Under the proposal, Spotsylvania would pay the city $364,802 for about 60 acres at Ely’s Ford to create a nature park and passive-recreation site. At the same time, the city would grant a perpetual conservation easement for more than 1,000 acres of city-owned land within the county.

The Spotsylvania supervisors approved the plan late Tuesday night by a 6–0 vote. The Fredericksburg City Council now must accept, reject or modify the deal.

County Administrator Randy Wheeler said he has gotten “positive reaction” from representatives of other local governments involved in the easement talks.

“I believe that a local agreement is preferable because it allows local elected leaders to be at the forefront of protecting this resource over time,” he said. “This will serve to enhance the surety that things we all value about the river will be valued and protected in the future.”

In Fredericksburg, City Council members’ reactions to the Spotsylvania proposal were mixed.

“I really haven’t had that much of a chance to review it, but what I think is encouraging is Spotsy is making an offer to work out something with the city,” Councilman Bill Withers said.

Withers said he’s also waiting to get more information on the proposal from City Attorney Kathleen Dooley.

Withers has long opposed selling the city-owned, riverfront land. “I wouldn’t shut out [the idea],” he said. “But I haven’t rationalized selling the land. I’d prefer selling them a half interest in it.”

Staff writer Elizabeth Pezzullo contributed to this report.

For a full version of this story, read Wednesday's Free Lance-Star.

To reach GEORGE WHITEHURST:

540/374-5438

gwhitehurst@freelancestar.com