Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 25, 1994 TAG: 9408250106
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Glynn Loope, executive director of the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Authority, met with Botetourt County Administrator Gerald Burgess.
Loope said he hoped the development of the industrial park would bolster employment opportunities for Alleghany County and the adjacent northern portion of Botetourt.
The authority is working on applications for about $3.5 million in federal grants to fully develop the park, he said. Also, the Virginia General Assembly has authorized $500,000 in road funds to build a bridge across the Jackson River that would enhance assess to the park.
Burgess could not be reached for comment, but Botetourt County currently has the second-highest number of workers migrating to Alleghany County daily to work, Loope said.
Loope plans to ask Botetourt's Board of Supervisors to support applications for federal grants to develop the industrial park.
"We have been wanting to use the park as a truly regional facility," Loope said. "There is a natural economic relationship with Botetourt County. There's a bond there. It's time for us to formalize our economic relationship with the rest of Western Virginia."
Loope said he will make overtures to officials in Bath and Rockbridge counties to solicit their support for the project.
The economic development authority also has established a working relationship with at least four federal agencies that have indicated they would look favorably on its application for grant money, Loope said.
by CNB