VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, left, presents a ceremonial check representing a grant of up to $106,762 for improvements at the Breaks Interstate Park to Breaks Interstate Park Superintendent Austin Bradley.
BREAKS, VA – MAY 17, 2019 — An up to a $106,762 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to the Breaks Interstate Park in Buchanan and Dickenson counties was closed Thursday.
“VCEDA is pleased to assist the Breaks Park in these infrastructure improvements,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “The park is one of the premiere tourism assets in Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and adds much to the quality of life offerings found in the region.”
The grant funds will be used to develop infrastructure and improvements at the Breaks Interstate Park, including the replacement of flooring in the Rhododendron Restaurant and two cottages; the purchase of a new combination convection/steamer oven for the Rhododendron Restaurant; and the acquisition or construction of a new barn for the equestrian stable area.
Drainage improvements and the improvement/construction of a connector trail for the equestrian stable operations and the clearing of right of way for electrical infrastructure to serve the park are other planned uses of the funds.
“The most recent improvements which are being funded by the civil penalties fund, which VCEDA maintains for the park, will greatly improve the experience of our guests,” said Breaks Interstate Park Superintendent Austin Bradley. “We are deeply grateful for VCEDA’s continued investment in the park and our region as a whole.”
According to the application, the park currently has nine full-time and 102 part-time employees and projects the addition of another two full-time and 18 part-time jobs within two years.
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.