are employed in the County with nearly 76 percent of the County's labor force commuting to surrounding localities for work. With a current 1.7 percent unemployment rate, the County has one of the lowest unemployment levels in the state. Median family income in Powhatan County is $52,700, about 11 percent above the state average. Taxable retail sales in 1998 were $63,062,319.

Powhatan offers a wide variety of housing choices. Affordably priced houses are available, as well as homes valued at $600,000 and above. Available also are Revolutionary War - period homes and modern houses with the latest amenities. The predominant lot size ranges from two to ten acres. The recently adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan specifies a five-acre lot average and a two-acre lot minimum throughout most of the County. Smaller lot sizes are permitted in Village Preservation and Village Service Areas.

Community events include a Labor Day Parade, Christmas Parade / Christmas Tree Lighting, Bateau Festival, Powhatan County Fair, craft shows, Powhatan County Historical Society Tours, Powhatan Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction, Steer Roast and Dove Festival.

The Midlothian Family YMCA provides a Before and After School Program serving students in grades kindergarten through five from Powhatan Elementary, Pocahontas Elementary and Pocahontas Middle schools. This service is provided at Powhatan and Pocahontas Elementary schools Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. until the start of school and from dismissal until 6:30 p.m. The YMCA also provides Camp Saponi, which serves children, ages 4 to 12, and has a Counselor in Training Program for teens ages 13 to 15. For more information on these and other YMCA programs, call 379-5668.

The Powhatan Wildlife Management Area (4,991 acres), under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, provides hunting and fishing. The department also maintains two public boat landings on the James River at Maidens and Watkins Landing.

There is an estimated 225,000 horses in Virginia of which an estimated 1,750 live in Powhatan County. The horse industry accounts for approximately 24,450 jobs statewide with 90 in Powhatan. There are several clubs as well as many horse related businesses within the County which include veterinary services, trailer sales, farm and feed stores, barn sitting services, and independent riding instructors.