CLINTWOOD, VA – July 18, 2022 – An up to $4 million loan to the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) approved by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) will bring with it up to 52 new full-time jobs in Dickenson County as the county works with a private developer to open an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility in the Red Onion area of the county. Loan documents on the project were recently closed by the IDA and VCEDA.
The Dickenson County IDA requested the funds to be used to help finance site development, building construction, the installation of utilities and other improvements associated with the project to construct a 96-bed male inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility.
Initially, it is anticipated the project will create 26 full-time jobs within a year, ramping up to 52 full-time employees within two to five years and at least $1 million in private investment.
“The IDA identified a need for an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation center to serve Dickenson County and the surrounding area and VCEDA is pleased to be able to assist the county in its development of the project which will add new jobs,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The IDA indicated in its application it foresees this project producing a multilayered economic impact on the county. In addition to the assistance provided to the residents and the direct impact of employment opportunities for county residents, the IDA believes the county will also see additional sales tax, food, gas and lodging revenue from family members and friends of the residents who will be visiting the facility on weekends.”
As planned, the Red Onion facility will be constructed at the IDA’s property in that area of the county, near the Red Onion state prison. The real estate on which the facility will be constructed will be leased with a possible option to purchase by the company developing the project, who will finish out the buildings and contract with an experienced operator to run the facility.
The rehab program to be operated through the new facility will span 12 months with multiple phases from detox, residential treatment, sober living to education and internship to employment.
“Dickenson County is excited for the opportunity to restore hope and provide a second chance to not only residents of Dickenson County, but people across the region,” said Dickenson County Administrator Larry Barton. “This facility will provide much needed jobs for our county, help combat substance abuse issues we are facing and help rebuild our workforce here in the county. It is anticipated that the economic development project will provide 52 new full-time jobs, but more importantly, the project will provide a second chance for those who struggle with substance abuse.”
“The Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority along with its provider partner is looking forward to the opening of a much-needed full service adult male recovery center in the Red Onion area of our county,” said Dickenson County IDA Chairman Larry Yates. “This facility will help fill an enormous need for addiction recovery treatment in our county and the surrounding area. Few families in our area haven’t experienced the feeling of helplessness when a family member or friend needs recovery treatment only to find few available options.
“Along with recovery treatment opportunities comes the added benefit to our local economy by bringing in quality professional level jobs,” Yates added. “Much like any other type of medical treatment facility, this center will require a wide range of skilled employment needs. Dickenson County is taking the lead by addressing the need for addiction recovery with the hope that this type of treatment facility can restore physical health, emotional wellness and lead to a productive life for those in need.”
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.