Warner & Kaine Applaud Over $1.5 Million in Economic Revitalization Investments in Rural Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded $1,552,459 in investments by the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) in Brunswick and Campbell Counties, Richmond, and Emporia to fund affordable housing, support small and midsize farms, improve infrastructure, and create jobs. The funding is the first ever awarded under the SCRC’s State Economic and Infrastructure Development (SEID) grant program, which is partly funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—landmark legislation Warner and Kaine helped pass.

“From creating jobs and improving infrastructure to supporting our farmers and expanding affordable housing, these investments are going to help make a difference,” said the senators. “We’re glad to have passed legislation to help make these investments possible, and will keep doing all that we can to help Virginians thrive.”

The funding will be allocated as follows:

• The Industrial Development Authority of Brunswick County will receive $500,000 to provide essential processing and distribution facilities and reduce the upfront costs of washing, cooling, packaging, and shipping produce for small and midsize farms in Brunswick County.
• The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust will receive $500,000 for the Oak Grove Resilience Project to build 15 affordable townhouses for low and moderate-income families in Richmond.
• The Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation will receive $350,000 to help develop 52 townhomes, a community center, and a playground in Emporia to address the urgent need for affordable housing.
• The Campbell County Economic Development Department will receive $202,459 for infrastructure development to attract new businesses and industries, enhance job creation, and fuel the local economy in Campbell County.

In addition to helping to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has brought over $8.4 billion in funding to Virginia, the senators have consistently helped secure robust funding for the SCRC, including $20 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal government funding bill.

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