The Mathews County Board of Supervisors held its annual retreat on June 12 at Williams Wharf and discussed projects that will be the focus of efforts during the coming year. The atmosphere of the gathering was relaxed and congenial, with supervisors making occasional jokes and sharing a laugh or two.

County administrator Mindy Moran suggested that projects that attract tourists are important because tourism is an area "where we can excel" as a county. She reported that Fort Nonsense Historical Park construction is on track and under budget, although designation as a Civil War Trails site may not be complete by the time the park is ready for its grand opening.

Creation of a public access site at East River Boat Yard is moving along, said Moran. A portion of the boat yard has already been opened for public use, and county personnel are working on applying for grants to fund a fishing pier and a 10-space parking area for vehicles with trailers.

A grant from the state Department of...