The Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission is a 31-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 1,284 grants totaling more than
$678.5 million across the tobacco region of the Commonwealth, and has provided $234 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders. Click on Who are We at the left to learn more.
In June the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission made payment on more than 45,000 Phase I flue-cured and burley quota owner and producer claims totaling over $19 million dollars.
Claimants who submitted a Verification for Payment form or Application for Payment requiring a change in ownership or claim information, will be paid in the next round of payment in September.
The Virginia Tobacco Commission has extended the final deadline for 2010 Phase I Verification Forms and Applications for Payment to August 20, 2010. Completed and signed Forms must be postmarked no later than August 20, 2010 to be eligible for payment under the 2010 Phase I Program. Claims postmarked later than August 20, 2010 may not receive payment under this year’s Phase I Program.
Please note that if you submitted your Verification Form prior to May 19, 2010 and/or have already received your 2010 Phase I Indemnification payment, you do not need to submit any further information. The August 20, 2010 deadline applies only to those claimants who missed the original May 19, 2010 submission deadline and have not yet received payment for 2010.
Since 2000, the Commission has made available $288.3 million to Virginia’s tobacco growers and owners. On April 29, 2010, the Commission announced that it is nearing the end of its indemnification obligation. The 2012 payment will be the final distribution of Phase I Indemnification funds. At that time, the Commission will have successfully indemnified burley and flue-cured producers and quota owners.
Claimants who need additional information may contact Troutman Sanders, Phase I Tobacco Indemnification Program, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM (excluding holidays) locally at 804-697-1869 or Toll Free at 1-888-629-7682. Information is also available on the Program’s website at www.vatip.com.
