A $5.7 million project intended to reduce drainage problems on Main Street in Mathews is on hold because of Virginia Department of Transportation’s inability to obtain easements from two property owners.
VDOT’s Commissioner of Highways has begun condemnation proceedings against each of the owners in Mathews County Circuit Court.

The proposed project involves installing storm sewers and culverts on Buckley Hall Road, Main Street, and Church Street to improve drainage to Put-In Creek and reduce flooding in the court house area, according to VDOT Communications Manager Kelly Hannon.

According to court records, certificates of take were filed against Hyco Corner LLC, owner of Hyco Market at the corner of Buckley Hall Road and Main Street, and the Audrey R. Faulkner Trust, owner of Faulkner and Son appliance store on Main Street.

VDOT has set $7,200 as the fair value for disturbing the 3,131 square feet required for the construction and maintenance of drainage facilities that...