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 1,188 grants totaling more than
$640.6 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
In June 2009 the Virginian Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission made payment on more than 44,700 Phase I flue-cured and burley quota owner and producer claims totaling $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 payments in late September. All claims received after the initial May 20, 2009 deadline, but by the extended August 21, 2009 deadline will be included in the late September round of payment.
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
New Funding Initiatives for FY10
The Commission's budget for fiscal year 2010 includes significant sums in several line items, most particularly the Reserve Account ($19.8 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.
- With respect to the Research and Development monies, the Commission established a Research and Development Committee budget for fiscal year 2010, which began on July 1, 2009. The Commission approved guidelines and Committee membership for the R&D Program at the July 30th meeting. Application materials are being developed and a timetable for submitting proposals will be announced in the near future. Please continue to watch the website and/or contact Commission Staff regarding future program announcements.
2009 - 2010 Southside Tobacco Loan Forgiveness Program
Effective July 10, 2009, the Southside Tobacco Loan Forgiveness Program application will close due to the number of 0910 applications currently that have already been received. ALL applications received prior to this date will be processed according to the information found in the criteria and the Frequently Asked Questions. Should funds remain in the program, the application will re-open on October 15, 2009.
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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