By Lewis Loflin
Published: December 6, 2004
In 2004, the local press highlighted several Virginia Tobacco Commission projects aimed at fostering economic development in Southwest Virginia, as reported by the Kingsport Times-News. While Tennessee used its tobacco settlement funds to address budget deficits, Virginia chose to invest its share in diverse initiatives to support the region’s growth. The Virginia Tobacco Commission, through its Southwest Virginia Economic Development Committee, allocated over $1 million in grants for the 2005 fiscal year, targeting projects in cultural heritage, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
The Town of Clintwood received a $61,000 grant to support the second phase of the Dr. Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center, located along the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail from Dickenson County to Galax. This grant complemented a prior $140,000 award in May 2004. The museum, which opened in fall 2004, features exhibits on the career of Grammy Award winner Ralph Stanley and his brother Carter. Update: The Ralph Stanley Museum faced challenges and was taken over by the Town of Clintwood to continue its operations. See Ralph Stanley Museum Update. [Web ID: 3]
The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance (BCMA) was awarded $125,544 for the BCMA Cultural Heritage Center in Bristol. The project aimed to preserve and promote the region’s musical heritage. Update: While the center was not completed by 2011, it eventually opened as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in 2014, becoming a cultural landmark for the area. [Web ID: 5]
Dante Lives On in Russell County received $21,000 to support the construction of the Dante Coal Mining and Railroad Museum, aiming to highlight the area’s coal mining history. Update: The project did not progress as planned by 2011.
Lonesome Pine Arts and Crafts was granted $105,000 for upgrades to the outdoor drama “Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” which celebrates Southwest Virginia’s cultural traditions. Update: The upgrades did not lead to significant developments by 2011.
Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) received $75,000 for a value-added economic development initiative to support farmers growing organic crops. Update: ASD faced challenges with its wood-processing facility in Castlewood but has continued its mission to promote sustainable agriculture, supported by additional grants. See Appalachian Sustainable Development Update. [Web ID: 4]
The Scott County Hair Sheep Association was awarded $50,000 to expand hair sheep education, production, and marketing, aiming to support local farmers. Update: The initiative did not see significant progress by 2011.
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise received $50,000 for its Entrepreneurial Development Program, intended to foster business skills among students. Update: The program did not lead to notable outcomes by 2011.
The Barter Theatre Foundation in Abingdon was granted $75,000 for infrastructure and site development for the Stonewall Square project, aimed at enhancing cultural facilities. Update: The project did not progress as anticipated by 2011. See Barter Theatre Update.
Lee County and the Lee County Industrial Development Authority received $40,000 for improvements at Lee County Airport and $200,000 for expansion efforts at the Constitutional Oaks Industrial Park, supporting regional infrastructure and economic growth. The Town of Damascus was awarded $72,000 for phase one of an engineering and marketing plan for the Creeper Trail Campground on Beaver Dam Creek, aiming to boost tourism. The Scott County Economic Development Authority received $15,000 for its Leadership Academy Southwest program to develop local leadership skills. Update: These projects did not see significant developments by 2011.
Additional initiatives funded by the Virginia Tobacco Commission include the expansion of Joy Mining Manufacturing and the “e-58” plan, which used tobacco funds to establish fiber-optic links in rural communities, enhancing connectivity in the region.
The Virginia Tobacco Commission’s 2004 grants reflect a strategic effort to support Southwest Virginia through diverse projects in cultural preservation, agriculture, education, and infrastructure. While some initiatives, like the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, achieved long-term success, others faced challenges and did not progress as planned by 2011. These efforts highlight the complexity of economic development in rural regions and the ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life in Southwest Virginia.
