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GOVERNOR KAINE RECOMMENDS MORE THAN $3.5 MILLION THROUGH THE APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION
- Funds will target economic development, health care, tourism, and education opportunities
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
April 17, 2008
Contact: Jeff Tiller
Phone: (804) 692-2599
Cell Phone: (804) 432-6728
Internet: www.governor.virginia.gov
Hollie S. Cammarasana/DHCD
(804) 371-7006
(804) 382-2075
http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today recommended more than $3.5 million in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding for 13 projects in Southwest Virginia. The funds will be used to create workforce development opportunities, provide infrastructure and water improvements, revitalize the local economy, and utilize the region’s history and culture to enhance the growing Southwest Virginia tourism industry.
“Funds awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission allow communities to address economic development challenges in a multitude of ways,” said Governor Kaine. “I am pleased to recommend these diverse projects for funding, which will improve the quality of life for citizens in Southwest Virginia.”
ARC consists of 13 states, including Virginia, and provides federal funding and support to foster economic development and improve the quality of life for the country’s Appalachian citizens.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) implements the ARC program for the Commonwealth. Through a competitive grant process, DHCD recommends eligible grantees to receive ARC funding for projects within Virginia’s Appalachian region, which encompasses 23 counties and seven independent cities in Southwest Virginia. DHCD works with ARC and grantees to finalize the grant process and initiate the projects proposed.
“The projects funded through ARC grants represent a comprehensive mix of strategies and programs that together will work to strengthen the economy, and better the standard of living for Virginians in the Appalachian region,” said DHCD Director Bill Shelton.
Awards are being made through ARC’s Area Development (ADI), Asset-Based Development (ABDI), and Telecommunications Initiatives (TI). ADI Grants are dedicated to support infrastructure improvements, entrepreneurship support and workforce development, and ABDI funds are designed to address the leveraging of cultural, natural, community, structural, and economic assets. TI funds seek to stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living through technology-related projects.
2008 ARC Area Development Grant Awards
Applicant - Project
Award
Scott County Economic Development Authority, Duffield Regional Technology Center
$450,000
Mountain Empire Community College, Meeting Critical Workforce Needs in Welding and Pipefitting
$100,000
Town of Pennington Gap, Lee Theater/Learning Center Renovation
$109,851
Dickenson County, Multi-Community Water Project
$500,000
Dickenson County, Dickenson Center for Education and Research Equipment Project
$100,000
King College, King College Buchanan County Satellite Project
$100,000
Town of Fries, Fries Redevelopment Project
$435,840
Carroll, Grayson, Galax Regional Industrial Facilities Authority, Carroll, Grayson, Galax Regional Telecommunications Network
$325,272
Washington County, Southwest Virginia Artisan Center Building Construction Project
$500,000
Washington County, Southwest Virginia Artisan Center Cultural Display Project
$500,000
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Facility Expansion Project
$450,000
TOTAL
$3,570,963
2008 ARC Asset-Based Development Grant Awards
Applicant – Project
Award
The Arts & Cultural Council of the Twin Counties, From Wood to Singing Guitar
$18,000
TOTAL
$18,000
2008 ARC Telecommunications Initiative
Applicant - Project
Award
Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority (BRCEDA), Carroll County, City of Galax, Grayson County (CGG) Technology Training and Awareness Programs
$30,000
TOTAL
$30,000
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