IDA backs Bland County Tobacco Commission request, orders environmental review and issues lease-default action

Following an executive session conducted under the Code of Virginia, the Industrial Development Authority of Tazewell County approved three formal actions Dec. 18.

By unanimous vote (mover: Mr. Rick Chitwood; second: Mr. Darell Cantrell), the Authority authorized issuance of a letter of support for Bland County's application to the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission seeking $1,500,000 to purchase property for an initiative identified as 'Project Resort.' The motion does not obligate Tazewell County to provide funding; it records only a letter of support.

The Authority also authorized the Economic Development Director to solicit quotes to perform an environmental assessment on a Tazewell property related to 'Project Homestead' to identify potential environmental issues or concerns. That motion passed unanimously.

Finally, the Authority authorized IDA attorney Brad Pyott to send a notice of default to the tenant under paragraph 19 of the lease for 'Project Frazier,' retake possession of the property, and pursue amounts due under the lease at the point of termination. The motion was approved by a 6-0 vote.

The meeting minutes record that the Authority entered executive session under Virginia Code §2.2-3711 for discussions of prospective business locations and the negotiation of a public contract where open discussion could adversely affect negotiating strategy; upon return the Authority adopted the required certification that the closed session complied with state law.