Richmond, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its first scheduled meeting of the year on Monday, January 12th in Richmond.
Among the funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia, the Commission supported the creation of two new strategic funding programs, a housing project that will add 115 workforce housing units in Lee County and multiple energy projects that will help diversify the economy of rural Virginia.
The Commission continues to seek innovative ways to create jobs and investment in the Commission footprint. As part of that effort, the Commission approved the creation of the Maritime Advancement & Supply Chain Transformation (MAST) Fund and the TRRC Drone Fund. The MAST Fund will support small and medium-sized enterprises in the maritime and shipbuilding supply chain, strengthening national security and the industrial base. The TRRC Drone Fund will close capital gaps for drone manufacturers, integrators, and suppliers in the Tobacco Region. Both programs will operate as expansions of the Commission’s successful partnership with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) and offer loans to attract businesses in those industries to the region. Grants may also be available on a limited case-by-case basis.
The Commission’s Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot Program continues to receive strong interest. The latest project approved under this program will provide $800,000 to Lee County to support the Western Lee Housing Project at the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center. The project will create 115 new housing units in an area that multiple studies have identified as a target area for additional housing.
Multiple energy projects also received Commission funding. The Commission recognizes that reliable, affordable energy is critical to the economic success of the region and that business attraction efforts are increasingly impacted by energy pricing and availability. The Commission also recognizes that the energy sector itself presents huge opportunities for job growth and investment across Southern and Southwest Virginia.
For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.
“The grants and programs approved at our meeting in Richmond are a perfect example of the Commission’s ability to be flexible, innovative and forward-thinking as we meet the needs of our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “I’d like to thank our departing commissioners for their work as well as Executive Director James Campos for his contributions to the Commission over the last few years. We have completed a comprehensive strategic planning effort, created several new programs and launched the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia. All of these exceptional public servants played a key role in those efforts and they will have a positive impact on our communities for years to come. Looking forward, I am more excited about the Commission’s future, and our ability to bring jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia, than ever.”
“It has been an incredible honor to serve as Executive Director of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission,” said TRRC Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos. “I am grateful for the Commissioners, our dedicated staff, and the community leaders who are the heartbeat of this region. Our mission has always been about more than just grants; it’s about serving as a true partner in economic development to empower communities across Southern and Southwest Virginia to seize opportunities and build on their strengths. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, from launching the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia to the adoption of a historic strategic plan, the creation of our Energy Ingenuity program, and more. I am confident that the momentum we have built will allow the Commission to continue to drive prosperity across Southern and Southwest Virginia for another 25 years. I want to thank the Commission for their trust, the communities we serve for their partnership, and Governor Glenn Youngkin for giving me this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth. Keep the momentum going!”
Ribbon Cutting Marks Launch of Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure Funded by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
Multi-site Virginia initiative links energy innovation, unmanned systems, and workforce development
Richmond, Virginia – December 10, 2025.
The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS) announced today the establishment of an Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center for Critical Infrastructure, made possible through a $490,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s (TRRC) Energy Ingenuity Fund.
The Center will serve as a national resource for the development, testing, and deployment of energy-resilient unmanned systems and dual-use technologies. With multi-site operations at Richard Bland College and three general aviation airports in Dinwiddie County, Danville, and Wise County (Lonesome Pine), the Center will establish a distributed innovation network that advances Virginia’s strategic aviation priorities including efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the energy, logistics, and aviation sectors.
“The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is proud to invest in initiatives that foster regional innovation while strengthening Virginia’s position as a national leader in energy and unmanned systems,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “The Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund was created to drive forward-looking projects like this that connect technology, workforce, and infrastructure development. The Commission has a history of being ahead of the curve and investing in projects that pay dividends for our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities down the road, like our early investment in business ready sites across the footprint and our commitment to workforce training programs. This investment is another example of our commitment to proactively building the economy of the future, ensuring our region thrives for generations to come.”
“As Vice Chair of the Tobacco Commission and as the State Senator representing this region, I am proud to see this investment from the Commission aimed to fuel game changing innovation and economic growth right here in Southside Virginia,” said Senator Lashrecse D. Aird. “This new Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Center will strengthen our local workforce, attract new business opportunities, and further cement Virginia’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and aviation technology. This kind of project means more good jobs and new opportunities for families and businesses across our region today and for years to come — the exact priorities that are central to my work both on the Commission and as this region’s representative in the General Assembly.”
“The Energy-Centric UAS Center project demonstrates exactly the kind of cross-agency collaboration and bold thinking the Energy Ingenuity Fund was designed to catalyze,” said James Campos, Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “By investing in forward-looking initiatives and partnering with organizations such as CCALS, we are accelerating energy-centric innovation while expanding economic and workforce opportunity throughout the Commission’s footprint.”
“The establishment of the Energy Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure not only presents an incredible opportunity for the Tobacco Commission Region to position itself as a leader in next-gen UAS testing and training, it also serves as a clear example of what can be accomplished by operationalizing the whole of government approach that has been a pillar of the Youngkin Administration,” said Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
The Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure will accelerate technologies that improve operational efficiency, workforce safety, and energy reliability – particularly for those working in and supporting the energy industry. Planned capabilities include:
• Hydrogen-hybrid UAS flight testing and infrastructure deployment to advance high-endurance propulsion systems.
• Secure communications and RF/ISAC evaluation environments for spectrum awareness and cyber-physical protection.
• Hydrogen-Hydrogen Hybrid enabled, FAA-compliant Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing, training, and evaluation.
• Workforce training aligned with FAA, NIST, and emerging industry standards.
• Custom program and curriculum development.
• Technology demonstration projects and dual-use prototyping
• Advanced manufacturing and drone validation programs to strengthen domestic supply chains.
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) modeling, testing, deployment, and regulatory alignment to support future integration of sustainable air systems.
“This award reflects the growing leadership of CCALS at the convergence of energy, aviation, and logistics,” said Dr. Jeffrey Fox, CCALS Board Chairman. “By championing initiatives that advance Virginia priorities and serve both commercial and national interests, CCALS is building strategic resources that support the Commonwealth’s competitiveness and the nation’s energy resilience.”
“The Department of Aviation is proud to collaborate on this initiative, which showcases how innovative, sustainable aviation technologies can be tested and deployed across Virginia’s diverse airport network,” said Greg Campbell, Director.
“The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is proud to support CCALS in launching the Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure. This forward-looking initiative is another example of our commitment to attracting innovative energy-related businesses to Virginia,” said Virginia Department of Energy Director Glenn Davis. “These efforts will enhance the efficiency and safety of our energy workforce and resources in the future.”
“We are proud to support the launch of this new Center in Virginia, which exemplifies the type of forward-leaning innovation our teams strive to champion every day. This partnership directly advances our core pillars of accelerating technology, building safer and more resilient communities, and developing the skilled workforce needed to sustain the unmanned systems industry for decades to come,” said Kimberly Benson, Administrator, UAS Center at SBD.
The Center is led by CCALS and supported by a multi-institutional team including the Virginia Department of Aviation, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Department of Energy, the UAS Center at SBD, George Mason University’s Rapid Prototyping Research Center, Richard Bland College, and general aviation airports in Wise County, Danville, and Dinwiddie County.
About the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS)
The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS) is a leading non-profit research and innovation center tackling the most pressing challenges in logistics, energy, critical infrastructure, and emerging dual-use technologies. Founded through a collaboration of five Virginia universities—University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Longwood University, and Old Dominion University—CCALS bridges academic insight with real-world impact. Learn more at www.ccals.com
About the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC)
The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the General Assembly to promote economic growth and development in formerly tobacco-dependent communities across South and Southwest Virginia. The Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund supports projects that accelerate energy innovation, workforce readiness, and industrial competitiveness. Learn more at www.revitalizeva.org
About the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV)
The Virginia Department of Aviation supports and develops the Commonwealth’s system of airports, aviation education, and unmanned systems integration to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable air transportation for Virginia’s citizens and businesses. Learn more at www.doav.virginia.gov
Virginia Energy is the state agency charged with advancing Virginia’s energy, mining, and mineral policies and initiatives. Our mission is to ensure the Commonwealth has a secure, abundant, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy future. The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) is tasked with accelerating the deployment of clean power generation and energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth. VCEIB mobilizes public and private capital to address critical financing gaps in the clean power generation and infrastructure sectors, supporting the goals outlined in Virginia’s All-American, All-of-the-Above Energy Plan. www.energy.virginia.gov
About the UAS Center at SBD
The UAS Center at SBD, located at San Bernardino International Airport, supports advanced technology development, UAS flight testing, training, and evaluation across complex airport, urban, and wildland environments. Through its Norton Test Range (an FAA-designated UAS test range) and multi-agency partnerships, the Center accelerates innovation that strengthens workforce readiness, safety, and operational capability for public- and private-sector entities and operators nationwide. www.uascentersbd.com
Large Animal Veterinarians Receive Grants to Expand Services in Rural Virginia
~ VDACS and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission award $890,000 to seven veterinarians serving livestock, poultry and equine industries ~
Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) today announced seven veterinarians have been awarded Large Animal Veterinary Grants totaling $890,000 to help boost large animal veterinary services across the Commonwealth.
VDACS launched the Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program on July 1, 2025. VDACS funds were available for four recipients to receive up to $110,000 each, while TRRC funded three recipients in Southern and Southwest Virginia with grants of $150,000 each. The grant awards will be used to expand and sustain existing practices as well as open new operations, like a standalone large animal clinic and a haul-in facility.
There is an ongoing shortage of large animal veterinarians in Virginia and across the country, which has serious implications for animal health, farm operations, food safety, and the agricultural economy. The Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program, established by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2025, is intended to incentivize veterinarians who primarily care for livestock, poultry, and equines, to establish or grow a large animal veterinary practice in the Commonwealth. The goal of the TRRC program is to increase the availability of veterinary services available to livestock producers in Southern and Southwest Virginia.
“We are committed in the Commonwealth to helping large animal veterinarians succeed, so they can continue providing such vital services to our farmers and rural communities,” said Dr. Charlie Broaddus, VDACS State Veterinarian. “There is clearly a great need for these funds, with the state receiving 43 strong and deserving applications this grant period from dedicated veterinarians across the state. These providers are integral to our food supply and rural economies, and we are proud to invest in top quality care and long-term practice viability.”
“Livestock, especially cattle, are the primary drivers of the agricultural economy of Southern and Southwest Virginia,” said TRRC Chairman,Delegate Will Morefield. “This is a prime example of the Commission listening to our producers and the communities we serve and utilizing our unique flexibility to generate solutions that will make a real difference. I am thrilled to see these veterinarians increase their capacity to serve those who form the foundation of our rural economy.”
Recipients of the 2025 VDACS Large Animal Veterinary Grant are:
Dr. Nathaniel Burke of Luray, Va.
Dr. James Cassell of Galax, Va.
Dr. Keagan Clevenger of Rockbridge Baths, Va.
Dr. Sherri Gard of Suffolk, Va.
Recipients of the 2025 TRRC Large Animal Veterinary Incentive Program are:
Dr. Travis Gilmer of Scott County, Va.
Dr. Mary Tomlinson of Galax, Va.
Dr. Suzanne Newcombe of Gretna, Va.
Grant recipients were chosen by a panel of industry representatives using a standardized scoring rubric that considered applicants’ ability to have significant impact on their communities. The judging panel included the State Veterinarian as well as representatives from TRRC, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Academy of Food Animal Practitioners, and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.
“Farmers have long struggled with a shortage of large animal vets—and we’ve been working hard to change that,” said Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink. “Partnering with Senator Travis Hackworth and Delegate Alfonso Lopez, we helped create a grant program to support these vital professionals. The first awards have been announced, providing essential funding to veterinarians who serve our agricultural communities. These grants will strengthen practices and expand services, ensuring farmers have the support they need to keep their livestock healthy and their operations thriving.”
Funds will be disbursed over a multi-year period, helping to keep large animal veterinarians committed to their local communities and able to sustain their practice. Grant funds may be used for a variety of business expenses, from practice establishment and expansion, to student loan repayment, technician salaries, equipment, and more.
Halifax County, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its third and final scheduled meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 24th at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Halifax with committee meetings held the day prior. The Commission played a critical role in the revival of VIR, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and has continued that support in the years since. VIR now employs over 300 people and attracts over 350,000 visitors each year, many of whom are from out of state. It is one of the largest tourism destinations in Southern Virginia, generating millions of dollars of economic impact each year. For more information on VIR and its history, please take a look at their VIR Reborn documentary.
Among the funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia, including agriculture, business development and tourism projects, the Commission supported three workforce housing projects that will create over 130 units targeting families earning between 80-120% of the area median income. A shortage of workforce housing in the Commission’s footprint has consistently been cited as a barrier to growth and these additional units will play a role in helping meet this demand.
The Commission also supported the development of an energy-focused unmanned aircraft system (UAS)/drone center in collaboration with the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems. This center will serve as a catalyst for energy-centric UAS research, innovation and training.
The Commission adopted a new strategic plan that will chart the Commission’s course through 2027. The strategic planning effort, led by a team from the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement, included multiple input sessions, interviews and more with stakeholders from across the Commission’s footprint to ensure that the Commission is meeting the needs of the communities it serves.
For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.
“Our meetings here at Virginia International Raceway have been a huge success,” said Commission Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “VIR is a good example of the diverse array of opportunities and attractions we have across Southern and Southwest Virginia, and why I am so proud of the projects we have supported. The Commission approved a remarkable slate of projects that showcase the ingenuity of our region. We’re seeding the future of agriculture, fueling innovation in the energy sector, enhancing our unique tourism assets that draw visitors from all over and working with a variety of partners to meet our workforce housing challenges. None of this progress would be possible without the steady leadership and tireless dedication of Executive Director James Campos. His commitment to our mission has been instrumental in turning these ambitious ideas into realities for the communities of Southern and Southwest Virginia, and we are deeply grateful for his service.”
“Serving as Executive Director of the Commission has been one of the highlights of my career,” said TRRC Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos. “While I plan to remain on through our meetings in Richmond in January, this will be my last meeting in the Commission’s footprint. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done over the last few years. We’ve launched innovative new programs to harness the opportunities the energy economy can bring, renewed our focus on agriculture, developed a program to help address our workforce housing shortage and so much more. Energy, in particular, is a priority of mine because it is critical to the success of Southern and Southwest Virginia moving forward. Affordable, available energy is at the foundation of economic growth. Perhaps most importantly, we have increased collaboration across the board with state and local partners alike, which will serve the Commission well for many years to come. As I look to finish strong over the next few months, I’d like to thank our Commissioners and our staff for the incredible work they do for the people of Southern and Southwest Virginia. It’s their work, combined with the extraordinary efforts of our partners across the region, that makes the progress we’ve seen possible.”
Bristol, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its second scheduled meeting of the year on Wednesday, May 21st in Bristol with committee meetings held the day prior.
Among the funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia, the Commission supported 3 workforce housing projects that will create over 130 units targeting families earning between 80-120% of the area median income. A shortage of workforce housing in the Commission’s footprint has consistently been cited as a barrier to growth and these additional units will play a role in helping meet this demand.
The Commission also approved the TRRC Large Animal Veterinary Incentive Program. This program will support footprint producers by increasing the number of large animal vets to treat livestock. The program will offer annual, increasing incentive payments ($150K over five years) to new veterinarians serving the region, as well as provide funding for a support position at Virginia Tech.
TRRC’s Energy Ingenuity Program continues to fund innovative projects. The Commission approved a $1 million grant and a $740,000 loan for the Greensville County Reformed Energy Industrial Gasification Plant. This facility will serve as a vital demonstration of how waste-to-energy technology can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, create economic opportunities, and provide a scalable model for sustainable industrial energy production. Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation, Jerry Silva, extends his sincere thanks to the Virginia Department of Energy for their assistance in making this project possible.
Additional approved funding includes investments in the areas of education and workforce development, tourism, sites and infrastructure and more. These awards are part of the Commission’s 25 years of work helping to rebuild the economies of Southern and Southwest Virginia.
For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.
“The meetings over the last few days here in Bristol offer great examples of the wide range of areas in which the Commission plays a key role in helping our communities grow and prosper,” said Commission Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “I’m particularly excited about the Commission’s new focus on meeting the need for additional large animal veterinarians. This program will complement the Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program recently signed into law by Governor Youngkin by providing additional incentives for veterinarians that locate in the Commission’s footprint. Supporting our producers is critical to the future of Southern and Southwest Virginia and I am pleased to see the Commission once again play a role in offering innovative solutions to meet their needs.”
“It was a pleasure to be in Bristol and to see so many great projects that will make a real difference move forward,” said TRRC Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos. “Over the last few days the Commission has continued its investment in our young people and those seeking industry-recognized credentials through our community colleges and other educational institutions. We’re helping to tackle the shortage of affordable housing by committing funds that will help create places Southern and Southwest Virginia families can call home, and we have continued funding energy projects, a special interest of mine and a sector that holds vast growth potential for our communities. I applaud the efforts of our Commissioners and staff and look forward to seeing these exciting initiatives get underway.”
Image Credit: Boston Public Library / Flickr / Creative Commons
Danville Utilities and Lightshift Energy partner for a second time to bring up to $30M in energy cost savings to the local community while supporting regional load growth
DANVILLE, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lightshift Energy, a leading energy storage developer, owner, and operator, announced a second project with Danville Utilities that will bring meaningful cost savings and enhance grid reliability for the City of Danville. Danville II, the 11MW project, has also secured a funding award of $1.5 million from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund to advance energy resilience for the region.
Following the success of Lightshift’s first project with Danville (“Danville I”), which was Virginia’s largest municipal energy storage project when built, Danville II builds on the city’s commitment to reducing energy costs for its residents and supporting regional load growth. Danville II will operate as a peak-shaving asset, storing electricity during low-demand periods and discharging it back to the grid during peak hours. This model is projected to save Danville residents approximately $30 million over the project’s 20-year lifespan.
“The City of Danville has been looking for various ways to stabilize electric costs for ratepayers. The project will help lower transmission and capacity costs and allow the City’s electric rates to be competitive to other neighboring electric utilities when competing for economic development projects,” said Jason Grey, Danville Director of Utilities. “We are very appreciative of the Virginia TRRC’s support and our ongoing collaboration with Jerry Silva on the 11-megawatt battery energy storage system.”
Danville Utilities partnered with Lightshift a second time after experiencing the benefits of the Danville I project. Danville I is on track to save more than $40 million over the 20-year lifetime of the project by reducing transmission and capacity costs. With a capacity of 10.5 MW, Danville I has been supplying reliable, clean energy to the equivalent of nearly 9,000 homes since October 2022, helping to stabilize the grid and reduce energy prices. Both projects will help support advances in economic development as well as provide clean capacity for data centers in the region.
“This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships and energy investments can drive economic growth in the tobacco region through lowering energy costs and enhanced grid reliability,” said Jerry Silva, TRRC Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation. “Danville Utilities and Lightshift have been excellent partners in moving this project forward and we are happy to play a big role in educating our commissioners on the energy opportunity.”
The TRRC Energy Ingenuity Fund aims to support innovation and investment in energy technology to formerly tobacco-dependent communities in Virginia in order to improve access to affordable, reliable energy sources. This funding will enable Lightshift to expand the impact of Danville II, bringing additional savings to residents and supporting the regional economy through local job creation and building out the supply chain and expertise for battery energy storage systems in the region.
“Battery storage offers municipal utilities like Danville a valuable tool to stabilize energy costs, support large electric loads like data centers, and enhance grid reliability,” said Michael Herbert, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Lightshift Energy. “We deeply value our ongoing partnership with Danville and are committed to bringing economic development and energy cost savings to the region.”
Danville City Council granted a special use permit on November 7 to advance the project, and the City Council also approved the project’s site lease on March 16. The Project is expected to come online in Q2 2026.
About Lightshift Energy
Lightshift Energy is a utility-scale energy storage project developer, owner and operator headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Founded in 2019, Lightshift is developing a diverse, multi-gigawatt pipeline of energy storage projects, located throughout the U.S. With leading energy storage analytics, application design, finance, and development expertise, Lightshift deploys dynamic, multi-use energy storage projects that maximize value for utilities and other partners, while reinvesting directly into the communities where their projects are located. For more information, please visit www.lightshift.com.
About Danville Utilities
Danville Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater and telecommunications services in Danville and distributes electricity to approximately 42,000 customer locations in a 500-square-mile service territory covering Danville, the southern third of Pittsylvania County, and small portions of Henry and Halifax counties.
About Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC)
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. To date, the Commission has awarded over 2,000 grants totaling more than $1.1 billion across the tobacco region of the Commonwealth, and has provided $309 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders.
TOBACCO COMMISSION LAUNCHES THIRD ROUND OF $12 MILLION ENERGY INGENUITY FUND
NEW FUNDING ROUND TO BUILD ON SUCCESS OF PREVIOUS ROUNDS; CONTINUE COMMISSION’S MISSION OF BUILDING A STRONG ECONOMY IN SOUTHERN AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, an economic development agency under the Secretariat of Commerce and Trade, led by Executive Director Hon. James E. Campos, is now accepting applications for the latest round of its Energy Ingenuity Fund.
This round aims to build on the success of previous rounds of the program and continue to bring innovative energy projects, along with the jobs and investment that come with them, to Southern and Southwest Virginia. See below for examples of awarded projects from previous rounds of the program, as well as more information on how to apply for the latest round. Information on all funded projects from the latest round can be found HERE.
“Providing our communities with the energy resources they need to attract top employers and seize opportunities as they arise is critical to the success of Southern and Southwest Virginia, and the Commonwealth as a whole,” said Tobacco Commission Executive Director Hon. James Campos. “Governor Youngkin’s energy plan makes it clear that an all-of-the-above approach is needed to meet Virginia’s energy needs and I’m proud to see that this program is helping to meet those goals and move the Commonwealth forward.”
Tobacco Commission Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation, Jerry Silva added, “It has been a great experience working with our localities and their partners to develop innovative, impactful projects like the ones featured here and I look forward to continuing that work in this latest round of the program. To learn more about the program, I invite all those interested to join me on March 6th when I’ll be speaking with the Dominion Innovation Center at the Energy Tech 2025 conference to highlight TRRC’s Energy Innovation Fund and spotlight some of our recent projects.”
Awarded Project Highlights
City of Danville
900 Mount Cross Road Battery Energy Storage System – $750,000 Grant/$750,000 Loan
This award will assist with the continued development of a 12-megawatt advanced battery energy storage system (“BESS”) in Danville Virginia that will be used to reduce peak load for Danville Utilities and will in turn save Danville Utilities tens of millions of dollars over the life of the project. These savings will be directly passed through to the commercial, industrial, and residential customers of Danville Utilities, helping ensure lower electricity costs for current and future residents as well as attract new businesses to the Tobacco Region. The project will also enable workforce training for the emerging BESS industry in Virginia which has been catalyzed by the Virginia Clean Economy Act, and the project will provide emissions reductions benefits and reduced transmission and generation requirements for the regional grid, as well as a clean source of local power for Danville Utilities.
Town of Richlands
Town of Richlands Energy Diversification Project – $2,000,000 Grant/$2,000,000 Loan
This award will assist the Town of Richlands with the purchase a Solar Mercury 50 natural gas fired turbine and generator. This generator will allow the Town to utilize a homegrown supply of natural gas to create and provide electricity to its citizens, current businesses, and to use as an economic development tool for attracting prospective businesses and other economic development projects. Currently, the transmission costs the Town pays to move energy from its assets in the Ohio River Valley area to Richlands have increased dramatically, which has significantly impaired the Town’s economic development capacity.
Energy Ingenuity Fund Program Outline
Funds are designated for energy-related projects in each of the Commission’s service regions, Southern and Southwest Virginia. A variety of energy project proposals will be accepted, with a focus on establishing a ‘best in class’ energy economy. Projects supported through this fund will capitalize on the region’s skilled workforce and promote an energy focused economy for the Tobacco Region, recognizing that regions with a strong focus on energy can better attract economic activity to their communities. Potential project areas include, but are not limited to: energy manufacturing supply chain, energy production, grid resiliency, energy storage, microgrids, hydrogen generation, smart cities, wind, small scale modular reactors, conversion of coal mines, and more.
The Energy Ingenuity Fund will solicit applications through a competitive process to establish grant and loan agreements for high impact economic development projects meeting the following objectives:
– Deployment of resources to amplify and accelerate investment in energy projects. – Collaboration between key partners in energy and economic development. – Enhancement and expansion of the region’s energy supply chain. – Development of more energy resiliency in Southern and Southwest Virginia. – Funding will be considered for projects within the Southern and Southwest Virginia areas of Virginia’s Tobacco Region.
For more information on TRRC program objectives please review the TRRC Strategic Plan and the Logic Models for this Program in the Plan as well as the Commission’s Funding Policies.
Deadline to Submit an Application: Energy Ingenuity Fund Program:
March 10th – Please review the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals before beginning an application. A pre-application is no longer required. Please submit a full application by the March 10th deadline for consideration.
Applicants must be either a local governmental entity or a non-profit OR must be partnering with a local governmental entity or non-profit.
All requests for grant funds require at least dollar-for-dollar (1:1) matching funds, with no more than 25% of the match requirement from “in-kind” sources.
For media inquiries: Jordan Butler Public Relations Director & Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund Manager (804) 894-9652 JButler@revitalizeva.org
Questions from partners or potential applicants: Jerry Silva Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation (804) 325-4363 JSilva@revitalizeva.org
TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND
COMMISSION APPROVES 27 FUNDING REQUESTS AND ELECTS DELEGATE WILL MOREFIELD AS CHAIRMAN, SENATOR LASHRECSE AIRD AS VICE-CHAIR
Richmond, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its first scheduled meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 7th in Richmond with committee meetings held the day prior.
The Commission elected Delegate Will Morefield to serve as Chairman of the Commission and Senator Lashrecse Aird to serve as Vice-Chair.
The Commission approved 27 funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia.
Funded projects include investments in energy innovation, workforce training programs across Southern and Southwest Virginia, agriculture, tourism, site development and more. These awards are part of the Commission’s 25 years of work helping to rebuild the economies of Southern and Southwest Virginia.
For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.
Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield said, “It is an honor to be named Chairman of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. I have served on the Commission for a number of years and during that time I have seen the impact the Commission has had on Southern and Southwest Virginia. From attracting new businesses and creating good paying jobs to supporting our farmers and helping to revitalize our downtowns, the Commission has played a key role in the success we see across the footprint today. I am ready to get to work with all of my colleagues on the Commission to ensure that success continues.”
Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Senator Lashrecse Aird said, “The Commission’s ability to be flexible and innovate to meet the needs of our communities is, in my opinion, one of its strongest assets. As Vice-Chair I want to ensure that the Commission continues to innovate as it has over the last 25 years, and especially recently with our various new programs and partnerships. Southern and Southwest Virginia are growing and changing but are still facing challenges. The Commission can help them meet those challenges and I look forward to doing my part to make that happen.”
Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos added, “I congratulate Delegate Morefield and Senator Aird on being named Chairman and Vice-Chair of the Commission. It is also a pleasure to welcome our three new members to the Commission. I look forward to working with them over the course of the year ahead to continue getting results for Southern and Southwest Virginia.
The Commission has an impressive 25-year track record, and I am pleased that we are continuing to build on that success with innovative offerings like our Energy Ingenuity program, based on Governor Youngkin’s All-American, All-Of-The-Above Energy Action Plan, as well as our Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot program and more. I am also excited about the potential of our new partnerships with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation. These partnerships came about as a result of Governor Youngkin’s call for more collaboration between state agencies to get results for Virginians and I think we have an opportunity to do exciting work together moving forward that will be of tremendous benefit to Southern and Southwest Virginia.”
Commission Welcomes Three New Members
– H. Wayne Carter IIIof Mecklenburg County, Executive Director, Southside Regional Public Service Authority – The Honorable Sandra Frederickof Abingdon, Associate Professor of Education, Emory & Henry University; member, Washington County School Board, Madison District – Hampton Wilkinsof Danville, Owner and President, Wilkins & Co. Realty, Inc.; Owner and President, Wilkins General Contractors
About The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. To date, the Commission has awarded over 2000 grants totaling more than $1.1 billion across the tobacco region of the Commonwealth, and has provided $309 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders.
www.revitalizeva.org
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jordan Butler at 804-786-7692 or email at jbutler@revitalizeva.org
The members of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, along with the entire Commission staff, are saddened by the news of Senator Frank Ruff’s passing.
Senator Ruff’s service on the Commission was incredibly impactful for residents of both Southern and Southwest Virginia. His time on the Commission is notable for many reasons, but perhaps most so for his tireless advocacy in support of educational opportunities for rural Virginians. Senator Ruff’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the Commission to make critical investments in our community colleges, workforce training centers and more over the last 25 years. Those investments have created opportunities for thousands of rural Virginians and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Above all, Senator Ruff believed in the potential of Southern Virginia and the people who call the region home. He sought, through his service on the Commission, to provide them with the tools and resources they needed to improve their lives and communities as well as the opportunities available to future generations. His legacy at the Commission will be one of effective, compassionate leadership in service of rural Virginians across the Commonwealth.
“Senator Ruff has been a role model worth emulating as a business leader and public servant who sacrificially gave of his time and talents to invest in making his community better,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Senator Ruff’s wisdom, kindness, graciousness and sense of humor will be missed.”
“In my time with the Commission Senator Ruff has been a source of guidance and wisdom,” said Tobacco Commission Executive Director James Campos. “It was clear during our very first discussions that he cared deeply about Southern Virginia and rural Virginia as a whole. I will always admire his many decades of public service and his commitment to doing things the right way. The staff of the Tobacco Commission extend our sincere condolences to the Senator’s loved ones, and I promise that we will do our very best moving forward to honor his legacy of service here at the Commission.”
“Frank was not only a friend, he was one of the foundation stones on which the Commission was built. His commitment to the people of rural Virginia was underscored not only by his service in the House, Senate and on the Commission, but in the way he lived his life. He will be missed.” – Founding Member and Former Chair of the Commission, Senator Charles Hawkins
“I was saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. His commitment to public service is something that I greatly admired. He was extremely humble in nature and his patience, willingness to listen, and drive to help others is something that everyone in elected office should follow. The Commonwealth lost a great man and he will forever be missed.” – Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Delegate Will Morefield
“I have never known the Virginia Legislature without Frank Ruff. We were both elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1993 and have both served on the Tobacco Commission since its inception in 1999. Frank Ruff was a fierce advocate for Southern Virginia. The Commonwealth of Virginia would be a better place if it had more Frank Ruffs. Debbie and I are deeply saddened for Jessie and his family. Senator Ruff was an exceptional legislator but he was an even better husband, father, grandfather and friend.” – Tobacco Commission Member, Delegate Terry Kilgore
“My father told me as a young man, ‘When you leave this world, will the world be no different, worse off, or a better place?’ Senator Ruff’s quiet service made Southside and all of Virginia a much better place. Frank will be missed.” – Tobacco Commission Member, Delegate Danny Marshall
“Frank and I began serving on the Virginia Tobacco Commission at the beginning of its creation. During his long tenure there, and as a member of General Assembly, he represented Mecklenburg county and the Commonwealth with quiet respect and resolve.” – Carthan Currin, Inaugural Executive Director of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
“Senator Ruff’s focus during his time with the Commission was on our Education programs. Frank made sure we maintained a tight focus on funding training facilities and financial aid programs that have been life-changing for tens of thousands of residents across the Commission footprint. He was the model of a selfless public servant.” – Tim Pfohl, former Tobacco Commission Interim Executive Director and long-time Grants Director
