BACKGROUND:

As part of the restructuring management agreement with the Commonwealth, the University of Virginia (UVA) is required to establish a formal partnership with an economically distressed region in Virginia, and to “work meaningfully and visibly" to stimulate economic development in that region. UVA has selected the Coalfield region, and is partnering with the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) in this effort.

The Coalfield region is defined as the area encompassed by VCEDA (Planning Districts 1 & 2). It includes the city of Norton and the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell, and Buchanan.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

The University submitted an economic development action plan to the Governor and General Assembly on December 20, 2006. In accordance with Article 2, Section 2.2.1, Part 3, UVA is required to submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly by September 1 of each year, outlining its progress in implementing the action plan during the prior fiscal year. This report covers activities for July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008 (FY08). It is the second annual progress report submitted to date.

ACTION PLAN SUMMARY:

We held extensive discussions with stakeholders in the Coalfield region to gain an understanding of the area’s goals and the barriers to achieving those goals. Southwest Virginia is focused on transforming their economy from one centered mainly on tobacco, coal, and timber harvesting to one that includes information technology, education, health care, and energy. To attract companies, local leaders recognize that they must have an infrastructure that includes an educated workforce, strong schools, and widespread access to medical care.

This context was used in developing UVA’s action plan. The three main categories for collaboration between UVA and Southwest Virginia include access to health care, support for K-12 education, and business support. A website dedicated to this collaboration can be found at: http://www.virginia.edu/vprgs/industry/southwestva.html.