HD66 - Report of the Commission to Propose Recommendations to Promote and Stimulate Economic Development in the Blue Ridge Region of Virginia


Executive Summary:
The Blue Ridge Economic Development Commission (the "commission") was created by the 1991 General Assembly in House Joint Resolution No. 451. The resolution established the Blue Ridge region as the Counties of Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Campbell, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Highland, Montgomery, Nelson, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, and Wythe; the Cities of Bedford, Buena Vista, Clifton Forge, Covington, Lexington, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, and Waynesboro; and 28 towns, including Blacksburg, Pulaski, and Wytheville. The commission's first interim report was made to the Governor and 1992 General Assembly in House Document No. 60 (1992).

House Joint Resolution No. 107, adopted by the 1992 General Assembly, authorized the commission to continue its study for an additional year. The commission reported to the Governor and the 1993 General Assembly in House Document No. 78 (1993), its second interim report.

The commission's study was continued for an additional year by the 1993 General Assembly in House Joint Resolution No. 712. The commission's third interim report to the Governor and the 1994 General Assembly was published as House Document No. 40 (1994).

In 1994, House Joint Resolution No. 283 continued the commission's study for an additional two years. This final report summarizes the commission's work from 1994 to 1996.

From 1991 to 1994, the 23-member commission was chaired by Del. Joan H. Munford, who retired at the end of her 1994 term after 12 years in public office. From 1994 to 1996, Del. R. Creigh Deeds has chaired the commission. Sen. Frank W. Nolen has served as vice chairman. The commission's membership consists of 11 legislators and 12 citizens.