TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN APPOMATTOX
Commission Approves 19 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia
Appomattox, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Wednesday the 17th and Thursday the 18th of May to give final approval for 19 funding requests. The 19 requests total more than $7.6 million dollars and will support projects in areas such as agribusiness, education, research and development, special projects and general economic development. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $125,000 for agribusiness, $1.68 million to support education, $400,000 for special projects and $5.42 million for general economic development. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $81,424 to $1.77 million.
Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “I am pleased that the Commission chose to fund these projects. Job creation and economic growth are our primary goals and the grants approved at these meetings are a step in the right direction on both fronts.”
Additionally, the Commission set aside $10 million in Research & Development funds for a new program designed to expand broadband access in the region. Specifically, the program is designed to encourage service providers and localities to invest in last mile connections. More details about this program will be released in the coming weeks.
Research & Development Committee Chair, Delegate Kathy Byron said, “Providing broadband access to communities currently underserved is one of the keys to increasing economic development throughout the tobacco region. By making investments that will actually address this challenge, we are providing opportunities for business growth and job creation.”
The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. The funding requests approved over the two day meeting will continue to move the region toward that goal.
Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “These projects represent a wide array of opportunities for our region and will have a positive impact on our goal of developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve.”
Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/18/17