USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT & TOBACCO COMMISSION PROVIDE
$1.5 MILLION IN AID FOR REGION

$908,340 Loan and $594,000 in Grants Designated To Extend and Improve Water Service, Assist With Economic Development for Consumers and Industry In Western Franklin County
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October 6, 2003

     FERRUM, VA--The United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development division has awarded a $344,000 grant to the Ferrum (Va) Water and Sewerage Authority for enhanced community water services. Rural Development will also make a loan to the Authority in the amount of $908,340. Total grant and loan allocations from the USDA total $1,252,340. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission will augment the monies with an additional grant of $250,000 for the same purpose. The funds will allow the Water and Sewerage Authority to enhance current services and to expand its services as potential economic development partners, like new industry, look at the Ferrum community for site locations.

     The funds will be used for the following purposes:

     Ferrum Water and Sewerage Authority Chair Bobby Thompson says, “We have a really good system in place, but this is the next phase in its development.” Thompson says he believes that the system enhancements will create more opportunities for residential and commercial development in Ferrum. “An effective infrastructure is critical to recruitment of business and industry,” states Thompson. “Increasingly, quality water services for individuals are in demand in rural areas as well.”

Dr. Braaten watches as Vice President of Business for Ferrum College and Ferrum Water and Sewerage Authority Chairman Bobby Thompson gestures to the location of the improvements. More Photos...

     The Authority currently serves 130 customers, but will be able to add an additional 50 customers—or a 39% increase—through the funding. Ferrum College is the system’s largest customer, using 50-60 % of its current production. Under the proposed new rate structure, the College will provide 64% of the Authority’s anticipated annual revenues.

     Ferrum College will also provide easements and right-of-ways for the new water tank and a portion of the lines that will serve the new system.
Safety enhancements are also a major benefit of the system improvements. The measures will allow for better access to water by local fire departments, as well as more constant pressure and flow, especially in heavy usage periods like fire fighting.

     “ This is the logical progression of long-term community goals. By partnering with the College and the community, the Water and Sewerage Authority will provide enhanced services for existing customers, as well as greater potential for economic development,” asserts Thompson.

     Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu. # # #

$250,000 COMMUNITY GRANT DESIGNATED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tobacco Commission Provides Funds for Western Franklin County Revitalization, New Board Makes First Allocation for Economic Development
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October 6, 2003

     Western Franklin County and the village of Ferrum, Virginia, have received a significant economic boost thanks to a $250,000 grant awarded by the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission to the Blue Ridge Foundation, Inc. The grant will allow the Blue Ridge Foundation, Franklin County and Ferrum College to partner with local citizens to revitalize and expand the community through new commercial, retail, residential, and recreational opportunities. Ferrum College will augment the grant with an additional $50,000 from a gift it recently received. Grant funds will be used to create engineering surveys, architectural themes and standards, and marketing materials that will help encourage investment from private partners.

     At the time that the grant was awarded, Senator Charles R. Hawkins, the Tobacco Commission chairman whose Congressional district includes Franklin County, said “This economic partnership with the Blue Ridge Foundation, Ferrum College, Franklin County, and the Virginia Tobacco Commission allows us to build a stronger economic base for Franklin as well as surrounding counties.”

     Delegate Allen W. Dudley, who championed the grant proposal before the Tobacco Commission’s Economic Development Committee, agreed with Sen. Hawkins’ assessment. “This grant represents a significant step forward in the process of ensuring the continued growth and vitality of Ferrum College and the western section of Franklin County,” he said.

     The Blue Ridge Foundation board has added more community citizens to broaden local input on grant allocations. Board members of the Foundation include

     The Foundation’s board identified Ferrum College as the primary economic engine in western Franklin County. Over the last several years, the College has expressed its goal to help transition the region from a hands-based to a heads-based new economy. The five-county region surrounding the College has lost nearly 20,000 traditional economy (textiles, manufacturing, wood works, and so forth) jobs in recent years.

     In their first meeting on September 3, the Board unanimously voted to allocate up to $150,000 to fund the first phase of a proposal by Partners and Associates, a Knoxville, Tennessee, consulting firm retained by the board to develop economic development strategies for the community and Ferrum College.

     In its 2003-07 Strategic Plan, Ferrum College has set a goal of growing to 1,100 traditional students. It is also starting a Continuing and Professional Studies/Adult Education Program that will ultimately serve an additional 300 students. Part of the goal of the Adult Education Program is to assist with retraining and career preparation for displaced workers or those whose education will not allow them to succeed in a heads-based economy.

     A 1995 study commissioned by the Franklin County Board of Supervisors indicated that the Ferrum area is poised for economic growth. In 1998, a proposed community development plan received widespread, favorable public input. These studies recognized that Ferrum College, as one of the County’s top five economic engines, can help draw businesses to the area. Since the 1998 study was completed, the County, Ferrum College, and the Ferrum Water & Sewerage Authority have invested approximately $6.8 million in local, state, and federal dollars for planning and infrastructure improvements in the area.

     “ Ferrum College has been and will continue to be a prominent player in our community and especially within the village of Ferrum,” said Franklin County Administrator Rick Huff. “This project will stimulate economic development in and around the college, including the county-owned West Franklin Industrial Park. It will be a significant boost to the economy and job creation capabilities for western Franklin County.”

     President Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten Dr. Braaten stated that, “Ferrum College has always enjoyed a strong working relationship with Franklin County and the local community. We are committed to the idea of partnering with our neighbors to envision, collaborate, and create an enhanced quality of life for all in western Franklin County.”

     Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu. # # #

Celebrating Our Community's Future
Ferrum Water & Sewage Authority and The Blue Ridge Foundation Announce Funding For Projects
October 6, 2003

Photos from the announcements: