Category: Press Releases

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. See the TRRC Coverage Area Map. 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. To read more about the program please visit the Energy Ingenuity Fund page of our website, revitalizeva.org.

Eligibility Requirements Please note that: 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. Please see the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals for full eligibility details.

Program Contacts 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

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.

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“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

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDING FOR FOUR ENERGY PROJECTS

PROJECTS IN RICHLANDS, WYTHEVILLE, AND DANVILLE RECEIVE COMMISSION SUPPORT

At its final scheduled meeting of the year, in Martinsville on September 26th, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved funding for four energy projects that will benefit communities across Southern and Southwest Virginia.

The Commission voted to approve the allocation of $4,000,000 ($2M grant, $2M loan) for the Town of Richlands Energy Diversification Project.

To address rising energy transmission costs, the Town of Richlands needs to diversify its energy assets. With Commission assistance, the Town is moving forward with the purchase of 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 and businesses. The system will also serve as an economic development tool for attracting prospective businesses and other economic development projects that require a stable, affordable source of energy.

Vice-Chairman of the Tobacco Commission, Delegate Will Morefield said, “The impact of Hurricane Helene on Southwest Virginia has highlighted the importance of reliable sources of energy for our rural communities. We have a tradition of self-reliance in Southwest Virginia, and projects like the one approved in Richlands will allow this community to provide affordable and reliable energy to its businesses and residents for decades to come. This project will also develop natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the region and one day give residents the opportunity to use natural gas that is produced right here in Southwest Virginia. I am also pleased the Commission approved a number of other projects across the Commission footprint that will support innovative energy solutions and help us meet the energy challenges of today and tomorrow.”

“I applaud the forward-thinking leadership of the Town of Richlands for identifying this innovative project that seeks to address the rising energy costs that impact every resident of the town,” said Tobacco Commission member, Senator Travis Hackworth. “I thank my fellow Commission members for recognizing the importance of this project and voting to approve the funding necessary to move forward. Cutting edge energy solutions are vital to the success of Southwest Virginia, and I believe we are on a good path right now to seeing one such solution realized.”
Additional energy projects approved at the Commission meetings in Martinsville include:

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 Wytheville Energy Action Plan
$50,000 Grant
This award will assist with the creation of a Community Energy Action Plan. The plan will study all town-owned facilities to identify solutions that increase energy efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. By aligning energy improvements with the existing Capital Improvement Plan, Wytheville aims to reduce operating costs, hedge against future energy price volatility, and attract energy-dependent businesses.

ATIP Foundation, LLC ATIP Foundation/BargerTech Waste to Energy Demonstration Project
$1,000,000 Grant
This award will support ATIP Foundation, in partnership with the private firm BargerTech, with the design, engineering, construction, implementation, and operation of a Biomass converter (specifically, a TriFi 7000 unit) on location at a farm within the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission territory. This demonstration project processes dairy manure to produce multiple valuable outputs including electricity (1MW), distilled water, biochar, and carbon credits.
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.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is an economic development agency under Governor Youngkin’s Secretariat of Commerce and Trade, led by Secretary Caren Merrick. TRRC’s Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos, is appointed by the Governor.

www.revitalizeva.org

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 is now accepting applications for the third 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. The recently concluded second round of the program saw four projects funded that will help communities meet current and future energy needs, reduce costs for consumers, increase reliability and more. Information on those projects, and others that received funding at the Commission’s recent meeting in Martinsville, can be found HERE.

Tobacco Commission Executive Director James E. Campos said, “The projects funded in the second round of the Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund will provide benefits to localities in the Commission footprint for decades to come and I am excited to see the innovative projects brought forth in this third round.

Governor Youngkin has made it clear that energy reliability and affordability are critical to the economic success of the Commonwealth and I believe that is especially true for Southern and Southwest Virginia. Rural Virginia is poised for growth in the energy sector and I look forward to working with our local partners, as well as innovators in the private sector, to harness that growth and bring results to our footprint localities.”

Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation, Jerry Silva, added “It has been a pleasure working with our local partners and others to bring great projects to the TRRC footprint and I look forward to continuing that work in the third round of the program. I once again encourage anyone with an idea for a project to contact me and I would be more than happy to work with them to bring that project to life for the benefit of our communities.”
Energy Ingenuity Fund Program Outline

Up to $6 million is 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. See the TRRC Coverage Area Map.

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 a Pre-Application:

Energy Ingenuity Fund Program:

October 31st – Please review the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals before beginning a pre-application. Please note that a pre-application is required before a project can move forward in the review process.

Based on the information provided in the pre-application, those invited to move forward to full application will be notified by November 2, 2024 and must submit a full application by midnight on December 2, 2024.

To read more about the program, and complete a pre-application (required) please visit the Energy Ingenuity Fund page of our website, revitalizeva.org.

Eligibility Requirements

Please note that:

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.

Please see the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals for full eligibility details.
Program Contacts

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

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.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is an economic development agency under Governor Youngkin’s Secretariat of Commerce and Trade, led by Secretary Caren Merrick. TRRC’s Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos, is appointed by the Governor.

www.revitalizeva.org

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN MARTINSVILLE

COMMISSION APPROVES 17 FUNDING REQUESTS

COMMISSION AUTHORIZES CREATION OF TOBACCO REGION INCENTIVE FOR AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (TRIAD)

Martinsville, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its final scheduled meeting for the year on Thursday, September 26th, in Martinsville with Committee meetings held the day prior. The Commission was hosted by Patrick & Henry Community College at their Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Complex (The MET). The Commission has supported Patrick & Henry Community College through a number of grants over the years, including for renovation and other projects related to The MET. 

The Commission approved 17 funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia.

Funded projects include investments in energy innovation, support for agriculture in the region, strategic marketing initiatives, 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, The Honorable Frank Ruff said, “I am particularly proud of the Commission’s investment in education and workforce training over the last 25 years. The success of the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology Complex here at Patrick & Henry Community College is a great example of that investment in action. Nothing is more important than making sure our rural communities in Southern and Southwest Virginia have the same opportunities as residents in other areas of the Commonwealth. I am confident that the Commission’s continued efforts in education, workforce development and the other areas discussed at our meetings over the last two days will continue to produce results for Southern and Southwest Virginia for years to come.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director James Campos added, “Our meetings over the last two days here in Martinsville are part of my continued effort to make sure that the Commission has a presence in every one of our footprint localities. I encourage anyone with a potential project, program or any other idea that could benefit Southern or Southwest Virginia, to reach out to myself or the Commission staff.

I am excited about each of the projects approved at this meeting, and the benefits they will bring to our communities, as well as the Commission’s approval of our latest program, the Tobacco Region Incentive for Agribusiness Development. While the Commission has a long history of funding impactful agribusiness projects, this program will refocus our efforts on Virginia’s largest private industry and harness the growth and innovation in agriculture and forestry to bring jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia. This program, like our recently launched Workforce Housing Pilot Program which was created in response to Governor Youngkin’s call for housing solutions, is part of the Commission’s effort to expand our reach and ensure that we are doing everything we can to accelerate growth in the communities we serve.

I am also pleased to see that the Commission approved several energy projects through our Energy Innovation Fund. Access to affordable, reliable energy is critical to the economic success of the Commonwealth, and a necessity as we work to further build the economies of the communities in the Tobacco Region. These projects are just a start, and I look forward to seeing more impactful and innovative energy projects in future rounds of the program.”

Tobacco Region Incentive for Agribusiness Development Program

The Commission authorized the creation of the Tobacco Region Incentive for Agribusiness Development Program (TRIAD). The purpose of TRIAD is to provide the cities and counties of the Tobacco Region, and the political subdivisions that support them, an economic development incentive for attracting new or expanding agriculture and forestry-based businesses that add value to products grown in the Tobacco Region. The program’s goal is to bring beneficial economic activity, along with new jobs and investment, to the Tobacco Region while also creating new market opportunities for farmers and forestland owners operating there. For complete information on this program, please refer to page 39 of the Commission Meeting Book.

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

TOBACCO COMMISSION LAUNCHES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORKFORCE HOUSING INCENTIVE PILOT PROGRAM

UP TO $2 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECTS IN SOUTHERN AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Developed with feedback from staff of Virginia Housing and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot Program is designed to make the Commission’s footprint more attractive for economic development by directly addressing a major concern of expanding employers: insufficient housing for their workforce. The program takes advantage of the Commission’s ability to offer innovative solutions to the challenges Southern and Southwest Virginia are facing and will allow Commission funds to serve as a catalyst, bringing together public and private sector partners to address workforce housing needs.

Tobacco Commission member Delegate Danny Marshall said, “In Southern Virginia we have had great success building our economy over the last decade or so by attracting new businesses and adding thousands of jobs. I want to see that growth continue, and I believe it can, but those workers are going to need places to live. We need to find solutions for the “missing middle,” those who fall into the gap between affordable housing programs and the housing that many developers choose to build that, in today’s market, is often too expensive for working families. This program offers an opportunity to bring together state agencies, local government and the private sector to generate innovative solutions so we can continue to attract the jobs of the future to Southern Virginia.” Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Delegate Will Morefield added, “Southwest Virginia faces difficulties when it comes to workforce housing due in part to aging housing. The region has the workforce and other assets it needs to succeed, and we must not let a shortage of housing stand in our way. I am pleased the Tobacco Commission has committed these funds to address this issue. The pilot program provides a solution that will be critical to building our economy, and I look forward to playing an active role as it moves forward.” “This pilot program was created after listening closely to the communities we serve as they expressed their needs, and in support of Governor Youngkin’s push for increased availability of affordable housing,” said Tobacco Commission Executive Director, James Campos. “I am certain that, working with Virginia’s housing community, our local partners, the private sector, and others, we can find solutions that will meet the needs of Southern and Southwest Virginia and allow us to continue bringing great opportunities to the Commission footprint.”

Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot Program Total allocation: $2 million Purpose: Enhance the appeal of the Tobacco Region for major economic development projects by incentivizing localities and employers to develop affordable housing options for employees.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  A pre-application detailing the proposed project is required and serves as an opportunity for Commission staff to conduct a preliminary assessment of the project’s eligibility for funding and, to provide meaningful feedback to applicants before they prepare a full application package. Candidates will be notified by Commission staff if their pre-application is selected to move on to the full application process. Full applications are evaluated by Commission staff, and funding recommendations are put forward to the full Commission for further discussion and approval at its spring, fall, and winter meetings. Incentive structure: Applications are made by political subdivisions of the Commonwealth on behalf of the housing developer, which may be for-profit or non-profit. Applications are received and evaluated on a rolling basis. Funds require a minimum three-to-one match and generally follow existing Tobacco Commission funding policies. Units can be for rent or for sale. For further program details, including additional requirements and how to apply, please visit the Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot Program page on our website.

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

TOBACCO COMMISSION LAUNCHES SECOND ROUND OF $12 MILLION ENERGY INGENUITY FUND

UP TO $12 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR HIGH-IMPACT ENERGY PROJECTS IN SOUTHERN AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is now accepting applications for the second round of its Energy Ingenuity Fund.

The Energy Ingenuity Fund builds on the Commission’s 25 year track record of funding innovative economic development initiatives in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Just as early investments in broadband and site readiness are paying dividends for rural Virginia, this program’s energy sector investments are expected to create not just new jobs and investment in rural Virginia, but to also provide the innovative energy solutions that long-term economic prosperity requires.

Executive Director of the Tobacco Commission, James E. Campos said, “We are excited to launch the second round of the Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund. Southern and Southwest Virginia are poised for growth and have everything needed to make projects large and small a success. From top-notch sites that are build-ready to a highly skilled workforce that can easily adapt to meet the demands of today’s energy sector and more. I encourage any business looking for a location for their next project to give Southern and Southwest Virginia a look. I guarantee they will be impressed with what they see and with the support the Commonwealth and the Youngkin administration are able to provide to bring them to Virginia.”

Campos continued, “During the first round of this innovative program we met with potential applicants that ranged from businesses and utility providers already operating within the Commission footprint to international players in the energy sector who are looking for the next location to expand their business and invest in the energy solutions of the future. I am encouraged by all the conversations we have had and look forward to turning them into shovels in the ground and good jobs created in Southern and Southwest Virginia.”

Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation, Jerry Silva, added “The interest we received during the first round of this program was significant and with this second round I look forward to continuing to engage with applicants to make their project a reality and ensure that when they are making decisions on where to locate they choose Virginia. Virginia can be a leader in the new energy economy and I’m pleased to be able to play a role in making that happen.”

Energy Ingenuity Fund Program Outline

Up to $6 million is 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. See the TRRC Coverage Area Map.

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 a Pre-Application:

Energy Ingenuity Fund Program:

July 18th – Please review the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals before beginning a pre-application. Please note that a pre-application is required before a project can move forward in the review process.

Based on the information provided in the pre-application, applicants will be invited to submit a full funding request. Pre-applications invited to move forward to full application will submit by August 15, 2024.

To read more about the program, and complete a pre-application (required) please visit the Energy Ingenuity Fund page of our website, revitalizeva.org.

Eligibility Requirements:

Please note that:

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.

Please see the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals for full eligibility details.

Program Contacts

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