TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION HOLDS FALL MEETING
Commission Approves 13 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia
Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met electronically on Monday, September 28th and acted on 13 funding requests. Among others, the Commission funded projects through its Southern Virginia Program that include a new entrance road to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest as well as various site improvement projects to assist in the attraction of new businesses to the region. In addition, the Education Committee budgeted new funding for the Virginia Department of Health’s Student Loan Repayment Program for healthcare occupations and the Commission’s own Talent Attract Program. Other business included the approval of two funding requests for upcoming projects under the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund program.
These projects and the additional projects approved at this meeting will create opportunities for thousands of individuals across Southern and Southwest Virginia in the years to come and illustrate the key role the Tobacco Commission plays in the long term advancement of our rural economies.
Additionally, the Commission is pleased to welcome three new members:
Senator John S. Edwards
Senator L. Louise Lucas
Senator Joseph D. Morrissey
Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “While meeting electronically is not ideal, I applaud the Commission for the work it did over the course of the day. The Commission supported good projects from across the region we serve that will create jobs and opportunity for years to come. From tourism to education and more, the Commission will continue working to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia during these unique times”
Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “I’d like to thank the members of the Commission as well as our staff for making these meetings a success under challenging circumstances. While much has been put on hold, the work of building a vibrant and successful economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia must continue.”
The requests approved at this meeting, including both grants and loans, total more than $9,320,178 and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds awarded break down as follows: $7,352,178 for projects in Southern Virginia and $1,968,000 for two Incentives and Loan Program projects. The Commission also approved funding levels of $1,500,000 for the VDH Student Loan Repayment Program and $1,500,000 for the Commission’s TAP Program
The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. The funding requests approved at the meeting will continue to move the region toward that goal.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/29/2020
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org