Promoting Economic Development in Virginia’s Tobacco Region
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 1,068 grants totaling more than $518.9 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.
To learn more about Commission's programs click Grant Funding Info at the left. Also be sure to see the profiles below for examples of significant programs and facilities supported by Commission grants.
2009 Distribution of Phase I Indemnification Payments
The Commission will begin the 2009 distribution of Phase I Indemnification payments to eligible Virginia flue-cured and burley producers and quota owners in mid-June 2009.
Verification for Payment Forms and Applications for Payment were mailed in late April to all eligible flue-cured and burley producers and quota owners. The original deadline for return of completed Verification Forms was May 20, 2009. However, if you missed that deadline, please send in your form as soon as possible, as the Commission will consider a deadline extension at its next meeting in July.
Claimants who need additional information should visit the Program's web site www.vatip.com or contact Troutman Sanders LLP, Phase I Tobacco Indemnification Program at 1-888-629-7682 or 804-697-1869 from outside of Virginia
New Funding Initiatives for FY10
At its meeting on January 13th, the Commission approved a budget for fiscal year 2010 that included significant sums in several line items, most particularly the Reserve Account ($17.2 million) and Research and Development ($53.3 million), among others. Please note the following:
- With respect to the Reserve Account monies, the Commission has approved program guidelines and an application process that will seek to leverage Commission funds with other non-Commission sources, such as federal stimulus grant programs. Application materials can be found by clicking on the Reserve Fund page. Applications will be accepted for the entire $18.6 million (FY09 and FY10).
- With respect to the Research and Development monies, the Commission established a Research and Development Committee budget for fiscal year 2010, which begins on July 1, 2009. It is unlikely that the Commission will make any commitments from these funds before its regular meeting in late July. While the Commission has signaled its intent to use these resources for energy-related projects and other regional research opportunities, no definitive guidelines have yet been established or agreed to by the Commission, and grant applications are not yet being invited. Until such time as guidelines are established, the Commission will accept pre-applications describing potential grant proposals; however, staff’s ability to provide feedback will be limited until those investment guidelines are in place.
Blue Ribbon Review Panel
In 2007, Chairman Hawkins formed an ad-hoc Blue Ribbon Review Panel to examine the structure of the Commission and make suggestions as to potential improvements. The Blue Ribbon Review Panel has presented its final recommendations to the Commission, the full report can be viewed below. The Commission met in July to discuss the Blue Ribbon recommendations and adopted a number of the recommendations. For more information on the Blue Ribbon Panel report and implementation contact the Commission's staff.
Blue Ribbon Review Panel Final Report
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