Supreme Court dismisses MeadWestvaco lawsuit
The Virginia Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit MeadWestvaco, a Covington paper manufacturer, had filed against the city of Buena Vista. A lower court had dismissed the $7 million lawsuit. The Supreme Court affirmed that decision Friday.
In the lawsuit, MeadWestvaco claimed Buena Vista was attempting to interfere with plans and contracts for a distribution center, originally announced in 2005. The Rockbridge Area Economic Development Council was communicating with the manufacturer to acquire land for the center west of a residential neighborhood along U.S. 501. An increase in truck traffic was the reason for much of the public disapproval of the distribution center.
Since then, MeadWestvaco has acquired a location for its distribution center in southern Augusta County.
The Supreme Court's decision was made by a three-judge panel. If MeadWestvaco wishes for the full court to review the appeal, it has 14 days to file that request.
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead supervisor: Prof. Brian Richardson
Reporting supervisors:
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd