Published: November 20, 2008 08:50 pm      

Bluestone project receives $1.5M boost

BLUEFIELD, Va. — Tazewell County is $1.5 million closer to developing the infrastructure at the planned Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Park.

By unanimous vote, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) approved a $1.5 million grant to the Industrial Development Authority of Tazewell County Thursday afternoon to be used for site development costs for Phase 1-A of the park.

“They were very complimentary of the project,” said Tazewell County Administrator Jim Spencer, who traveled to the VCEDA meeting in Lebanon, Va., Thursday along with Tourism and Economic Development Coordinator Margie Douglass and County Attorney Eric Young.

Spencer said Tazewell officials had previously submitted a grant application to VCEDA for the funding, and gave a brief overview of the project during Thursday’s meeting.

The goal is to advertise for bids for contractors by Jan. 11, 2009, and “hopefully start construction soon after,” Spencer said.

Spencer said the $1.5 million awarded by VCEDA will be used in conjunction with a $2 million grant received from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to “help get infrastructure in place for the Bluestone,” such as roads, water and sewage.

The Bluestone, which is being developed near Bluefield, Va., is a 680-acre mixed-use development that will include sites for new businesses and industry, a workforce training center, offices, a hotel and conference center, retail stores, residential units, a nine-hole golf course and walking trails.

“Slow and steady wins the race,” Spencer said, noting Tazewell County officials have spent much time in planning the Bluestone project and complying with environment and historical regulations.

“It’s something we can all be proud of,” he said. “We’re excited to move forward, and we’re looking forward to the day in the very near future when we’ll be breaking ground on the project.”

— Contact Samantha Perry at sperry@bdtonline.com