I wanted to take the opportunity in this week’s column to highlight some great local economic development news, as well as give you an update on a Virginia initiative to consolidate valuable resources online for our veterans.
First, there is significant funding coming soon to Giles County that will enhance economic development in a big way. I am pleased to announce that Giles County was named an award recipient of a 2025 Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) development grant, which is administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Wheatland EcoPark will receive $3.3 million to help ensure the site is project-ready, which is a critical edge in attracting high-impact projects and new jobs. By way of background, VBRSP partners with localities, utilities, and state agencies to fund infrastructure improvements that build operations-ready sites for employers and manufacturers ready to expand across Virginia.
I strongly supported this initiative and worked closely with Giles County and VEDP to request that it be included in this round of grants. I am extraordinarily happy to see it be approved and I am proud to have played a small part in getting these funds to the district. Investments like these are why Virginia earned the #2 ranking in the nation for infrastructure by CNBC. I will continue to support these funding opportunities in the district and work closely with localities to assist with their applications whenever I can.
In other news, the Virginia Veterans Network (VVN) has recently topped 30,000 users in the Commonwealth! This resource – built by veterans, for veterans – enables access to trusted resources for various needs in a single, user-friendly location. It includes input from hundreds of organizations, and it helps to ensure that veterans, service-members transitioning to the private sector, and their families receive the best resources at every stage of their lives. VVN includes information in an organized and easy to digest format and includes (but is not limited to) the following categories: disability compensation claims, Veteran Skilled Nursing Facilities, assistance with homelessness and possible eviction, military spouse support, behavioral health, employment, GI Bill assistance, peer services and more.
As a member of the Virginia Board of Veterans Services and the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus, I am proud to support these initiatives that help make Virginia the #1 state in the United States for veterans. As a veteran myself, I signed up for the VVN, and you can too by visiting vvn.dvs.virginia.gov.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at DelJBallard@House.Virginia.Gov. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
