{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-3103.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-3103.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-3103.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-3103.html"}],"law_id":70755,"edition_id":1,"section_id":70755,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3103","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission","history":"1999, cc. 880, 962, \u00a7\u00a7 9-383, 9-388; 2001, cc. 807, 844, \u00a7 3.1-1109; 2008, c. 860; 2015, cc. 399, 433; 2024, cc. 132, 133.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Commission shall have the power and duty to:1\n\nAdopt, use, and alter at will an official seal;2\n\nMake bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs;3\n\nMaintain an office at such place or places within the Commonwealth as it may designate;4\n\nAccept, hold, and administer moneys, grants, securities, or other property transferred, given, or bequeathed to the Commission, absolutely or in trust, for the purposes for which the Commission is created;5\n\nDetermine how moneys in the Fund are to be distributed;6\n\nAuthorize grants, loans, or other distributions of moneys in the Fund for the purposes set forth in this chapter;7\n\nFor each economic development grant or award, including a grant from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, require a dollar-for-dollar match from non-Commission sources. Performance bonds shall be considered acceptable matching payment. No more than 25 percent of the match shall be in-kind. However, a match of less than 50 percent may be considered by a two-thirds majority vote of the Commission;8\n\nAdopt policies governing the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, including a repayment policy. The Commission shall apply the policies consistently;9\n\nEnter into a contractual or employment agreement with a financial viability manager (the Manager). The management agreement shall require the Manager to provide a written financial viability and feasibility report to the Commission as to the financial propriety of certain loans, grants, or other distributions of money made for the revitalization of a tobacco-dependent locality as proposed in accordance with the Commission’s strategic objectives. The Commission shall not make any loan, except a loan made through the Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund created in Chapter 31.1 (§ 3.2-3112 et seq.); grant; or other distribution of money until the Manager has provided the Commission with a written recommendation as to the financial viability and feasibility of the proposed distribution of funds. However, nothing in this section shall eliminate consideration of strategic economic initiatives;10\n\nMake and execute contracts and all other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions;11\n\nInvest its funds as provided in this chapter or permitted by applicable law; and12\n\nDo any lawful act necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted or reasonably implied, including use of whatever lawful means may be necessary and appropriate to recover any payments wrongfully made from the Fund.B\n\nThe Commission shall undertake studies and gather information and data in order to determine: (i) the economic consequences of the reduction in or elimination of quota for tobacco growers; (ii) the potential for alternative cash crops; and (iii) any other matters the Commission believes will affect tobacco growers in the Commonwealth.C\n\nThe Commission shall at least biennially develop a strategic plan containing specific priorities, measurable goals, and quantifiable outcomes. In developing the Strategic Plan, the Commission shall solicit input from local and regional economic developers, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tourism Authority, the Virginia Resources Authority, and the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia. The Strategic Plan shall state how each Fund award is consistent with the Commission’s achievement of measurable goals and outcomes and its advancement of the specific priorities of the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan shall also state how awards from the Fund are projected to affect key economic indicators of employment, income, educational attainment, amount of Virginia-grown agricultural and forestal products used by the project, and return on investment.D\n\nThe Commission shall develop a publicly available online database of all Commission awards, listing for each project the project’s goals, the means by which the project fits into the Strategic Plan, the project’s expected and achieved outcomes, and the total amount of funding the Commission has awarded to the project through any prior grants.E\n\nThe Commission shall submit a report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":255211,"text":"The Commission shall have the power and duty to:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":255212,"text":"Adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":255213,"text":"Make bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":255214,"text":"Maintain an office at such place or places within the Commonwealth as it may designate;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":255215,"text":"Accept, hold, and administer moneys, grants, securities, or other property transferred, given, or bequeathed to the Commission, absolutely or in trust, for the purposes for which the Commission is created;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":255216,"text":"Determine how moneys in the Fund are to be distributed;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":255217,"text":"Authorize grants, loans, or other distributions of moneys in the Fund for the purposes set forth in this chapter;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":255218,"text":"For each economic development grant or award, including a grant from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, require a dollar-for-dollar match from non-Commission sources. Performance bonds shall be considered acceptable matching payment. No more than 25 percent of the match shall be in-kind. However, a match of less than 50 percent may be considered by a two-thirds majority vote of the Commission;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":255219,"text":"Adopt policies governing the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, including a repayment policy. The Commission shall apply the policies consistently;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"A9"},"9":{"id":255220,"text":"Enter into a contractual or employment agreement with a financial viability manager (the Manager). The management agreement shall require the Manager to provide a written financial viability and feasibility report to the Commission as to the financial propriety of certain loans, grants, or other distributions of money made for the revitalization of a tobacco-dependent locality as proposed in accordance with the Commission’s strategic objectives. The Commission shall not make any loan, except a loan made through the Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund created in Chapter 31.1 (§ 3.2-3112 et seq.); grant; or other distribution of money until the Manager has provided the Commission with a written recommendation as to the financial viability and feasibility of the proposed distribution of funds. However, nothing in this section shall eliminate consideration of strategic economic initiatives;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"A9","prefix_anchor":"A9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"A10"},"10":{"id":255221,"text":"Make and execute contracts and all other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"A10","prefix_anchor":"A10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A9","next_prefix":"A11"},"11":{"id":255222,"text":"Invest its funds as provided in this chapter or permitted by applicable law; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"A11","prefix_anchor":"A11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A10","next_prefix":"A12"},"12":{"id":255223,"text":"Do any lawful act necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted or reasonably implied, including use of whatever lawful means may be necessary and appropriate to recover any payments wrongfully made from the Fund.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"A12","prefix_anchor":"A12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A11","next_prefix":"B"},"13":{"id":255224,"text":"The Commission shall undertake studies and gather information and data in order to determine: (i) the economic consequences of the reduction in or elimination of quota for tobacco growers; (ii) the potential for alternative cash crops; and (iii) any other matters the Commission believes will affect tobacco growers in the Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A12","next_prefix":"C"},"14":{"id":255225,"text":"The Commission shall at least biennially develop a strategic plan containing specific priorities, measurable goals, and quantifiable outcomes. In developing the Strategic Plan, the Commission shall solicit input from local and regional economic developers, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tourism Authority, the Virginia Resources Authority, and the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia. The Strategic Plan shall state how each Fund award is consistent with the Commission’s achievement of measurable goals and outcomes and its advancement of the specific priorities of the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan shall also state how awards from the Fund are projected to affect key economic indicators of employment, income, educational attainment, amount of Virginia-grown agricultural and forestal products used by the project, and return on investment.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"15":{"id":255226,"text":"The Commission shall develop a publicly available online database of all Commission awards, listing for each project the project’s goals, the means by which the project fits into the Strategic Plan, the project’s expected and achieved outcomes, and the total amount of funding the Commission has awarded to the project through any prior grants.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"16":{"id":255227,"text":"The Commission shall submit a report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15736,"edition_id":1,"name":"Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission","identifier":"31","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":15735,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:58:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:58:43","permalink":{"id":195351,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15736,"identifier":"31","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31","url":"\/3.2\/II\/D\/31\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":15735,"edition_id":1,"name":"Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund","identifier":"D","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12794,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:58:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:58:43","permalink":{"id":195349,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15735,"identifier":"D","token":"3.2\/II\/D","url":"\/3.2\/II\/D\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12794,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boards, Councils, Foundations, and Commissions","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12793,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":194359,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12794,"identifier":"II","token":"3.2\/II","url":"\/3.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12793,"edition_id":1,"name":"Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food","identifier":"3.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":193939,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12793,"identifier":"3.2","token":"3.2","url":"\/3.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":60445,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3100","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/3.2-3100\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3100","metadata":false},{"id":84781,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3101","catch_line":"Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission created; purposes","url":"\/3.2-3101\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3101","metadata":false},{"id":65616,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3102","catch_line":"Membership; terms; vacancies; compensation and expenses; chairman; chairman's executive summary","url":"\/3.2-3102\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3102","metadata":false},{"id":70755,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3103","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission","url":"\/3.2-3103\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3103","metadata":false},{"id":69642,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3104","catch_line":"Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Endowment","url":"\/3.2-3104\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3104","metadata":false},{"id":68343,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3105","catch_line":"Appointment of director; Commission employees; counsel to the Commission","url":"\/3.2-3105\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3105","metadata":false},{"id":80118,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3106","catch_line":"Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund; tax credits for technology industries in tobacco-dependent localities","url":"\/3.2-3106\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3106","metadata":false},{"id":72354,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3107","catch_line":"Payments from the Fund; transfer and recovery of payments; limitation on claims","url":"\/3.2-3107\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3107","metadata":false},{"id":71877,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3108","catch_line":"Distribution of Fund","url":"\/3.2-3108\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3108","metadata":false},{"id":67097,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3109","catch_line":"Form of accounts; audit","url":"\/3.2-3109\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3109","metadata":false},{"id":72943,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3110","catch_line":"Declaration of public purpose; exemption from taxation","url":"\/3.2-3110\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3110","metadata":false},{"id":79028,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3111","catch_line":"Confidentiality of information","url":"\/3.2-3111\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3111","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":65616,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3102","catch_line":"Membership; terms; vacancies; compensation and expenses; chairman; chairman's executive summary","url":"\/3.2-3102\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3102","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":69642,"structure_id":15736,"section_number":"3.2-3104","catch_line":"Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Endowment","url":"\/3.2-3104\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3104","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-3103\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1999. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 880<\/a> and 962<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 4 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2001, chapters 807<\/a> and 844<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 399<\/a> and 433<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 132<\/a> and 133<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":59772,"section_number":"2.2-3705.6","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; proprietary records and trade secrets","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3705.6\/"},{"id":60445,"section_number":"3.2-3100","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-3100\/"},{"id":84781,"section_number":"3.2-3101","catch_line":"Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission created; purposes","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-3101\/"},{"id":71877,"section_number":"3.2-3108","catch_line":"Distribution of Fund","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-3108\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":83812,"section_number":"3.2-3112","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-3112\/"}],"permalink":{"id":195365,"object_type":"law","relational_id":70755,"identifier":"3.2-3103","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3103","url":"\/3.2-3103\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-3103\/","token":"3.2\/II\/D\/31\/3.2-3103","dublin_core":{"Title":"Powers and duties of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-3103","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall have the power and duty to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Make bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Maintain an office at such place or places within the Commonwealth as it may designate; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Accept, hold, and administer moneys, grants, securities, or other property transferred, given, or bequeathed to the Commission<\/span>, absolutely or in trust, for the purposes for which the Commission<\/span> is created; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Determine how moneys in the Fund<\/span> are to be distributed; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Authorize grants, loans, or other distributions of moneys in the Fund<\/span> for the purposes set forth in this chapter; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> For each economic development grant or award, including a grant from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund<\/span>, require a dollar-for-dollar match from non-Commission<\/span> sources. Performance bonds<\/span> shall be considered acceptable matching payment. No more than 25 percent of the match shall be in-kind. However, a match of less than 50 percent may be considered by a two-thirds majority vote of the Commission<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Adopt policies governing the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund<\/span>, including a repayment policy. The Commission<\/span> shall apply the policies consistently; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Enter into a contractual or employment agreement<\/span> with a financial viability manager (the Manager). The management agreement<\/span> shall require the Manager to provide a written financial viability and feasibility report to the Commission<\/span> as to the financial propriety of certain loans, grants, or other distributions of money made for the revitalization of a tobacco-dependent locality as proposed in accordance with the Commission<\/span>’s strategic objectives. The Commission<\/span> shall not make any loan, except a loan made through the Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund<\/span> created in Chapter 31.1 (§ 3.2-3112<\/a> et seq.); grant; or other distribution of money until the Manager has provided the Commission<\/span> with a written recommendation as to the financial viability and feasibility of the proposed distribution of funds<\/span>. However, nothing in this section shall eliminate consideration of strategic economic initiatives; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Make and execute contracts<\/span> and all other instruments and agreements<\/span> necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> Invest its funds<\/span> as provided in this chapter or permitted by applicable law<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> Do any lawful act necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted or reasonably implied, including use of whatever lawful means may be necessary and appropriate to recover any payments wrongfully made from the Fund<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall undertake studies and gather information and data in order<\/span> to determine: (i) the economic consequences of the reduction in or elimination of quota for tobacco growers; (ii) the potential for alternative cash crops; and (iii) any other matters the Commission<\/span> believes will affect tobacco growers in the Commonwealth. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall at least biennially develop a strategic plan<\/span> containing specific priorities, measurable goals, and quantifiable outcomes. In developing the Strategic Plan<\/span>, the Commission<\/span> shall solicit input from local and regional economic developers, the Virginia Department<\/span> of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department<\/span> of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tourism Authority, the Virginia Resources Authority, and the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia. The Strategic Plan<\/span> shall state how each Fund<\/span> award is consistent with the Commission<\/span>’s achievement of measurable goals and outcomes and its advancement of the specific priorities of the Strategic Plan<\/span>. The Strategic Plan<\/span> shall also state how awards from the Fund<\/span> are projected to affect key economic indicators of employment, income, educational attainment, amount of Virginia-grown agricultural and forestal products used by the project, and return on investment. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall develop a publicly available online database of all Commission<\/span> awards, listing for each project the project’s goals, the means by which the project fits into the Strategic Plan<\/span>, the project’s expected and achieved outcomes, and the total amount of funding the Commission<\/span> has awarded to the project through any prior grants. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall submit a report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPOWERS AND DUTIES OF THE TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION (\u00a7 3.2-3103)\n\nA. The Commission shall have the power and duty to:\n\n 1. Adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal;\n\n 2. Make bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs;\n\n 3. Maintain an office at such place or places within the Commonwealth as it\n may designate;\n\n 4. Accept, hold, and administer moneys, grants, securities, or other property\n transferred, given, or bequeathed to the Commission, absolutely or in trust,\n for the purposes for which the Commission is created;\n\n 5. Determine how moneys in the Fund are to be distributed;\n\n 6. Authorize grants, loans, or other distributions of moneys in the Fund for\n the purposes set forth in this chapter;\n\n 7. For each economic development grant or award, including a grant from the\n Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, require a dollar-for-dollar match from\n non-Commission sources. Performance bonds shall be considered acceptable\n matching payment. No more than 25 percent of the match shall be in-kind.\n However, a match of less than 50 percent may be considered by a two-thirds\n majority vote of the Commission;\n\n 8. Adopt policies governing the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, including a\n repayment policy. The Commission shall apply the policies consistently;\n\n 9. Enter into a contractual or employment agreement with a financial viability\n manager (the Manager). The management agreement shall require the Manager to\n provide a written financial viability and feasibility report to the Commission\n as to the financial propriety of certain loans, grants, or other distributions\n of money made for the revitalization of a tobacco-dependent locality as\n proposed in accordance with the Commission’s strategic objectives. The\n Commission shall not make any loan, except a loan made through the Virginia\n Tobacco Region Revolving Fund created in Chapter 31.1 (§ 3.2-3112 et\n seq.); grant; or other distribution of money until the Manager has provided\n the Commission with a written recommendation as to the financial viability and\n feasibility of the proposed distribution of funds. However, nothing in this\n section shall eliminate consideration of strategic economic initiatives;\n\n 10. Make and execute contracts and all other instruments and agreements\n necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions;\n\n 11. Invest its funds as provided in this chapter or permitted by applicable\n law; and\n\n 12. Do any lawful act necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein\n granted or reasonably implied, including use of whatever lawful means may be\n necessary and appropriate to recover any payments wrongfully made from the\n Fund.\n\nB. The Commission shall undertake studies and gather information and data in\norder to determine: (i) the economic consequences of the reduction in or\nelimination of quota for tobacco growers; (ii) the potential for alternative\ncash crops; and (iii) any other matters the Commission believes will affect\ntobacco growers in the Commonwealth.\n\nC. The Commission shall at least biennially develop a strategic plan containing\nspecific priorities, measurable goals, and quantifiable outcomes. In developing\nthe Strategic Plan, the Commission shall solicit input from local and regional\neconomic developers, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer\nServices, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department\nof Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tourism Authority, the\nVirginia Resources Authority, and the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for\nRural Virginia. The Strategic Plan shall state how each Fund award is consistent\nwith the Commission’s achievement of measurable goals and outcomes and its\nadvancement of the specific priorities of the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan\nshall also state how awards from the Fund are projected to affect key economic\nindicators of employment, income, educational attainment, amount of\nVirginia-grown agricultural and forestal products used by the project, and\nreturn on investment.\n\nD. The Commission shall develop a publicly available online database of all\nCommission awards, listing for each project the project’s goals, the means\nby which the project fits into the Strategic Plan, the project’s expected\nand achieved outcomes, and the total amount of funding the Commission has\nawarded to the project through any prior grants.\n\nE. The Commission shall submit a report annually to the Governor and the General\nAssembly.\n\nHISTORY: 1999, cc. 880, 962, \u00a7\u00a7 9-383, 9-388; 2001, cc. 807, 844, \u00a7 3.1-1109;\n2008, c. 860; 2015, cc. 399, 433; 2024, cc. 132, 133.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}