April
6, 2005
For
Immediate Release
Contact: Charles Yates, VCEDA, 276-889-0381
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA, 276-889-0381
Virginia
Coalfield Economic Development Authority awards grant
to Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority
CLINTWOOD,
Va.—(April 6, 2005)—The Virginia Coalfield
Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) today awarded
a $50,000 grant to the Dickenson County Industrial
Development Authority (IDA). The grant will be used
toward tower construction and the purchase and installation
of machinery and equipment for the Dickenson County
Wireless Integrated Network (DCWIN).
DCWIN
is a county-wide high-speed wireless network. It was
created to provide high-speed voice and data services
to regional residents, businesses, government agencies,
and most importantly, to serve the needs of the public
safety system.
“The
ability for companies to send and receive data quickly
and efficiently has become an increasingly important
economic development criterion,” said Donald
Baker, VCEDA chairman. “DCWIN offers valuable
opportunities to improve the county’s economic
climate in that regard.”
VCEDA’s
grant will be matched by a grant from the Virginia
Tobacco Commission. Funds will also be provided by
Dickenson County, the Appalachian Regional Commission
and the Center for Innovative Technology.
“Access
to cutting-edge technology is important to the region’s
future economic viability,” said Charles Yates,
VCEDA executive director. “Innovative projects
like these help Dickenson County remain competitive
with today’s rapidly changing technologies.”