--- type: document title: PDC-Profile file: ../PDC-Profile.pdf tags: - Cumberland_Plateau_Planning_District_Commission docDate: null contentType: application/pdf contentLength: 1172048 sha256sum: 879fe2c0235d87ef203d0e5008f97b9685f550c665451cf31441b3588a951385 sha1sum: 3e789e3cd029e47d5c105ea585aeeaf8f6c27583 --- Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 1 1. BACKGROUND-REGIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SITUATION A. General Description of Area The Cumberland Plateau Planning District is in Southwest Virginia and encompasses the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell. The District borders West Virginia on the north and Kentucky on the northeast. Wise, Scott, Washington, Smyth and Bland Counties in Virginia form the boundaries on the west, south, and east. The District is 67 miles long and 40 miles wide and covers approximately 1,848 square miles. The District is divided into two physiographically distinct regions, both lying in the Appalachian Highlands. The counties of Buchanan and Dickenson, along with the northern portions of Russell and Tazewell Counties, lie in the Cumberland Plateau which is, in turn, a part of the Appalachian Plateau. This area has a uniformly mountainous surface characterized by many small streams separated by sharply rising ridges, steep slopes, and narrow valleys. The remaining region of the District, comprising the greater portion of Russell and Tazewell Counties, lies in the Valley and Ridge Province of the Appalachian Highlands. This belt, consisting of alternate valleys and ridges is bordered on the south by the Clinch Mountains and on the north by the Cumberland Plateau. Elevations vary from 845 feet above sea level where the Levisa Fork crosses into Kentucky to 4,705 feet atop Garden Mountain in the southeastern part of the District near the Bland County line. The most prominent physiographic features in the District are Clinch Mountain, Breaks of the Cumberland, Burkes Garden, Big A Mountain, and Pine Mountain. 1, | BACKGROUND-REGIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SITUATION A. General Description of Area The Cumberland Plateau Planning District is in Southwest Virginia and encompasses the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell. The District borders West Virginia on the north and Kentucky on the northeast. Wise, Scott, Washington, Smyth and Bland Counties in Virginia form the boundaries on the west, south, and east. The District is 67 miles long and 40 miles wide and covers approximately 1,848 square miles. The District is divided into two physiographically distinct regions, both lying in the Appalachian Highlands. The counties of Buchanan and Dickenson, along with the northern portions of Russell and Tazewell Counties, lie in the Cumberland Plateau which is, in turn, a part of the Appalachian Plateau. This area has a uniformly mountainous surface characterized by many small streams separated by sharply rising ridges, steep slopes, and narrow valleys. The remaining region of the District, comprising the greater portion of Russell and Tazewell Counties, lies in the Valley and Ridge Province of the Appalachian Highlands. This belt, consisting of alternate valleys and ridges is bordered on the south by the Clinch Mountains and on the north by the Cumberland Plateau. Elevations vary from 845 feet above sea level where the Levisa Fork crosses into Kentucky to 4,705 feet atop Garden Mountain in the southeastern part of the District near the Bland County line. The most prominent physiographic features in the District are Clinch Mountain, Breaks of the Cumberland, Burkes Garden, Big A Mountain, and Pine Mountain. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 1 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 2 Comparatively smooth to moderately sloping uplands are found in places in the southern and southeastern portions of the District. The northern and northwestern portions of the District are areas that have been thoroughly dissected by streams, with the result that the land features consist of steep ridges and narrow valleys. There is practically no smooth upland or lowland in this area. The southern section of the District lies in the Clinch River Basin. The northern portion of the District lies in the Big Sandy River Basin. Numerous creeks and branches in all parts of the district afford a good drainage system for the upland areas. The only poorly drained areas are in the flat, low places near some of the streams. Approximately 80 percent of the District in the Cumberland Plateau region is covered by forest. The portion of the District that lies in the ridge and valley province is approximately 50 percent forest cover and 50 percent grass and pasture land. The District is served by three major U. S. Highways, nine primary state highways, and numerous state secondary highways. No interstate highways pass through the District. U. S. 19 is a major north-south highway that runs from Erie, Pennsylvania to St. Petersburg, Florida; U. S. 460 is an east-west highway that runs from Norfolk, Virginia to St. Louis, Missouri; and U. S. 58 is an east-west highway that runs from Norfolk, Virginia to Middlesboro, Kentucky. State primary and secondary highways provide intra-district access, as well as access to points in neighboring counties and West Virginia and Kentucky. From Lebanon, it is twenty miles to I-81, in Abingdon, Virginia and 65 miles from I-77 in Bluefield, West Virginia. Comparatively smooth to moderately sloping uplands are found places in the southern and southeastern portions of the District. The northern and northwestern portions of the D are areas that have been thoroughly dissected by streams, with the result that the land features consist of steep ridges and narrow valleys. There is practically no smooth upland or lowland in this area. The southern section of the District lies in the Clinch River Basin. The northern portion of the District lies in the Big Sandy River Basin, Numerous creeks and branches in all parts of the district afford a good drainage system for the upland areas. The only poorly drained areas are in the flat, low places near some of the streams. Approximately 80 percent of the District in the Cumberland Plateau region is covered by forest. The portion of the District that lies in the ridge and valley province is approximately 50 percent forest cover and 50 percent grass and pasture land. The District is served by three major U. S. Highways, nine primary state highways, and numerous state secondary highways. No interstate highways pass through the District. U. S. 19 is a major north-south highway that runs from Erie, Pennsylvania to St. Petersburg, Florida; U. S. 460 is an east-west highway that runs from Norfolk, Virginia to St. Louis, Missouri; and U. S. 58 is an east-west highway that runs from Norfolk, Virginia to Middlesboro, Kentucky. State primary and secondary highways provide intra-district access, as well as access to points in neighboring counties and West Virginia and Kentucky. From Lebanon, it is twenty miles to I-81, in Abingdon, Virginia and 65 miles from I-77 in Bluefield, West Virginia. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 2 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 3 Distances from Lebanon where the Planning District office is located to major cities are as follows: Atlanta 350 miles Chicago 575 miles New York City 585 miles Norfolk 360 miles Richmond 280 miles Pittsburgh 385 miles Washington, D. C. 350 miles Figures 1 and 2 are maps showing the Planning District and the surrounding counties and its location in the Southeastern portion of the United States. B. Natural Resources In the Cumberland Plateau, four natural resources are of major importance - coal, hardwoods, natural gas and agricultural land. Each of these resources will be briefly discussed. Coal: As shown in Table 1 and Table 2, coal remains to be an abundant resource and source of employment for the Planning District. Conventional wisdom has long held that resources can support current production for many more years. The U. S. Department of Energy has estimated that there are 848 million tons of recoverable reserves in Virginia at present. Based on the Static Reserve Index (Reserves current annual production) the reserves would be depleted in 37 years. Coal mining will remain as one of the major economic activities in the planning district for the foreseeable future. The uncertainty with regard to coal Distances from Lebanon where the Planning District office is located to major cities are as follows: Atlanta 350 miles Chicago 575 miles New York City 585 miles Norfolk 360 miles Richmond 280 miles Pittsburgh 385 miles Washington, D.C. 350 miles Figures 1 and 2 are maps showing the Planning District and the surrounding counties and its location in the Southeastern portion of the United States. B. _ Natural Resources In the Cumberland Plateau, four natural resources are of major importance - coal, hardwoods, natural gas and agricultural land. Each of these resources will be briefly discussed. Coal: As shown in Table 1 and Table 2, coal remains to be an abundant resource and source of employment for the Planning District. Conventional wisdom has long held that resources can support current production for many more years. The U. S. Department of Energy has estimated that there are 848 mi ion tons of recoverable reserves in Virginia at present. Based on the Static Reserve Index (Reserves current annual production) the reserves would be depleted in 37 years. Coal mining will remain as one of the major economic acti ies in the planning district for the foreseeable future. The uncertainty with regard to coal Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 3 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 4 Figure 1 Cumberland Plateau Planning District Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 4 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 5 Figure 2 Figure 2 CUMBERLAND PLATEAU PLANNING DISTRICT Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 5 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 6 Table 1 1990 - 2016 Coal Production (Tons) Year Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell PDC Total 1990 20,938,340 6,686,984 926,249 3,716,869 32,268,442 1991 17,479,189 5,857,352 1,114,282 3,921,886 28,372,709 1992 17,962,757 6,360,976 1,094,510 3,534,018 28,952,261 1993 13,958,036 5,516,515 1,552,558 2,862,372 23,889,481 1994 13,594,006 4,303,346 1,467,694 2,481,842 21,846,888 1995 13,791,629 2,704,253 1,728,600 2,156,220 20,380,702 1996 14,783,931 2,988,258 1,345,502 1,839,618 20,957,309 1997 14,224,401 3,699,032 696,401 1,699,083 20,318,917 1998 12,467,167 4,021,151 705,429 1,806,652 19,000,399 1999 10,655,918 4,168,329 394,430 2,069,730 17,288,407 2000 11,154,684 4,259,431 156,525 1,469,825 17,040,465 2001 11,589,519 3,230,718 665,065 1,626,539 17,111,841 2002 10,048,222 2,779,463 556,557 1,435,455 14,819,697 2003 10,812,659 2,735,067 555,534 1,293,990 15,397,250 2004 10,347,697 2,564,014 489,984 1,335,068 14,736,763 2005 7,756,474 2,566,576 952,366 1,237,844 12,513,260 2006 10,180,930 2,582,717 980,663 1,349,704 15,094,014 2007 7,777,265 2,139,842 1,072,568 1,165,052 12,154,727 2008 8,438,897 2,070,185 1,133,535 744,959 12,387,576 2009 6,799,719 1,384,909 1,031,003 836,322 10,051,953 2010 8,744,056 1,058,819 726,205 943,236 11,472,316 2011 9,315,749 1,331,667 881,376 1,118,585 12,647,377 2012 7,183,857 3,412,332 725,511 1,410,408 12,732,108 2013 7,695,116 3,542,761 397,957 1,248,095 12,883,929 2014 7,224,000 3,466,000 280,000 1,325,000 12,295,000 2015 7,100,586 3,585,016 348,866 728,966 11,763,434 2016 7,429,542 3,500,698 179,268 250,145 11,359,653 Source: Department of Mines Minerals and Energy 1990 - 2016 Coal Production (Tons) Table 1 Year Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell PDC Total 1990 20,938,340 6,686,984 926,249 3,716,869 32,268,442 1991 17,479,189 5,857,352 1,114,282 3,921,886 28,372,709 1992 17,962,757 6,360,976 1,094,510 3,534,018 28,952,261 1993 13,958,036 5,516,515 1,552,558 2,862,372 23,889,481 1994 13,594,006 4,303,346 1,467,694 2,481,842 21,846,888 1995 13,791,629 2,704,253 1,728,600 2,156,220 20,380,702 1996 14,783,931 2,988,258 1,345,502 1,839,618 20,957,309 1997 14,224,401 3,699,032 696,401 1,699,083 20,318,917 1998 12,467,167 4,021,151 705,429 1,806,652 19,000,399 1999 10,655,918 4,168,329 394,430 2,069,730 17,288,407 2000 11,154,684 4,259,431 156,525 1,469,825 17,040,465 2001 11,589,519 3,230,718 665,065 1,626,539 17,111,841 2002 10,048,222 2,779,463 556,557 1,435,455 14,819,697 2003 10,812,659 2,735,067 555,534 1,293,990 15,397,250 2004 10,347,697 2,564,014 489,984 1,335,068 14,736,763 2005 7,756,474 2,566,576 952,366 1,237,844 12,513,260 2006 10,180,930 2,582,717 980,663 1,349,704 15,094,014 2007 7,777,265 2,139,842 1,072,568 1,165,052 12,154,727 2008 8,438,897 2,070,185 1,133,535 744,959 12,387,576 2009 6,799,719 1,384,909 1,031,003 836,322 10,051,953 2010 8,744,056 1,058,819 726,205 943,236 11,472,316 2011 9,315,749 1,331,667 881,376 1,118,585 12,647,377 2012 7,183,857 3,412,332 725,511 1,410,408 12,732,108 2013 7,695,116 3,542,761 397,957 1,248,095 12,883,929 2014 7,224,000 3,466,000 280,000 1,325,000 12,295,000 2015 7,100,586 3,585,016 348,866 728,966 11,763,434 2016 7,429,542 3,500,698 179,268 250,145 11,359,653 Source: Department of Mines Minerals and Energy Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 6 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 7 Table 2 2001 to 2016 Mine Employment Data for PDC Year Average Employees Labor Hours Tonnage Annual 2001 2,770 5,720,006 17,111,841 2002 2,503 4,892,852 14,819,697 2003 2,204 4,702,403 15,397,250 2004 2,364 5,069,337 14,736,763 2005 2,541 5,236,048 12,513,260 2006 2,652 5,662,523 15,094,014 2007 2,413 5,122,625 14,154,727 2008 2,604 5,753,573 12,387,576 2009 2,447 5,019,815 10,051,953 2010 2,610 6,018,567 11,472,316 2011 2,765 6,687,826 12,647,377 2012 3,346 7,356,641 12,732,108 2013 3,124 6,752,199 12,883,929 2014 2,685 5,852,779 12,294,070 2015 2,227 4,863,208 11,763,434 2016 1,913 4,214,410 11,359,653 Source: Department of Mines Minerals and Energy reserves should, however, increase the effort of the planning district in its economic diversification activities. Hardwoods: Most of the area in the Cumberland Plateau is either covered by or suitable for hardwood forest growth. Approximately 84 percent of the hardwood area is owned by private interest, making the district an ideal location for manufacturers of high quality wood products. It also means that a long range development plan should be prepared if the district environment is to be protected. The following table shows the annual growth and removal of hardwood saw timber. Table 2 2001 to 2016 Mine Employment Data for PDC Year Average Employees Labor Hours Tonnage Annual 2001 2,770 5,720,006 17,111,841 2002 2,503 4,892,852 14,819,697 2003 2,204 4,702,403 15,397,250 2004 2,364 5,069,337 14,736,763 2005 2,541 5,236,048 12,513,260 2006 2,652 5,662,523 15,094,014 2007 2,413 5,122,625 14,154,727 2008 2,604 5,753,573 12,387,576 2009 2,447 5,019,815 10,051,953 2010 2,610 6,018,567 11,472,316 2011 2,765 6,687,826 12,647,377 2012 3,346 7,356,641 12,732,108 2013 3,124 6,752,199 12,883,929 2014 2,685 5,852,779 12,294,070 2015 2,227 4,863,208 11,763,434 2016 1,913 4,214,410 11,359,653, Source: Department of Mines Minerals and Energy reserves should, however, increase the effort of the planning district in its economic diversification act ies. Hardwoods: Most of the area in the Cumberland Plateau is either covered by or suitable for hardwood forest growth. Approximately 84 percent of the hardwood area is owned by private interest, making the district an ideal location for manufacturers of high quality wood products. It also means that a long range development plan should be prepared if the district environment is to be protected. The following table shows the annual growth and removal of hardwood saw timber. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 7 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 8 TABLE 3 Timber Growth and Removal in Board Feet County Growth Removals Surplus Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell 16,309,565 12,030,494 8,020,969 12,783,269 9,475,846 7,000,933 5,802,265 2,432,594 6,833,719 5,029,561 2,218,704 10,350,675 TOTAL 49,144,298 24,711,637 24,432,661 Source: US Forest Service, Southern Research Station - Forest Inventory, 2011 The District is in the center of the Central Appalachian region that is home to some of the highest quality hardwoods in the world. The region is also the home for an effort to reintroduce the American Chestnut focused on strip mined lands. The region's timber source could support greater utilization and would provide much needed jobs. Natural Gas: A major portion of the known gas fields in Virginia are located in the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. In fact about 91 percent of the state’s annual production occurs in the District, with Buchanan County (56%) and Dickenson County (23%) leading the way. Natural gas has been produced in the district since 1930 and production has increased dramatically from the mid-to-late 1990's and 2000's as shown in Table 4. Most analysts foresee natural gas as a growing source of energy in the U.S. While not that many jobs have been created as the Cumberland Plateau gas fields have been developed, local and state governments benefit greatly from gas severance taxes and revenue from industry-related real estate taxes. Agricultural Land: According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture (See Table 5), there are 1,829 farms in the Cumberland Plateau. Cattle and sheep are the TABLE 3 Timber Growth and Removal in Board Feet County Growth Removals Surplus Buchanan 16,309,565 9,475,846 6,833,719 Dickenson 12,030,494 7,000,933 5,029,561 Russell 8,020,969 5,802,265 2,218,704 Tazewell 12,783,269 2,432,594 10,350,675, TOTAL 49,144,298 24,711,637 24,432,661 Source: US Forest Service, Southern Research Station - Forest Inventory, 2011 The District is in the center of the Central Appalachian region that is home to some of the highest quality hardwoods in the world. The region is also the home for an effort to reintroduce the American Chestnut focused on strip mined lands. The region's timber source could support greater utilization and would provide much needed jobs. Natural Gas: A major portion of the known gas ds in Virginia are located in the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. In fact about 91 percent of the state’s annual production occurs in the District, with Buchanan County (56%) and Dickenson County (23%) leading the way. Natural gas has been produced in the district since 1930 and production has increased dramatically from the mid-to-late 1990's and 2000's as shown in Table 4. Most analysts foresee natural gas as a growing source of energy in the U.S. While not that many jobs have been created as the Cumberland Plateau gas fields have been developed, local and state governments benefit greatly from gas severance taxes and revenue from industry-related real estate taxes. Agricultural Land: According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture (See Table 5), there are 1,829 farms in the Cumberland Plateau. Cattle and sheep are the Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 8 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 9 Year Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC 2009 75,351,846 32,898,449 10,796,414 12,128,558 131,175,267 2008 69,644,706 29,885,414 10,044,097 9,401,291 118,975,508 2007 60,232,768 27,352,761 8,692,041 7,536,382 103,813,952 2006 57,199,657 23,551,631 7,601,657 5,986,470 94,339,415 2005 49,989,439 20,192,044 6,422,942 3,886,336 80,490,761 2004 50,637,115 17,475,252 5,901,345 3,153,322 77,167,034 2003 49,487,021 15,734,527 4,876,771 2,485,299 72,583,618 2002 45,389,410 16,480,236 3,500,511 2,563,883 67,934,040 2001 44,479,589 14,877,235 2,075,174 1,846,158 63,278,156 2000 44,384,057 14,859,535 491,297 1,912,571 61,647,460 1999 41,916,758 17,665,116 615,795 1,604,506 61,802,175 1998 36,343,503 12,972,617 433,824 709,713 50,459,657 1997 35,125,597 13,853,818 517,497 732,111 50,229,023 1996 30,673,132 13,374,276 523,662 419,745 44,990,815 1995 27,420,560 14,057,072 573,539 319,626 42,370,797 1994 25,890,226 14,265,050 687,899 410,896 41,254,071 1993 17,537,586 11,539,915 703,643 421,280 30,202,424 1992 6,974,926 10,962,851 524,087 331,189 18,793,053 1991 2,686,239 7,310,579 199,557 357,802 10,554,177 1990 2,887,119 7,944,115 13,459 484,596 11,329,289 Source: Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research Table 4 Gas Production by County (Thousands of Cubic Feet) Table 4 Gas Production by County (Thousands of Cubic Feet) Year Buchanan _| Dickenson. Russell Tazewell CPPDC 2009] 75,351,846] 32,898,449/ 10,796,414] 12,128,558[ 131,175,267| 2008] 69,644,706] 29,885,414] 10,044,097] 9,401,291[ 118,975,508| 2007| 60,232,768] 27,352,761) 8,692,041) —_—7,536,382[ 103,813,952! 2006] 57,199,657] 23,551,631] —_7,601,657| 5,986,470 94,339,415] 2005] 49,989,439] 20,192,044] 6,422,942| 3, 886,336{ —_80,490,761| 2004] 50,637,115] 17,475,252) 5,901,345] 3,153,322 77,167,034 2003] 49,487,021) 15,734,527| 4,876,771| _—-2,485,299{ 72,583,618 2002] 45,389,410] 16,480,236] 3,500,511] —_2,563,883[ 67,934,040] 2001] 44,479,589] 14,877,235] 2,075,174] _—-1,846,158[ 63,278,156] 2000] 44,384,057] 14,859,535] 491,297] 1,912,571f 61,647,460) 1999] 41,916,758] 17,665,116] 615,795] 1,604,506[ 61,802,175) 1998] 36,343,503) 12,972,617] 433,824] 709,713[ 50,459,657] 1997] 35,125,597] 13,853,818) 517,497 732,111f 50,229,023 1996] 30,673,132) 13,374,276) 523,662 419,745[ 44,990,815] 1995] 27,420,560] 14,057,072| 573,539 319,626, 42,370,797 1994] 25,890,226] 14,265,050) 687,899] 410,896[ 41,254,071) 1993] 17,537,586] 11,539,915) 703,643| 421,280[ — 30,202,424] 1992] 6,974,926] 10,962,851) 524,087| 331,189[ 18,793,053 1991] 2,686,239] 7,310,579) 199,557 357,802[ 10,554,177 1990] 2,887,119] 7,944,115) 13,459} 4384,596[ _ 11,329,289] Source: Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 9 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 10 predominant farm activities. While tobacco farming has seen significant declines over the last 10-15 years, farming is still important to the area. In fact, between 1997 and 2012 the District showed a decrease of 43 farms and an 39.98 percent increase in the total market value of farm products sold. This is an encouraging sign that many of the burley tobacco farmers have switched to raising produce or have converted to raising livestock. The growing number of local Farmers’ Markets in the region is a development that provides a significant market for the District’s small farmers. C. Environmental Issues The Cumberland Plateau Planning District has always strived to maintain a proper balance between economic development and the environment. The industrial marketing effort of the district is directed toward industries that will not pose environmental problems and thus far we have been successful in this effort. Most of the environmental problems that the district has to confront are caused by existing industries such as coal mining, agriculture and silviculture. These problems are being addressed for the most part by state and federal regulations. Following is a list of sensitive environmental areas in the District that are 2007 2012 % Change 2007 2012 % Change 2007 2012 % Change 2007 2012 % Change Total Land in Farms (Acres) 9,331 9,559 2.44% 14,342 15,048 4.92% 151,564 187,620 23.78% 153,677 150,181 2.27% Number of Farms 107 103 -3.73% 170 147 -13.52% 1,019 995 2.35% 576 584 1.38% Average Farm Size (Acres) 87 93 6.89% 84 102 21.42% 149 189 26.84% 267 257 3.74% Total Market Value of Products Sold $363,000 $479,000 31.95% $620,000 $781,000 25.96% $20,707,000 $32,164,000 55.32% $21,490,000 $27,020,000 25.73% Average Per Farm 3,392 4,961 46.25% 3,645 5,314 45.78% 20,321 32,325 59.07% 37,308 46,268 24.01% Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County Table 5 Agricultural Base Data Base Data Tables ‘Areal Base Data Buchanan County Dickenson Couny Fussell County Tazewell County Base Data ry * ry ry 2o07_| 2012 | change| 2007 | 2012 [change | 2007 _| 2012 | change| 2007 | 2012 _| change ota Land in Farms crs) 933i [9559 [ 244% [ 24342 | asoea | 490% | asise4 | e720 [23.78%] iszer7 | ssoasi | 227% Number of Farms sor | 103 |-a7a%| 10 | a7 |-13sox| aoe | 99 | 2ase| 576 sea | 138% average Farm Sze (Acres) sr | 93 |6se%| a4 | 102 [orem] 149 189 | 2684%| 267 ast | 370% Total Markt Value of Products Sld $363,000 [547300 | 31.95% | 620,00 |578,000 | 25.96% $20,707,000 | $32,164,000 | 5s 32% | $21 490000 |$27020.000 | 25.73% [average Per Farm 3302 | ager | 45sx] 3615 | sara [as7es| 20301 | 32305 |saom] ayaa _| 45268 | 2a01% Source: US. Dept. of Agicdtue predominant farm acti s. While tobacco farming has seen significant dec! es over the last 10-15 years, farming is still important to the area. In fact, between 1997 and 2012 the District showed a decrease of 43 farms and an 39.98 percent increase in the total market value of farm products sold. This is an encouraging sign that many of the burley tobacco farmers have switched to raising produce or have converted to raising livestock. The groy ing number of local Farmers’ Markets in the region is a development that provides a significant market for the District's small farmers. C. Environmental Issues ‘The Cumberland Plateau Planning District has always strived to maintain a proper balance between economic development and the environment. The industrial marketing effort of the district is directed toward industries that will not pose environmental problems and thus far we have been successful in this effort. Most of the environmental problems that the district has to confront are caused by existing industries such as coal mining, agriculture and silviculture. These problems are being addressed for the most part by state and federal regulations. Folloy g is a list of sensitive environmental areas in the District that are Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 10 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 11 being protected from development that would upset the natural balance. 1. Criterion A sensitive environmental area is an area which has unusual natural or man-made features which are worthy of protection by State or local governments. These natural or man-made features might consist of: a). Groupings of historic buildings located within relatively undisturbed contiguous natural areas. b). Roads through undisturbed countryside containing scenery and buildings uniquely historic and representative of the District. c). Natural wildlife habitats supporting unique fish or wildlife populations, species whose range in the State is restricted or whose numbers are so limited as to warrant special consideration. d). Natural areas possessing unique physical characteristics as: 1. Bluffs having unusual exposed geologic strata, or beautiful vistas. 2. Inland river banks having wild character, profuse blooming flora, unusual flora communities, unusual crystalline beauty, or exceptional water quality. 3. Rivers with churning action, having visual interest, waterfalls or sinking streams. 4. High altitude lakes or elevated lakes in poquosins. 5. Unaltered mountain coves, significant peaks, natural arches, caves or tunnels. being protected from development that would upset the natural balance. 1. Criterion A sens ive environmental area is an area w h has unusual natural or man-made features which are worthy of protection by State or local governments. These natural or man-made features might consist of: a). Groupings of historic buildings located within relatively undisturbed contiguous natural areas. b). Roads through undisturbed countryside containing scenery and buildings uniquely historic and representative of the District. ©). Natural wildlife habitats supporting unique fish or wildlife populations, species whose range in the State is restricted or whose numbers are so limited as to warrant special consideration. d). Natural areas possessing unique physical characteristics as: 1, Bluffs having unusual exposed geologic strata, or beautiful stas. 2. Inland river banks having wild character, profuse blooming flora, unusual flora communities, unusual crystalline beauty, or exceptional water qualit Rivers with churning action, having visual interest, waterfalls or sinking streams. . High altitude lakes or elevated lakes in poquosins. . - Unaltered mountain coves, significant peaks, natural arches, caves or tunnels, Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 11 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 12 6. Monadnocks, karst outcrops, and other unusual geological formations. 7. Spectacular gorges. 8. Climax forest communities of mature individuals. 9. Forest communities at range limits such as balsam fir, red spruce and arbor vitae. 10. Endangered forest species such as native chestnut and elm e). Areas possessing qualities suitable for future park development such as: 1. Being accessible from population centers and well-traveled tourist routes. 2. Having good scenic qualities, yet relatively level terrain to permit the construction of any necessary facilities. 3. Possessing bodies of water or potential pond and lake sites. 4. Being a relatively large and undeveloped tract. 2. Criterion A sensitive environmental area is a natural area which is crucial to an ecological system and should be protected from inappropriate development. Such areas will not readily support intense development or may be hazardous to the public health and safety. Areas within this category might include: a). Flood plain areas with special flood hazards and those which are located within the one hundred year flood level. 6. Monadnocks, karst outcrops, and other unusual geological formations. Spectacular gorges. . Climax forest communities of mature individuals. . Forest communities at range limits such as balsam fir, red spruce and arbor vitae. 10. Endangered forest species such as native chestnut and elm e). Areas possessing qualities suitable for future park development such as: 1. Being accessible from population centers and well-traveled tourist routes. 2. Having good scenic qualities, yet relatively level terrain to permit the construction of any necessary facilities. 3. Possessing bodies of water or potential pond and lake sites. 4. Being a relatively large and undeveloped tract. 2. Criterion A sensitive environmental area is a natural area which is crucial to an ecological system and should be protected from inappropriate development. Such areas will not readily support intense development or may be hazardous to the public health and safety. Areas within this category might include: a). Flood pk in areas with special flood hazards and those which are located within the one hundred year flood leve Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 12 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 13 b). Areas of severe topography where it is difficult to locate structures. Steep slopes with shallow soil profiles making it impractical to install sub-surface sewage disposal facilities, to find adequate soil for cut and fill, and to find sufficient water of adequate quality for a domes water supply. Areas where underlying rock formations make it possible for rock or earth slides to take place after heavy precipitation. c). Low wetlands which are regularly inundated at high tide. These areas are critical to the production of detritus, an important link in the food chain for nearly all marine life, and serve as spawning, breeding, or feeding grounds for many marine species. 3. Criterion A sensitive environmental area includes certain natural, scenic, or historic areas which are presently endangered, or in obvious danger of destruction, alteration, or loss because of the activities of man. Activities which might create a danger to the natural environment include: a). Existing or potential urbanization whose rate or intensity of growth exceeds the capacity of an area to support it without itself being substantially despoiled. b). A major public or private facility or improvement which would significantly alter the natural or historic environment. c). Power generation and transmission facilities or any facility which might pollute the water or air, or despoil the natural, scenic, or historic qualities of an area. b). Areas of severe topography where it is difficult to locate structures. Steep slopes with shallow soil profiles making it impractical to install sub-surface sewage disposal facilities, to find adequate soil for cut and fill, and to find sufficient water of adequate quality for a domes water supply. Areas where underlying rock formations make it possible for rock or earth slides to take place after heavy precipitation. ©). _ Low wetlands which are regularly inundated at high tide. These areas are critical to the production of detritus, an important link in the food chain for nearly all marine life, and serve as spawning, breeding, or feeding grounds for many marine species. 3. Criterion A sensitive environmental area includes certain natural, scenic, or historic areas which are presently endangered, or in obvious danger of destruction, alteration, or loss because of the activities of man. Activities which might create a danger to the natural environment include: a). _ Existing or potential urbaniz tion whose rate or intensity of growth exceeds the capacity of an area to support it without itself being substanti despoiled. b). A major public or private facility or improvement which would significantly alter the natural or historic environment. ©). Power generation and transmission facilities or any facility which might pollute the water or air, or despoil the natural, scenic, or historic qualities of an area. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 13 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 14 4. Criterion A sensitive environmental area is an area appropriate for public use through future acquisition by State or local agencies. Many types of natural areas could qualify for public acquisition. Uses to which this land might be put include: a). Parks b). Historic preserves c). Game and fish management areas d). Trails e). Public forests f). Scenic areas g). Highways and parkways h). Water impoundment sites 5. Criterion A sensitive environmental area is an area which can be considered to contain a primary State resource. These could include wildlife, mineral, or agricultural production. Types of primary resource areas might include: a). Natural wildlife habitats of high productivity for use by man b). Primary agricultural production areas c). Primary forest production areas d). Mineral resource areas to include ore deposits and major quarries Site Description Russell Fork Area Natural area on the Virginia-Kentucky line with wild and spectacular scenery. Views include the 4. Criterion A sensitive environmental area is an area appropriate for public use through future acquisi qualify for public acqu a). b). ©). A sensi n by State or local agencies. Many types of natural areas could jon. Uses to which this land might be put include: Parks Historic preserves Game and fish management areas Trails Pu ic forests Scenic areas Highways and parkways Water impoundment sites Criterion e environmental area is an area which can be considered to contain a primary State resource. These could include wildlife, mineral, or agricultural production. Types of primary resource areas might include: a), Natural wildlife habitats of high productivity for use by man b). Primary agricultural production areas ©). Primary forest production areas d), Mineral resource areas to include ore deposits and major quarries Site Description Russell Fork Area Natural area on the Vi wild and spectacular scenery. Views include the Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 14 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 15 Breaks of the Cumberland. Criteria 1, 2, 3 Clinch River Gorge Area Unique sandstone gorge and scenic area. Clinch River has excellent canoeing, fishing, and scenic potential. Important adjacent sites include Big Falls on Cedar Creek, and Pinnacle Rock formations. Criteria 1, 2, 3 Cove Creek Area Natural area in relatively untouched condition, recreational potential. Criteria 1, 2, 3 Elk Garden Small settlement centering on an early 19th Century mill overlooked by the classical revival mansion of Governor Stuart. Criteria 1, 3 Burkes Garden Historic and scenic community in rich agricultural area - relatively isolated. Critical area includes Garden Mountain, unspoiled natural and scenic area - unsuitable for intense development. Criteria 1, 2, 3, 5 Knob Mountain - Paint Undisturbed scenic and natural area. Lick Mountain - Cove Mountains are wildlife habitats of great recreational value. Site of historic Indian battle and pre-historic Indian paintings. Cove area is rich agricultural and cattle-raising area. Criteria 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Clinch River Gorge Area Cove Creek Area Elk Garden Burkes Garden Knob Mountain - Paint Lick Mountain - Cove Breaks of the Cumberland. Criteria 1, 2, 3 Unique sandstone gorge and scenic area. Clinch er has excellent canoeing, fishing, and sce potential. Important adjacent sites include Big Falls on Cedar Creek, and Pinnacle Rock formations. Criteria 1, 2,3 Natural area in relatively untouched condition, recreational potential. Criteria 1, 2,3 Small settlement centering on an early 19th Century mill overlooked by the classical revival mansion of Governor Stuart. Criteria 1, 3 Historic and scenic community in rich agricultural area - relatively isolated. Critical area includes Garden Mountain, unspoiled natural and scenic area - unsuitable for intense development. Cri 1, 2,3,5 Undisturbed scenic and natural area. Mountains are wildlife habitats of great recreational value. Site of historic Indian battle and pre-historic Indian paintings. Cove area rich agricultural and cattle-raising area. Criteria 1, 2,3,4,5 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 15 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 16 Birch Knob Unspoiled mountain area, wildlife and botanical habitat. Rugged geologic formation, near Blowing Knob, of recreational value. Criteria 1, 2,3, 4, 5 D. Population and Labor Force a. Population Characteristics Between 1990 and 2011-2015 estimates, the population in the District decreased 10.12 percent, declining from 123,580 to 111,064. The lowest decline rates were recorded in Russell and Tazewell Counties (-1.47 and -4.50 percent, respectively), followed by Dickenson with -12.24 percent and Buchanan with –25.04 percent population decline. From 2000 to 2011-2015 estimates, the District saw a smaller decline in its population growth trend. As illustrated in Table 6 and Figure 6, population has declined reaching 111,064 in 2011-2015 estimates, a -6.1 percent decrease in fifteen years. Buchanan County's 25.00 percent population decline was still the largest experienced among the four counties. Projections by the Virginia Employment Commission (see Table 6a) indicate that the population decline has bottomed-out in Russell and Tazewell Counties and will increase slightly through 2030. However, population will continue to decline in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties. The slight increases in Russell and Tazewell Counties are not sufficient to offset the losses in the District of the 1990’s and 2000’s period. It will take a much stronger economic recovery to reverse the economic trends of the past. Although the size of the District's population has fluctuated over the past two Birch Knob Unspoiled mountain area, wildlife and botanical habitat, Rugged geologic formation, near Blowing Knob, of recreational value. Criteria 1, 2,3, 4,5 D. Population and Labor Force a. Population Characteristics Between 1990 and 2011-2015 estimates, the population in the District decreased 10.12 percent, declining from 123,580 to 111,064. The lowest decline rates were recorded in Russell and Tazewell Counties (-1.47 and -4.50 percent, respectively), followed by Dickenson with -12.24 percent and Buchanan with —25.04 percent population decline. From 2000 to 2011-2015 estimates, the District saw a smaller decline in its population growth trend. As illustrated in Table 6 and Figure 6, population has declined reaching 111,064 in 2011-2015 estimates, a -6.1 percent decrease in fifteen years. Buchanan County's 25.00 percent population decline was still the largest experienced among the four counties. Projections by the Virginia Employment Commission (see Table 6a) indicate that the population decline has bottomed-out in Russell and Tazewell Counties and wi crease slightly through 2030. However, population will continue to decline in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties. The slight increases in Russell and Tazewell Counties are not sufficient to offset the losses in the District of the 1990°s and 2000’s period. It wi take a much stronger economic recovery to reverse the economic trends of the past. Although the size of the District's population has fluctuated over the past two Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 16 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 17 2010 2000 1990 Locality Buchanan County 23,486 24,098 26,978 31,333 -1.29% -10.68% -13.90% -23.09% Grundy Town 891 1,021 1,105 1,305 -12.73% -7.60% -15.33% -21.76% Dickenson County 15,463 15,903 16,395 17,620 -2.76% -3.00% -6.95% -9.75% Clintwood Town 1,423 1,414 1,549 1,542 0.63% -8.72% 0.45% -8.30% Haysi Town 452 498 186 222 -9.23% 167.70% -16.22% 124.32% Clinchco Town 336 337 424 N/A -0.29% -20.50% N/A N/A Russell County 28,245 28,897 30,308 28,667 -2.25% -4.66% 5.72% 0.80% Cleveland Town 198 202 148 214 -1.98% 36.48% -30.84% -5.61% Lebanon Town 3,388 3,424 3,273 3,386 -1.05% 4.60% -3.34% 1.12% Honaker Town 1,576 1,449 945 950 8.76% 53.30% -0.53% 52.53% Tazewell County 43,870 45,078 44,598 45,960 -2.68% 1.07% -2.96% -1.92% Bluefield Town 5,350 5,444 5,078 5,363 -1.72% 7.20% -5.31% 1.51% Pocahontas Town 365 389 441 513 -6.17% -11.79% -14.04% -24.17% Richlands Town 5,630 5,823 4,144 4,456 -3.31% 40.56% -7.00% 30.68% Tazewell Town 4,522 4,627 4,206 4,176 -2.26% 10.00% 0.72% 10.80% Cedar Bluff Town 1,148 1,137 1,085 1,290 0.96% 4.79% -15.89% -11.86% CPPDC 111,064 113,976 118,279 123,580 -2.55% 3.63% -4.29% -7.77% Virginia 8,256,630 8,001,024 7,078,515 6,187,358 3.19% 13.00% 14.40% 29.31% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 - 2000 - 2010 and U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2011 - 2015 Table 6 2010-2015 % Change Population Counts and Percentages of Change Census 1990, Census 2000, Census 2010 and ACS 2011 - 2015 Estimates 2000-2010 % Change 1990-2000 % Change 1990-2010 % Change 2011-2015 ACS Estimates Table 6 Population Counts and Percentages of Change Census 1990, Census 2000, Census 2010 and ACS 2011 - 2015 Estimates 2011-2015 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 |2010-2015]2000-2010] 1990-2000 | 1990-2010 Locality |ACS Estimates ‘% Change | % Change | % Change |_% Change Buchanan County 23,486] 24,098] 26,978] _31,333|__-1.29% _-10.68%| _-13.90% _-23.09% Grundy Town soi] 1021] 1,105] _1,305|_-12.73%| _-7.60%|__-15.33%| 21.7696 Dickenson County 15,463] 15,903] _16,395| 17,620] 2.7656] 3.00%] 6.95% _-9.75%| Clintwood Town 1423|__1414|__1549|__1,542|__0.63%|__-8.72%| _0.45%|__-8.30%| Haysi Town 4s2|___as|___ 186] ___222| 9.2366 167.70%4] -16.2256| _124.32%| Clincheo Town 336{ _337|___42al_—_n/al__-0.29%) _-20.50% Nal nial Russell County 28,245] 28,897| 30,308] _28,667| _-2.25%| _-4.66%|__ 5.72% 0.80% Cleveland Town sos{___202| _4s|_2al__-1.98%| _36.48%| _-30.84%6| _-5.6196 Lebanon Town 3388] 3424] 3273| __3,386| _-1.05%| __4.60%|__-3.34%4 1.12% Honaker Town 1s76| 1449] 945| 950] __8.76%| 53.30%) -0.53%| 52.53% {Tazewell County 43,870| 45,078] 44,598] 45,960|__-2.68%| 1.07%) _-2.96%|__-1.92% Bluefield Town 5350] 44a] 5,078) _5,363| -1.72%| _7.20%| _-5.3196| 1.51% Pocahontas Town 365|___ 389] aan} 513 -6.17%| -11.79%] -14.04%| _-24.17%| Richlands Town 5630] _5,823| __4,14a|__4,456| -3.3156| 40.56%] -7.00%| _30.68%| Tazewell Town 4522| 4627] __4,206| _4,176| _-2.26%| 10.00%] 0.72% _ 10.80% Cedar Bluff Town 1143] 1137] 1,085] _1,290| __0.96%|__4.79%| _-15.89%| _-11.86% lcppoc 111,064 _113,976|_118,279| 123,580| -2.555 3.63%] 4.2056 —_-7.77% Virginia 8,256,630| 8,001,024] 7,078,515|6,187,358| 3.19%] 13.00%) 14.40%) _29.31%4| Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 - 2000 - 2010 and U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2011 - 2015 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 17 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 18 Table 6a Population Projections Jurisdiction 2010 2020 2030 2040 Buchanan County 24,098 23,383 23,263 23,296 Dickenson County 15,903 15,600 15,375 15,193 Russell County 28,897 29,051 29,296 29,534 Tazewell County 45,078 45,300 45,436 45,535 CPPDC 113,976 113,334 113,370 113,558 Virginia 8,001,024 8,811,512 9,645,281 10,530,229 Source: Virginia Employment Commission Figure 6 Source: Virginia Employment Commission 24,098 15,903 28,897 45,078 23,383 15,600 29,051 45,300 23,263 15,375 29,296 45,436 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County 2040 2030 2020 2010 Table 6a Population Projections Jurisdiction 2010 2020 2030 2040 Buchanan County 24,098 23,383 23,263 23,296 Dickenson County 15,903 15,600 15,375 15,193 Russell County 28,897 29,051 29,296 29,534 Tazewell County 45,078 45,300 45,436 45,535, cPPDC 113,976 113,334 113,370 113,558 Virginia 8,001,024 8,811,512 9,645,281 10,530,229 Source: Virginia Employment Commission Figure 6 Tazewell County Russell County = 2040 2030 = 2020 Dickenson County 2010 Buchanan County 0 10,000 20,000 += 30,000» 40,000 50,000 Source: Virginia Employment Commission Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 18 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 19 decades, the racial composition of that population has remained stable. According to the 2011 - 2015 U.S. Census American Community Survey Estimate, 96.2 percent of the population in the District was white, with data for Tazewell County showing the only significant (but still quite low) number of minorities with a black population of 3.0 percent. Similarly, in 2010, 96.2 percent of the population in the four-county area reported white as their race. The black population in Tazewell County (3.0 percent) was the largest minority representation among the four counties. Table 7 and Figures 7a and 7b show the racial composition of each county and of the State of Virginia as reported in the 2011 - 2015 U.S. Census American Community Survey Estimate. In comparison to the State of Virginia as a whole, the Cumberland Plateau Area has a very small minority population. Age as shown in Table 8 and Figure 8 is another characteristic that differs somewhat from the State's statistic. The populations of all four counties appear to be slightly older on average than that of the State, with median ages of 45.5, 43.4, 43.8, and 43.1 for the four counties, in comparison to 37.6 for the State in the 2011- 2015 U.S. Census American Community Survey Estimate. b. Labor Force As shown in Tables 9 through figure 9e, from 2000 to 2015 the labor force in all counties within the Planning District decreased. Russell County has experienced a 5.31 percent decrease in its labor force, which has decreased from 11,789 in 2000 to 11,162 in 2011-2015 estimates, while total employment in Russell County has decreased 6.65 percent. Russell's decrease in labor force was less than that recorded in Tazewell County, where the number of people in the labor force decreased by 17.60 percent. decades, the racial composition of that population has remained stable. According to the 2011 - 2015 U.S. Census American Community Survey Estimate, 96.2 percent of the population in the District was white, with data for Tazewell County showing the only significant (but still quite low) number of minorities with a black population of 3.0 percent, Similarly, in 2010, 96.2 percent of the population in the four-county area reported white as their race. The black population in Tazewell County (3.0 percent) was the largest minority representation among the four counties. Table 7 and ures 7a and 7b show the racial composition of each county and of the State of Virginia as reported in the 2011 - 2015 U.S. Census American Community Survey Estimate. In comparison to the State of Virginia as a whole, the Cumberland Plateau Area has a very small minority population. Age as shown in Table 8 and Figure 8 is another characteristic that differs somewhat from the State's statistic. The populations of all four counties appear to be slightly older on average than that of the State, with median ages of 45.5, 43.4, 43.8, and 43.1 for the four counties, in comparison to 37.6 for the State in the 2011- 2015 U.S. Census American Community Survey Estimate. b. Labor Force As shown in Tables 9 through figure 9e, from 2000 to 2015 the labor force in all counties within the Planning District decreased. Russell County has experienced a 5.31 percent decrease in its labor force, which has decreased from 11,789 in 2000 to 11,162 in 2011-2015 estimates, while total employment in Russell County has decreased 6.65 percent. Russell's decrease in labor force was less than that recorded in Tazewell County, where the number of people in the labor force decreased by 17.60 percent. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 19 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 20 Jurisdiction Population White Percent Black or African American Percent Asian Percent Hispanic Latino Percent Buchanan County 24,098 23,271 96.6% 616 2.6% 53 0.2% 95 0.4% Dickenson County 15,903 15,712 98.8% 51 0.3% 18 0.1% 86 0.5% Russell County 28,897 28,270 97.8% 233 0.8% 53 0.2% 275 1.0% Tazewell County 45,078 42,868 95.1% 1,333 3.0% 289 0.6% 296 0.7% CPPDC 113,976 109,689 96.2% 2,222 2.0% 409 0.4% 752 0.7% Virginia 8,001,024 5,486,852 68.6% 1,551,399 19.4% 439,890 5.5% 631,825 7.9% Source : U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Jurisdiction Population White Percent Black or African American Percent Asian Percent Hispanic Latino Percent Buchanan County 23,486 22,408 95.4% 623 2.7% 114 0.5% 74 0.3% Dickenson County 15,463 15,157 98.0% 139 0.9% 11 0.1% 118 0.8% Russell County 28,245 27,321 96.7% 293 1.0% 41 0.1% 320 1.1% Tazewell County 43,870 43,503 99.2% 1,279 2.9% 173 0.4% 367 0.8% CPPDC 111,064 108,389 97.6% 2,334 2.1% 339 0.3% 879 0.8% Virginia 8,256,630 5,237,848 63.4% 1,560,316 18.9% 489,610 5.9% 709,156 8.6% Source : U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2011-2015 Selected Racial Data By Population and Percentage Selected Racial Data Estimates By Population and Percentage Table 7 Table 7 Table 7 Selected Racial Data By Population and Percentage Backor : surzdtion | ropution| white | eercent | atican [percent] asian |percent| MP2 | porent American Buchanan Coun f aense | waa | seam | 616 | aon} ss | ome | os | ome Dickenson County | 15,903 15,712 98.8% Ss. 0.3% 18 0.1% 86 0.5% Russell County 28,897 28,270 97.8% 233 0.8% 53 0.2% 275 1.0% Tazewell County 45,078 42,868 95.1% 1,333 3.0% | 289 | 0.6% 296 0.7% ceroc | 13976 | 109589 | 962% | 22% | 20% | a0 | oan | 752 | o7% vigiis | 6001026 |sa5ss2| osx |1551399] 19.0% |assaso] sox | o2u825| 79% Source: US. Census Bureau 2010 Table Selected Racial Data Estimates By Population and Percentage Black or Mispanie Jurisdiction Population} White Percent | African |Percent| Asian | Percent Latino Percent Aerian Buchanan County | 23,486 22,408 95.4% 623 2.7% | 114 | 0.5% 74 0.3% Dickenson County | 15,463 15,157 98.0% 139 0.9% i 0.1% 118 0.8% russelCounty | 26245 | 27301 | 967% | 22 | a0% | | osm | 320 | 14% faxewencounty | 49870 | 49503 | 992% | sar | 29% | am | oan | 67 | 02% croc | saxoss | 10909 f 976% | 23% [2a | 299 foax | ar | oa vigina | 925560 s2a7ase| o2.a%_|1ss0316| 129% [sese1o] sox | onas6| sox Source : U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2011-2015 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 20 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 21 Source : U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Source : U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey Estimates 2011-2015 Figure 7b CPPDC BY RACE, 2011 - 2015 CPPDC BY RACE, 2010 Figure 7a 96.2% 3.8% White Non-White 97.6% 2.4% White Non-White Figure 7a CPPDC BY RACE, 2010 white mt Non-white Source : U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Figure 7b CPPDC BY RACE, 2011 - 2015 white 1 Non-White Source : U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey Estimates 2011-2015 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 21 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 22 1980 1990 2000 2010 2011-2015 Estimates Buchanan 25.9 32.2 38.8 43.8 45.5 Dickenson 28 34 39.7 43 43.4 Russell 29.3 34.6 38.7 43 43.8 Tazewell 29.6 35.4 40.7 43.2 43.1 CPPDC 28.2 34.1 39.5 43.2 44 Virginia 29.8 32.6 35.7 37.5 37.6 Source: US Census Bureau & 2011 - 2015 American Community Survey Estimates Source: US Census Bureau & 2011 - 2015 American Community Survey Estimates Median Age Years Table 8 Figure 8 Median Age Years 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 1980 1990 2000 2010 2011-2015 Estimates Table 8 Median Age Years 2011-2015 1980 1990 2000 2010 Estimates Buchanan 25.9 32.2 38.8 43.8 45.5 Dickenson 28 34 39.7 43 43.4 Russell 29.3 34.6 38.7 43 43.8 Tazewell 29.6 35.4 40.7 43.2 43.1 ICPPDC 28.2 34.1 39.5 43.2 44 Virginia 29.8 32.6 35.7 37.5 37.6 Source: US Census Bureau & 2011 - 2015 American Community Survey Estimates Figure 8 Median Age Years 50 45 40 35 + 30 1980 25 1990 20 = 2000 45 2010 2011-2015 Estimates 10 5 0 is Ee § Source: US Census Bureau & 2011 - 2015 American Community Survey Estimates. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 22 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 23 Year Labor Force Employed Unemployed Unemployed Rate Labor Force Employed Unemployed Unemployed Rate 2000 8,680 8,175 505 5.8% 5,330 5,023 307 5.8% 2001 8,845 8,313 632 6.0% 5,467 5,085 382 7.0% 2002 9,025 8,387 638 7.1% 5,676 5,233 443 7.8% 2003 8,952 8,329 623 7.0% 5,869 5,374 495 8.4% 2004 8,448 7,973 475 5.6% 5,645 5,299 346 6.1% 2005 8,451 8,002 449 5.3% 5,752 5,387 365 6.3% 2006 8,426 8,011 415 4.9% 5,665 5,378 287 5.1% 2007 8,683 8,260 423 4.9% 5,804 5,501 303 5.2% 2008 8,917 8,468 449 5.0% 6,052 5,704 348 5.8% 2009 9,377 8,564 813 8.7% 6,541 5,965 576 8.8% 2010 9,435 8,618 817 8.7% 6,522 5,955 567 8.7% 2011 9,527 8,829 698 7.3% 6,689 6,150 539 8.1% 2012 9,575 8,827 748 7.8% 6,111 5,549 562 9.2% 2013 9,122 8,232 890 9.8% 5,766 5,192 574 10.0% 2014 7,874 7,058 816 10.4% 5,239 4,720 519 9.9% 2015 7,408 6,610 798 10.8% 4,986 4,484 502 10.1% 2016 6,826 6,090 736 10.8% 4,535 4,084 451 9.9% Year Labor Force Employed Unemployed Unemployed Rate Labor Force Employed Unemployed Unemployed Rate 2000 11,789 11,183 606 5.1% 18,877 17,918 959 5.1% 2001 11,853 11,096 757 6.4% 19,304 18,356 948 4.9% 2002 12,198 11,428 770 6.3% 20,196 19,034 1162 5.8% 2003 12,440 11,672 768 6.2% 20,162 19,076 1086 5.4% 2004 11,703 11,033 670 5.7% 19,581 18,673 908 4.6% 2005 12,067 11,385 682 5.7% 19,610 18,728 882 4.5% 2006 11,821 11,118 703 5.9% 20,007 19,220 787 3.9% 2007 11,806 11,199 607 5.1% 20,359 19,443 916 4.5% 2008 11,833 11,149 684 5.8% 20,675 19,761 914 4.4% 2009 12,592 11,247 1,345 10.7% 21,808 20,137 1,671 7.7% 2010 12,249 11,012 1,237 10.1% 21,458 19,970 1,488 6.9% 2011 12,080 10,956 1,124 9.3% 21,441 20,042 1,399 6.5% 2012 11,513 10,495 1,018 8.8% 20,605 19,158 1,447 7.0% 2013 11,264 10,280 984 8.7% 20,068 18,656 1,412 7.0% 2014 11,307 10,406 901 8.0% 17,303 15,913 1,390 8.0% 2015 11,609 10,856 753 6.5% 16,620 15,376 1,244 7.6% 2016 11,162 10,439 723 6.5% 15,969 14,764 1,205 7.5% Year Labor Force Employed Unemployed Unemployed Rate Labor Force Employed Unemployed Unemployed Rate 2000 44,676 42,299 2377 5.3% 3,584,037 3,502,524 81,513 2.3% 2001 45,469 42,850 2619 5.8% 3,655,371 3,537,719 117,652 3.2% 2002 47,095 44,082 3013 6.4% 3,744,636 3,588,079 156,557 4.2% 2003 47,423 44,451 2972 6.3% 3,802,819 3,647,095 155,724 4.1% 2004 45,377 42,978 2399 5.3% 3,857,590 3,715,272 142,678 3.7% 2005 45,840 43,461 2379 5.2% 3,921,799 3,783,813 137,986 3.5% 2006 45,919 43,727 2192 4.8% 3,983,717 3,862,508 121,209 3.0% 2007 46,652 44,403 2249 4.8% 4,017,176 3,894,111 123,065 3.1% 2008 47,477 45,082 2395 5.0% 4,138,205 3,974,624 163,581 4.0% 2009 50,318 45,913 4,405 8.8% 4,129,132 3,842,447 286,685 6.9% 2010 49,619 45,496 4,123 8.3% 4,134,422 3,840,619 293,803 7.1% 2011 49,737 45,977 3,760 7.6% 4,198,399 3,928,267 270,132 6.4% 2012 47,804 44,029 3,775 7.9% 4,209,532 3,962,496 247,036 5.9% 2013 46,220 42,360 3,860 8.4% 4,240,111 4,004,981 235,130 5.5% 2014 41,723 38,097 3,626 8.7% 4,261,175 4,041,105 220,070 5.2% 2015 40,623 37,326 3,297 8.1% 4,240,470 4,051,908 188,562 4.4% 2016 38,492 35,377 3,115 8.1% 4,240,403 4,070,260 170,143 4.0% Source : Virginia Employment Commission : Local Area Unemployment Statistics CPPDC Virginia Table 9 Labor Force Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County Tables Labor Force Buchanan County Dickenson County Tabor (Unemployed) Labor Unemploved| Year | {280! lemployed] Unemployed |U*™PEYEE] 18PEF | employed] Unemployed | “NO a 5% | 5330 | 5023 | 307 5.8% 2oor | seas | gsis | 632 60% | sias7 | soas | 382 7.0% 2002 | 9025 | 3367 | 38 71% | 5676 | 5233 3 73% 2003 | 8.952 | e329 | 623 70% | 569 | sa7a | 495 84% 2o0a | saas | 7,973 | 475 sex | sas | 5209 | 340 6.1% 200s | 8451 | 3002 | aaa sax | 5.752 | sas7 | 365 6.3% 200s | sazs | son | ais 40% | se6s | 537s | 287 5.1% 2007 | g683 | 3260 | 23 ao% | saoa | 5501 | 303 5.2% 2008 | 3917 | sass | a9 so% | 6052 | 570 | 346 5.5% 2009 | 9377 | sca | aia am | 65a | 596s | 576 8.9% zoro | 9435 | seis | ai7 37% | 6522 | 5955 | 567 87% zor | 9527 | 3a20 | 60s 73% | 6689 | 61so | 539 31% zo. | 9575 | sear | 748 vax | 6111 | ssao | 562 9.2% zoe | 77 | 7058 | sie 104% | 5239 | 4720 | sao 9.9% 201s | 7408 | 6610 | 798 108% | 4986 | aaa | soz 10.1% zois | 6826 | 6090 | 736 xox | 4535 | aos | 451 9.0% Russell County, Tazewell County Tabor [Unemployed] Labor [Unemploved| year | 82" employed] unemployed [UE™POYES] LAPEr |employed] Unemployed | UMETPO 2000 [aires | azaes [608 s1% | 18877 | wars | 950 5.1% 2002 | 12,198 | i128 | 770 6.3% | 20,196 | 19034 | 1162 5.8% 2003 | 12,440 | ane72 | 768 62% | 20,62 | 19076 | 1086 5.4% 2o0a | 11,703 | 1033 | 670 5.7% | 19581 | 1673 | 908 4.6% 2008 | 12067 | ansas | 682 5.7% | 19610 | 18728 | a2 45% 2007 | 11806 | 11,199 | 607 sax | 20359 | 19443 | 916 45% 2008 | 11933 | aaaaa | 8a sax | 20675 | 19,761 | 914 4a9% 2009 | 12sez | in247 | 1.345 10.7% | 21808 | 20137 | 1672 7.7% 2o10 | 12249 | ioi2 | 4237 101% | 21458 | 19970 | 1488 6.9% 2012 | 11513 | 10495 | 1018 s.e% | 20605 | rise | 1447 7.0% 2013 | 11264 | 10,280 | 984 8.7% | 20068 | 18.656 | 1812 7.0% 2ore | 11307 | i006 | 901 ox | 17,303 | 15913 | 1.390 3.0% 2015 | 11609 | ioas6 | 753, 65% | 16620 | 15376 | 1200 7.6% 2o1s_| 11362 | r0430 | 723 65% | 15969 | 14764 | 1205 759% cPpDe Virgina year | 2P°° employed] Unemployed |UnemPleves] 12°F Jempioyed| Unemployed | "NemPloves 2000 | aa76 | az209 | 2377 5.3% |3584,037)3,502.524) 81513 2.39% 2001 | 45,69 | 42,880 | 2619 sax |3,685,371)3537,719| 117,652 | 3.2% 2002 | 47,035 | 44082 | 3013, 6.4% — |3,744,636) 3,583,079] 156.557 | 4.2% 2003 | 47.423 | aaasi | 2972 6.3% |3,802,819) 3,647,005] 155,720 | 4.1% 2o0a | 45,377 | 42.078 | 2309 s.a% |3857,590)3,715,272| 12678 | 3.7% 2005 | assa0 | 43,461 | 2379 5.2% |3921799)3,783,813| 137,986 | 3.5% 2006 | as919 | 43,727 | 2192 4.9% |3,983,717]3,62,508| 121209 | 3.0% 2007 | 45,652 | 24403 | 2249 4ax% |4017,176/3.898,111| 123065 | 3.1% 2008 | 47,477 | 4502 | 2305 5.0% |4,138,205)3,974,624] 163,581 | 4.0% 2009 | S038 4405 88% |420,152)3,842,047| 286.685 | 6.9% 2010 | a9619 | a5,a96 | 4.123, 83% |4134.22/3840.619| 293,803 | 7.1% 2011 | 49,737 | 5.977 | 3.760 7.6% |4198,399)3928,267| 270132 | 6.0% 2012 | 47,808 | 44029 | 3,775 7.9% — |4,209,532) 3,962,496 247.036 | 5.9% 2013 | 46220 | 42.360 | 3.860 aa% —|4.240,111/4008,981| 235,130 | 5.5% 2o1a | a1723 | 38097 | 3,626 3.7% |4261,175/a0a1,105| 220070 | 5.2% 2015 | 20623 | 37,326 | 3,297 8.1% — |4.240,470|4,051,908| 40% zoe | 38.092 | 35.377 | 3.115 2.1% |2240403|4070260| 170143 | _ 4.0% ‘Source : Virginia Employment Commission “Local Area Unemployment statisties Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 23 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 24 Source: Virginia Employment commission Figure 9a - Labor Force 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Source : Virginia Employment Commission : Local Area Unemployment Statistics Figure 9b Employed 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Figure 9a - Labor Force 25,000 1=2000 2001 2002 =2003 2008 = 2005, 15,000 12006 2007 2008 12009 2010 10,000 2011 2012 5,000 2013, 2016 2015 2016 fuchanan County Dickenson County russell County ‘Tazewell county ‘Source: Virginia Employment commission Figure 9b Employed 25,000 132000 2001 52002 20,000 192003 2004 122005 122006 52007 15,000 2008 122003 2010 2011 2012 5,000 2013 2014 2015 2016 Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County Source : Virginia Employment Commission : Local Area Unemployment Statistics Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 24 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 25 Percentage in Labor Force Figure 9C Source: 2011-2015 United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey Dickenson County, VirginiaBuchanan County, Virginia Russell County, Virginia Tazewell County, Virginia 49.80% 72.40% 73.30% 68.40% 59.90% 52.80% 41.70% 28.50% 6.40% 2.20% 16 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 years and over 36.40% 60.40% 47.70% 64.10% 67.70% 45.40% 41.10% 25.50% 10.80% 3.00% 16 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 years and over 32.40% 66.50% 74.00% 73.70% 66.70% 59.50% 47.70% 30.10% 17.80% 3.30% 16 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 years and over 45.60% 67.10% 72.10% 71.00%68.80% 65.30% 50.80% 45.90% 13.10% 7.10% 16 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 years and over Percentage in Labor Force Figure 9C Buchanan County, Virginia Dickenson County Vigna a5 sox 180% 3.00% Russell County, Viginia 1780%330% 32.40% 161019 years sm20t024 years 125020 years m30t0324 yee 3504 years tma5tosd yeas 1m55t059 yeas s=60t06A yeas 1965074 yeas 1575 yearsand over misto19 ear 1201024 year 1251029 ear 15301034 yrs 1351044 years 1245 1058 yors 12551059 years ‘5601064 years 2651074 years a7 years andover 640%, 20% 16:0 18 years 20%024yers 1125028 years 130034 years 350 yars m45tosyeors 1155to59 years 175 yensandover 1308. TezewellCounty, Viginia misto19 year 1m20t024 yeas 15251029 year 1m30t034 yeas 135 t044 yrs 1245 1054 yeors 12551059 years m60%064 years 1565 t078yoors 1575 years andover “Source: 2017-2015 United States Consus Bureau, American Community Survey Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 25 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 26 Total In labor force Employed Unemployment rate Total In labor force Employed Unemployment rate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Population 16 years and over 19,849 40.10% 35.90% 10.60% 12,623 43.60% 39.70% 8.40% AGE 16 to 19 years 1,024 36.40% 26.60% 27.10% 622 49.80% 31.20% 37.40% 20 to 24 years 1,288 60.40% 50.50% 16.30% 885 72.40% 59.90% 17.30% 25 to 29 years 1,438 47.70% 35.80% 24.90% 828 73.30% 59.80% 18.50% 30 to 34 years 1,347 64.10% 58.90% 8.00% 979 68.40% 63.40% 4.00% 35 to 44 years 2,886 67.70% 60.70% 10.30% 1,939 59.90% 56.30% 6.00% 45 to 54 years 3,721 45.40% 42.90% 5.70% 2,218 52.80% 51.70% 2.00% 55 to 59 years 2,082 41.10% 37.40% 9.00% 1,101 41.70% 41.50% 0.40% 60 to 64 years 1,648 25.50% 25.50% 0.00% 1,222 28.50% 28.50% 0.00% 65 to 74 years 2,708 10.80% 10.80% 0.00% 1,725 6.40% 6.40% 0.00% 75 years and over 1,707 3.00% 3.00% 0.00% 1,104 2.20% 2.20% 0.00% Population 20 to 64 years 14,410 9,172 SEX Male 7,492 53.20% 47.00% 11.70% 4,786 57.70% 53.40% 6.60% Female 6,918 47.10% 43.10% 8.50% 4,386 52.40% 48.60% 7.10% Total In labor force Employed Unemployment rate Total In labor force Employed Unemployment rate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Population 16 years and over 23,372 47.50% 43.70% 8.00% 36,248 50.30% 46.20% 8.00% AGE 16 to 19 years 1,250 32.40% 22.70% 29.90% 2103 45.60% 36.90% 18.90% 20 to 24 years 1,670 66.50% 61.70% 7.30% 2,526 67.10% 51.50% 23.20% 25 to 29 years 1,513 74.00% 60.50% 17.60% 2,391 72.10% 60.40% 16.00% 30 to 34 years 1,669 73.70% 70.60% 4.20% 2,779 71.00% 66.30% 6.30% 35 to 44 years 3,559 66.70% 59.50% 10.80% 5,436 68.80% 64.50% 6.20% 45 to 54 years 4,241 59.50% 55.90% 6.00% 6,084 65.30% 63.10% 3.30% 55 to 59 years 2,371 47.70% 46.10% 3.20% 3,700 50.80% 49.90% 1.90% 60 to 64 years 2,043 30.10% 30.10% 0.00% 3,142 45.90% 44.00% 4.10% 65 to 74 years 3,011 17.80% 17.80% 0.00% 4,576 13.10% 12.40% 5.00% 75 years and over 2,045 3.30% 3.30% 0.00% 3,511 7.10% 7.10% 0.00% Population 20 to 64 years 17,066 59.20% 54.60% 7.60% 26,058 63.00% 58.20% 7.60% SEX Male 8,534 66.30% 61.00% 7.80% 13,238 68.40% 62.90% 8.00% Female 8,532 52.10% 48.20% 7.40% 12,820 57.40% 53.30% 7.20% Source: 2011-2015 United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey Percentage in Labor Force Figure 9d Subject Russell County, Virginia Tazewell County, Virginia Subject Buchanan County, Virginia 2011-2015 American Community 5 Year Survey 2011-2015 American Community 5 Year Survey 2011-2015 American Community 5 Year Survey 2011-2015 American Community 5 Year Survey Dickenson County, Virginia Percentage in Labor Force Figure Sd 2011-2015 American Community 5 Year Survey 2011-2015 American Community 5 Vear Surv Guchanan Coun, gin Dekenson Coun, Vega subpet Totat niavortoree Employes] USPBEYFER] [Tory] HHT employe) UERPV HEN sumate| sumate | estate| estimate | |satmate| eatmate | estimate | estate Population t6yearandover| soso | aaron | assox | rosox | | rsa | caaon | anvon | adon ra ‘toy sz | sean | zecon | arson | | oe | aoson | araox | sraon Bto2tyens 2 | soave | Sason | team | | aes | reson | Soave | tram Btozyens vase | a770e | sso | acanm | | a2 | ra30% | seae | tose 20t0 ayers tae | aso | secon | 00% ore | soarm | sso | 40% 35toatyoars 2008 | er70% | eo7o% | toa | | s900 | soaox | sea0n | 600% ‘iostyeas are | ssaow | evo | som | | aare | Semon | Ste | Sane 55050 year zom2 | arson | araon | soon | | sor | arrox | arson | ovon foto ttyens see | assne | 25son | oom | | razz | anson | zasox | cone to Myon are | ‘oars | soe | om | | 172s | aon | saw | cove Te yonn andor tr | soo | soo% | oom | | soe | 220% | 220n | coon Popueton20 0 64year | 40 are Sex Hate rasa | soave | sr0o% | 1s70% | | 470s | srz0% | soaoe | coon Fema sore | arson | aeion | sson | | 4300 | soaon | asson | rom 2-015 eran Community SearSuney | [201-7015 Ameren Communi 5 Yer Suey Russel County, Vga Tazewol County Vigna sub Tota! niabortore] Employed] U>OMBEYFER] Toiy | HBO" [employ RPT HON! csumate| esumate | estate| estimate | |estmate| estate | estmate | estimate Population t6yearandover| zaare | arson | aa7ox | soon | | avaee | soamn | aezon | soon 7 ‘Stover 120 | seam | zero | 20a0% | | 200 | ascon | seaox | ss00% 2010 26yeus 1s | sesow | erro | ‘7am | | asa | rion | Stax | zoam Btozyens 1s | 7400 | soso | izsim | | 2ae1 | r210% | soaox | toons 20t0 ayers sso | ro70% | mason | 2% | | 2770 | room | soave | soos 25toatyous asso | serox | soson | oar | | 542s | asson | sasox | sa0x 48t0S4year tam | sason | sssox | coo | | coos | sax | eeron | 220m 55050 year 2am | arzon | asso | azn | | 2700 | sosox | soon | 100% foto etyens zon | anion | aoron | cone | | ava | asa | soon | 0m to Myon aor | rrave | seo | oom | | asr | ta10% | t2aox | Soe eyenr and ovr 20 | so | sax | oom | | ss | 10 | 710% | ooo Populaton20tw4years | vz008 | seaon | sacon | ro0n | | asase | saoon | seaon | 70m Sex ae asx | ssa0% | oraox | roo | | 12208 | soso | szs0n | 200m Fema asso | szion_| aazon | raon | | 12020 | sraon | ssson | 120% ‘Source: 2011-2018 United Statos Consus Bureau, American Community Survey Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 26 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 27 The labor forces in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties both decreased between 2000 and 2011-2015 estimates. Over the fifteen year period, Buchanan County experienced a -21.35 percent decrease in its labor force and an 25.50 percent decrease in employment. In Dickenson County, the labor force has decreased from 5,330 in 2000 to 4,535 in 2011-2015 estimates, a 14.91 percent decrease, and a 18.69 percent decrease was seen in employment in the county. The District's labor force participation rate of 45.37 percent is considerably lower than Virginia's 63.6 percent, and the participation of women in the labor force is also much lower in the District (52.25 percent) than in the State (66.0 percent). The United States labor force participation rates are 62.7 percent for the total labor force and 59.4 percent 1990 2000 2011 - 2015 Estimate 1990 2000 2011 - 2015 Estimate Persons 16+ 23,849 22,008 19,849 Persons 16+ 35,946 36,235 36,248 In labor force 11,022 8,754 7,939 In labor force 18,446 19,346 16,529 % in labor force 46.20% 39.80% 40.00% % in labor force 51.30% 53.40% 45.60% Males 16+ 11,595 11,127 10,032 Males 16+ 16,977 16,917 17,989 Males in labor force 7,019 4,756 4,324 Males in labor force 10,827 10,436 10,025 % in labor force 60.50% 42.74% 43.10% % in labor force 63.80% 61.69% 55.73% Females 16+ 12,254 10,881 9,817 Females 16+ 18,969 19,318 18,259 Females in labor force 4,003 3,998 3,615 Females in labor force 7,619 8,910 6,504 % in labor force 32.70% 36.70% 82.00% % in labor force 40.20% 46.10% 35.62% Percent in Labor Force 1990 2000 2011 - 2015 Estimate Figure 9e Persons 16+ 13,462 13,259 12,623 In labor force 5,916 5,535 5,503 % in labor force 43.90% 41.70% 43.60% Males 16+ 6,485 6,425 6,384 Males in labor force 3,666 3,149 3,016 % in labor force 56.50% 49.01% 47.24% Females 16+ 6,977 6,834 6,239 Females in labor force 2,250 2,386 2,487 % in labor force 32.20% 34.90% 39.86% 1990 2000 2011 - 2015 Estimate Persons 16+ 22,508 24,782 23,372 In labor force 11,548 11,695 11,101 % in labor force 51.30% 47.20% 47.50% Males 16+ 10,894 12,540 11,359 Males in labor force 6,988 6,394 5,786 Source: US Census Bureau 1990 and 2000 % in labor force 64.10% 51.00% 50.94% Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2011-2015 Females 16+ 11,614 12,242 12,013 Females in labor force 4,560 5,301 5,315 % in labor force 39.30% 43.30% 44.24% Russell County Table 9e Buchanan County Labor Force Status Tazewell County Dickenson County 46.20% 43.90% 51.30% 51.30%39.80% 41.70% 47.20% 53.40%40.00% 43.60% 47.50% 45.60% 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell 1990 2000 2011-2015 Labor Force Status Table 9e Buchanan County Tazewell County 1990_[ 2000 [20112015 Estima 1360_[ 2000 [201-2075 esimate| Persone 36+ amo | 22008 19805] {Persons 16+ 3506 | 36235 35,28) Intabor force 11022 | 3754 7338| _inlaborforce agate | 152346 16523] Winlaborforee | 46.20% | 39.80% 40.005 Sinlaborforee | 51.30% | 53.40% 45.60% IMates 16+ ies | 13,27 10032] [ales 16+ 16977 | 16917 17389| IMatesiniaborforce | 7019 | 4736 4324| —|Malesiniabor force | 10827 | :0,36, 10025| Winlaborforce | 60.s0%6 | 42.74% 43.10% ‘Sinlaborforce | 63.80% | 61.69% 55.735 Females 16+ 12254 | 10881 9817| _ |remales 16+ 19969 | 19,18 18,255] Iematesiniaborforce | 4003 | 3,998 3615| _|remalesiniaborforce | 719 | 8910 6504] inlaborforce | 32.70% | 36.70% 22.005 Séinlaborforce | 40.20% | 46.10% 35.624 Dickenson County Percent in Labor Force 1990 | 2000 [2041-2015 Estima Figure Se Persone 26+ w2A62 | 13259 1283) Iniabor force sais | 5535 5503] | 60.003 $$$ inlaborforce | 43.80% | 41.70% 43.60% Mates 16+ ass | 6425 6284] | sooo IMatesintaborforce | 3665 | 3209 3p16| Winlaborforce | 56.50% | 49.01% 27296) | sooow Females 16+ 6977 | 6834 6,235| Irematesiniaborforce | 2280 | 2386 2a81| 3990 inlaborforce | 32.20% | 34.905 39.20%] | 2000% 12000 2011-2015, Aussell County 20.0% 1990] __2000[3043 - 2015 Estat Persone 26+ 23508 | 24,782 23372] | 10.00% Iniabor force risea | 1,695 anol] %inlaborforee | 51.30% | 47.20% 47.50% 00x Mates 16+ 1os04 | 12510 11,355] fuchanan_ Dickenson Russell Tazewell, IMatesiniaborforce | 983 | 6304 5,786| Sour Cosi reas ane 200 Winlaborforce | 64.10% | 52.00% 50.59%] sauce: US Census Bureau Ameria Community Sevey 201205, Femates 16+ nieia | 12242 nox Jematesiniabortorce | 4360 | 5301 5.315| Winlaborforce | 39.30% | 43.30% 44.205 The labor forces in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties both decreased between 2000 and 2011-2015 estimates. Over the fifteen year period, Buchanan County experienced a -21.35 percent decrease in its labor force and an 25.50 percent decrease in employment. In Dickenson County, the labor force has decreased from 5,330 in 2000 to 4,535 in 2011-2015 estimates, a 14.91 percent decrease, and a 18.69 percent decrease was seen in employment in the county. The District's labor force participation rate of 45.37 percent is considerably lower than Virginia's 63.6 percent, and the participation of women in the labor force is also much lower in the District (52.25 percent) than in the State (66.0 percent). The United States labor force participation rates are 62.7 percent for the total labor force and 59.4 percent Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 27 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 28 for females. The low labor force participation rates in the District indicate a disproportionately large number of people in the working age population who are neither employed nor actively seeking employment. It is believed that the main reason for the exceptionally low labor force participation rates in the District as compared with the State as a whole is a large number of discouraged workers. If the gap between labor force participation between the District and the State as a whole is assumed to be related to the discouragement phenomenon, 19,153 additional members of the working age population can be counted as potential labor force participants. c. Unemployment Table 10 and Figure 10 also present annual unemployment data for the Cumberland Plateau Planning District, from 2000 through 2016. In 2016, unemployment is the same in Buchanan, slightly lower in Dickenson, the same in Russell County and the same in Tazewell County compared to 2015. A comparison of the unemployment rate increases from 2007 to 2015 shows a huge increase in unemployment in all four counties: from 4.9 percent unemployment in 2007 to 10.8 percent in Buchanan, 5.2 percent to 9.9 percent in Dickenson, 5.1 percent to 6.5 percent in Russell and 4.5 percent to 7.5 percent in Tazewell. Unemployment in the four counties continued to remain high through 2016 with rates of for females. The low labor force participation rates in the District indicate a disproportionately large number of people in the working age population who are neither employed nor actively seeking employment. It is believed that the main reason for the exceptionally low labor force participation rates in the District as compared with the State as a whole is a large number of discouraged workers. If the gap between labor force participation between the District and the State as a whole is assumed to be related to the discouragement phenomenon, 19,153 additional members of the working age population can be counted as potential labor force participants. e nemployment Table 10 and Figure 10 also present annual unemployment data for the Cumberland Plateau Planning District, from 2000 through 2016. In 2016, unemployment is the same in Buchanan, slightly lower in Dickenson, the same in Russell County and the same in Tazewell County compared to 2015. A comparison of the unemployment rate inereases from 2007 to 2015 shows a huge increase in unemployment in all four counties: from 4.9 percent unemployment in 2007 to 10.8 percent in Buchanan, 5.2 percent to 9.9 percent in Dickenson, 5.1 percent to 6.5 percent in Russell and 4.5 percent to 7.5 percent in Tazewell. Unemployment in the four counties continued to remain high through 2016 with rates of Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 28 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 29 Year Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC Virginia 2000 5.8% 5.8% 5.1% 5.1% 5.3% 2.3% 2001 6.0% 7.0% 6.4% 4.9% 5.8% 3.2% 2002 7.1% 7.8% 6.3% 5.8% 6.4% 4.2% 2003 7.0% 8.4% 6.2% 5.4% 6.3% 4.1% 2004 5.6% 6.1% 5.7% 4.6% 5.3% 3.7% 2005 5.3% 6.3% 5.7% 4.5% 5.2% 3.5% 2006 4.9% 5.1% 5.9% 3.9% 4.8% 3.0% 2007 4.9% 5.2% 5.1% 4.5% 4.8% 3.1% 2008 5.0% 5.8% 5.8% 4.4% 5.0% 4.0% 2009 8.7% 8.8% 10.7% 7.7% 8.8% 6.9% 2010 8.7% 8.7% 10.1% 6.9% 8.3% 6.9% 2011 7.3% 8.1% 9.3% 6.5% 7.6% 6.2% 2012 7.8% 9.2% 8.8% 7.0% 7.9% 5.9% 2013 9.8% 10.0% 8.7% 7.0% 8.4% 5.5% 2014 10.4% 9.9% 8.0% 8.0% 6.2% 5.2% 2015 10.8% 10.1% 6.5% 7.5% 8.1% 4.0% 2016 10.8% 9.9% 6.5% 7.5% 8.1% 4.0% Source: Virginia Employment Office Source: Virginia Employment Office Average Unemployment Rates 2000-2016 Average Unemployment Rates 2000-2016 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC Virginia 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ‘Average Unemployment Rates 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% 2000-2016 Year| Buchanan | Dickenson | Russell Tazewell croc | Virginia 2000 5.8% 5.8% 5.1% 5.1% 5.3% 2.3% 2001 6.0% 7.0% 6.4% 4.9% 5.856 3.2% 2002 7.1% 7.8% 6.3% 5.8% 6.4% 4.2% 2003 7.0% 3.4% 6.2% 5.4% 6.3% 41% 2008 5.6% 6.1% 5.7% 4.656 5.3% 3.7% 2005 5.3% 6.3% 5.7% 4.5% 5.256 3.5% 2006 49% 5.1% 5.9% 3.9% 4.8% 3.0% 2007 4.9% 5.2% 5.1% 4.5% 4.856 3.1% 2008 5.0% 5.8% 5.8% 4.456 5.056 4.0% 2008 8.7% 3.8% 10.7% 77% 8.8% 6.9% 2010 8.7% 8.7% 10.1% 6.9% 8.3% 6.9% 2011 73% 8.1% 9.3% 6.5% 7.656 6.2% 2012 7.8% 9.2% 8.8% 7.0% 7.9% 5.9% 2013 9.8% 10.0% 87% 7.0% 8.4% 5.5% 2014 10.4% 9.9% 8.0% 8.0% 6.2% 5.2% 2015 10.8% 10.1% 6.5% 7.5% 8.196 4.0% 2016 10.8% 9.9% 6.5% 7.5% 8.1% 4.0% Source: Virginia Employment Office ‘Average Unemployment Rates 2000-2016 Virginia 2016 201s 2014 cppoc 2013 2012 m2011 Tazewell 2010 = 2009 2008 Russell = 2007 2006 2005 Dickenson 2004 2003 = 2002 Buchanan 2001 = 2000 ‘Source: Virginia Employment Office Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 29 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 30 10.8 percent (Buchanan), 9.9 percent (Dickenson), 6.5 percent (Russell) and 7.5 percent (Tazewell). In comparison, Virginia's unemployment during 2016 was 4.0 percent and the Cumberland Plateau Planning District as a whole posted a rate of 8.1 percent, as shown in Table 10. d. Principal Labor Needs While the annual unemployment rates for the district have been fluctuating within a range of 4.8 to 8.1 percent, the monthly rates have remained fairly stable within a given year, reflecting the non-seasonal nature of the economies within the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. Table 10 and Figure 10 show the unemployment rates in the four counties in 2016, which fluctuated between 10.8 percent in Buchanan, 9.9 percent in Dickenson, 6.5 percent in Russell and 7.5 percent in Tazewell. This pattern of fluctuations follows normal yearly business cycles and indicates that the target area is primarily dependent upon non-seasonal employment. Table 11 and figure 11 present employment by industry data and show that the largest percentages of employment in the four county area are in retail trade, health care and social assistance sectors in 2011-2015 estimates. Mining employment is the third largest sector. The percent of employment in mining was appreciably smaller in Tazewell County (3.98 percent) and Russell County (4.10 percent) than it was in Dickenson County (20.98 percent) or Buchanan County (16.55 percent), reiterating the relative diversity of the economies in Tazewell and Russell as opposed to the other two counties. The figures for mining employment in 2015 are considerably smaller than they were in 2000 in all four counties due to 10.8 percent (Buchanan), 9.9 percent (Dickenson), 6.5 percent (Russell) and 7.5 percent (Tazewell). In comparison, Virginia's unemployment during 2016 was 4.0 percent and the Cumberland Plateau Planning District as a whole posted a rate of 8.1 percent, as shown in Table 10. d. Principal Labor Needs While the annual unemployment rates for the district have been fluctuating within a range of 4.8 to 8.1 percent, the monthly rates have remained fairly stable within a given year, reflecting the non-seasonal nature of the economies within the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. Table 10 and Figure 10 show the unemployment rates in the four counties in 2016, which fluctuated between 10.8 percent in Buchanan, 9.9 percent in Dickenson, 6.5 percent in Russell and 7.5 percent in Tazewell. This pattern of fluctuations follows normal yearly business cycles and indicates that the target area is primarily dependent upon non-seasonal employment. Table 11 and figure 11 present employment by industry data and show that the largest percentages of employment in the four county area are in retail trade, health care and social assistance sectors in 2011-2015 estimates. Mining employment is the third largest sector. The percent of employment in mining was appreciably smaller in Tazewell County (3.98 percent) and Russell County (4.10 percent) than it was in Dickenson County (20.98 percent) or Buchanan County (16.55 percent), reiterating the relative diversity of the economies in Tazewell and Russell as opposed to the other two counties. The figures for mining employment in 2015 are considerably smaller than they were in 2000 in all four counties due to Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 30 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 31 Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC % % % % % Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 0.22% 0.45% 0.89% 0.27% 0.41% Mining 16.55% 20.98% 4.10% 3.98% 8.39% Utilities *** 0.45% *** *** 0.82% Construction 6.11% 5.19% 8.54% 3.82% 5.48% Manufacturing 2.59% 0.60% 5.83% 6.88% 5.10% Wholesale Trade 1.90% 0.90% 0.72% 3.31% 2.19% Retail Trade 11.21% 11.92% 12.23% 19.21% 15.25% Transportation and Warehousing 3.78% 4.29% 3.43% 2.21% 3.02% Information 0.42% 0.36% 0.84% 0.58% 0.58% Finance and Insurance 2.33% 1.86% 3.22% 2.47% 2.54% Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 0.42% *** 0.30% 1.02% 0.63% Professional and Technical Services 3.94% 6.60% 8.47% 2.69% 4.64% Management of Companies and Enterprises 1.13% *** 0.29% 2.13% 1.31% Administrative and Waste Services *** *** *** 1.82% 3.65% Educational Services 11.87% 13.63% 10.96% *** 11.28% Health Care and Social Assistance 12.36% 14.20% 15.66% 16.09% 15.03% Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation *** *** *** 0.95% 0.54% Accommodation and Food Services 4.25% 5.31% 7.80% 8.14% 6.97% Other Services, Ex. Public Admin 2.33% 1.71% 2.32% 6.09% 4.02% Public Administration 10.70% 9.40% 6.97% 6.68% 7.86% Source: Virginia Employment Commission Table 11 Distribution of Employment 2016 Industry Distribution of Employment 2016 Table 11 Industry Buchanan | Dickenson | Russell | Tazewell | CPPDC % % % % % [Agricuiture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 0.22% | 045% | 0.80% | 027% | 041% Mining 16.55% | 20.98% | 410% | 3.98% | 8.30% Uiilties ” 0.45% - 0.82% Construction 611% | 5.19% | 854% | 3.82% | 5.48% Manufacturing 2.59% | 0.60% | 5.83% | 688% | 5.10% |Wholesale Trade 1.90% | 0.90% | 072% | 331% | 219% Retail Trade 11.21% | 11.92% | 12.23% | 19.21% | 15.25% Transportation and Warehousing 3.78% | 429% | 343% | 221% | 3.02% Information 0.42% | 0.36% | 0.84% | 0.58% | 0.58% Finance and Insurance 2.33% | 1.86% | 3.22% | 247% | 2.54% Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 0.42% - 0.30% 1.02% | 0.63% Professional and Technical Services 3.94% | 6.60% | 847% | 269% | 4.64% Management of Companies and Enterprises 1.13% ” 0.29% | 213% 1.31% |Administrative and Waste Services ” ” - 1.82% | 3.65% Educational Services 11.87% | 13.63% | 10.96% - 11.28% Health Care and Social Assistance 12.36% | 14.20% | 15.66% | 16.09% | 15.03% lArts, Entertainment, and Recreation - - - 0.95% | 0.54% |Accommodation and Food Services 425% | 531% | 7.80% | 8.14% | 6.97% JOther Services, Ex. Public Admin 2.33% | 1.71% | 232% | 6.09% | 4.02% Public Administration 10.70% | 9.40% | 6.97% | 6.68% | 7.86% Source: Virginia Employment Commission Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 31 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 32 technology increases in mining which have reduced the amount of human labor required. These figures will continue to decline in the future. The two counties with the highest concentrations of mining employment, Buchanan and Dickenson, have consistently recorded average weekly wage rates that are higher than those in Russell and Tazewell Counties, as illustrated in Tables 12 and Figure 12. These Source: Virginia Employment Commission Distribution of Employment 2016 Figure 11 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting Mining Utilities Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation and Warehousing Information Finance and Insurance Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Professional and Technical Services Management of Companies and Enterprises Administrative and Waste Services Educational Services Health Care and Social Assistance Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Accommodation and Food Services Other Services, Ex. Public Admin Public Administration CPPDC Tazewell Russell Dickenson Buchanan Figure 11 Distribution of Employment 2016 Public Administration (Other Services, Ex Public Admin ‘Accommodation and Food Services ‘Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Health Careand Social Assistance Educational Services ‘Administrative and Waste Services Management of Companies and Enterprises Professional and Technical Services, mcPpoc Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Tazewell Finance and Insurance Russell Information Dickenson Buchanan ‘Transportation and Warehousing Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Manufacturing Construction Utiities Mining - Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 0% 5% 10% 18% 20% 25% ‘Source: Virginia Employment Commission technology increases in mining which have reduced the amount of human labor required. These figures will continue to decline in the future. The two counties with the highest concentrations of mining employment, Buchanan and Dickenson, have consistently recorded average weekly wage rates that are higher than those in Russell and Tazewell Counties, as illustrated in Tables 12 and Figure 12. These Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 32 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 33 1990 2000 2010 2016 Buchanan County $477 $525 $841 $795 Dickenson County $396 $455 $728 $714 Russell County $365 $469 $638 $734 Tazewell County $348 $426 $599 $619 CPPDC $397 $461 $675 $690 Virginia $438 $676 $955 $1,055 Source: Virginia Employment Commission Table 12 Average Weekly Wages Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting $455 $663 $620 $726 $639 $635 Mining $1,568 $1,312 $1,131 $1,161 $1,363 $1,277 Utilities *** $775 *** *** $1,375 $1,583 Construction $890 $873 $759 $782 $808 $1,027 Manufacturing $1,432 $782 $623 $785 $812 $1,103 Wholesale Trade $1,270 $985 $720 $761 $858 $1,473 Retail Trade $388 $427 $469 $435 $433 $545 Transportation and Warehousing $708 $899 $661 $617 $695 $983 Information $561 $418 738 $669 $655 $1,783 Finance and Insurance $618 $649 $782 $713 $709 $1,702 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing $691 *** $514 $566 $584 $1,017 Professional and Technical Services $626 $584 $1,042 $775 $828 $1,929 Management of Companies and Enterprises $1,271 *** $1,029 $950 $1,022 $2,206 Administrative and Waste Services *** *** *** $477 $553 $766 Educational Services $603 556 605 *** $585 $847 Health Care and Social Assistance $651 $477 $928 $702 $723 $936 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation *** *** *** $284 $277 $495 Accommodation and Food Services $267 $239 $252 $270 $263 $357 Other Services, Ex. Public Admin $490 $660 $821 $592 $612 $807 Public Administration $697 $549 $793 $619 $666 $1,446 Source: Virginia Employment Commission Table 12 Average Weekly Wages 2016 Industry Buchanan Wages Dickenson Wages Russell Wages Tazewell Wages CPPDC Wages Virginia Wages Table 12 Average Weekly Wages 1990 2000, 2010 2016 [Buchanan County $477 $525, $841 $795 Dickenson County $396 $455, $728 sma Russell County $365 $469 $638 $734 {Tazewell County $348 $426 $599 $619 cpPoc $397 $461 $675, $690 virginia $438 $676 $955 $1,055, Source: Virginia Employment Commission Table 12 Average Weekly Wages 2016, Industry Buchanan | Dickenson | Russel | Tazewol | GPPDC | Virgina Wages | Wages | _Wages_| Wages _|_Wages_| Wages [Aaricuture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting $455 96563 $3620 $728 9639 3635 Ining sises | sisiz | siist | site: | sises | siz vsttes aa $775 ~ ~ sis7s | $1,583 Construction 890 $873 $759 s7ez $808 $1,027 IManufactxing $1,432 s7e2 9628 S785 ser $1,108 Wholesale Trade 81.270 9985 s720 S761 $858 81.473, Retail Trace $368 sar $469 $435 $433 9545 Hransportation and Warehousing $708 $899 3661 S617 3695 $983 itormation $561 sa18 738 3669 9655, $1,783 [Finance and Insurance $618 3649 s7e2 S713 $709 $1,702 [Real Estate and Rental and Leasing $691 - ssi8 $566 584 $1017 Protessional and Techical Senices $628 $508 si.082 S775, $828 $1,929 [Management of Comparies and Enterprises | $1271 81.029 $950 size | $2206 Administrative and Waste Services ™ sar7 9553, $766 [Educational Senices $603 605 3585, sear Heath Caro and Social Assistance $651 $028 $702 8723 3936 Js, Entertainment, and Recreation ” ” “ $284 sor7 $495 JAccommodation and Food Senices $267 $239 $282 $270 $263 8357 loter Services, Ex Public Admin 490 $660 $821 $582 S612 $807 [Pubic Administration $697 $549 $793 S619 3865 $1,446 Source: Vigna Employment Commission Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 33 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 34 high weekly wage averages reflect the good wages available within the mining sector, but do not reflect the large numbers of laid off miners and unemployed persons in the two counties. Obviously, the mining industries cannot employ all of the local residents who would like to have a job, and there were few alternative sources of employment outside the mining sector. The figures and table for 2015 show that the average weekly wage in most sectors fell below the State average. Decreases in average weekly wage rates may continue into the next few years as productivity increases and intense competition within the coal and alternative fuels industries forebode further cutbacks in mining employment and/or wages. Source: Virginia Employment Commission Figure 12 Average Weekly Wages 2015 $0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 Buchanan Wages Dickenson Wages Russell Wages Tazewell Wages CPPDC Wages Virginia Wages Figure 12 ‘Averane Weekly Wages 2015 $2,500 $2,000 sm uchanan Wages Dickenson Wages sm Russell Wages Tazewell Wages mcPPOC Wages Virginia Wages ‘Source: Virginia Employment Commission high weekly wage averages reflect the good wages available within the mining sector, but do not reflect the large numbers of laid off miners and unemployed persons in the two counties. Obviously, the mining industries cannot employ all of the local residents who would like to have a job, and there were few alternative sources of employment outside the mining sector. The figures and table for 2015 show that the average weekly wage in most sectors fell below the State average. Decreases in average weekly wage rates may continue into the next few years as productivity increases and intense competition within the coal and alternative fuels industries forebode further cutbacks in mining employment and/or wages. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 34 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 35 Since mining jobs pay wages two to three times those of the average service job, even if many of the laid-off miners could find sources of employment, which has not been the case thus far, the loss incurred in the communities' overall cash flow would be substantial. Average weekly wage rates in Russell and Tazewell Counties have been consistently lower than those for the State of Virginia as a whole from 2000 to 2015. With less of their labor force in high-wage mining jobs during these years, adjusted weekly wage rates in the two counties ranged from $252 to $1,161, lower than the State's range of $357 to $2,206. However, the wide variety of jobs which provide these wages may be more secure than those which provide higher wages in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties but are solely dependent upon the mining sector. Average weekly wages continued to grow through 2015 but at a slower rate. The slower rate is due in part to continuing decline in the coal mining sector. Average weekly wage rates which are below the State's averages may prove to be an advantage to the area as local governments and economic development agencies attempt to attract new businesses to the Cumberland Plateau Area. Career and technology centers are located in each of the counties to provide students and adults with specific job skills. The Buchanan County Career and Technology Center (Grundy) had an enrollment of approximately 260 students in the 2012-2013 school year, Dickenson County Career and Technology Center (Clinchco) had 190 students enrolled in this year, 327 students were enrolled at the Russell County Career and Technology Center (Lebanon) and 335 were enrolled in programs at the Tazewell County Career and Technology Center (Tazewell). These ce mining jobs pay wages two to three times those of the average service job, even if many of the laid-off miners could find sources of employment, which has not been the case thus far, the loss incurred in the communities’ overall cash flow would be substanti Average weekly wage rates in Russell and Tazewell Counties have been consistently lower than those for the State of Virginia as a whole from 2000 to 2015. With less of their labor force in high-wage mining jobs during these years, adjusted weekly wage rates in the two counties ranged from $252 to $1,161, lower than the State's range of $357 to $2,206. However, the wide variety of jobs which provide these wages may be more secure than those which provide higher wages in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties but are solely dependent upon the mining sector. Average weekly wages continued to grow through 2015 but at a slower rate. The slower rate is due in part to continuing decline in the coal mining sector. Average weekl wage rates which are below the State's averages may prove to be an advantage to the area as local governments and economic development agencies attempt to attract new businesses to the Cumberland Plateau Area, Career and technology centers are located in each of the counties to provide students and adults with specific job skills. The Buchanan County Career and Technology Center (Grundy) had an enrollment of approximately 260 students in the 2012-2013 school year, Dickenson County Career and Technology Center (Clincheo) had 190 students enrolled in this year, 327 students were enrolled at the Russell County Career and Technology Center (Lebanon) and 335 were enrolled in programs at the Tazewell County Career and Technology Center (Tazewell). These Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 35 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 36 vocational schools offer training for high school students, and adults in areas such as auto repair, carpentry, cosmetology, electronics, masonry, mine machinery repair, practical nursing, and welding. E. The Economy a. Principal Economic Activity As shown in Table 13, the principal economic activity in terms of employment in the Planning District is shifting away from mining. In 2015 the principal employment activity was retail service with 15.25 percent followed by Health Care and Social Assistance with 15.03 percent. Mining accounted for 8.39 percent of total employment. However, trade is still not as important when both employment and income are compared. Agriculture and forestry are relatively insignificant as sources of employment. At present, tourism does not have a significant impact on the local economy. b.. Recent Trends in Economic Activity In recent years the trade and service sectors have increased in importance as a source of employment. Between 2000 and 2015 employment in the service sector continued to increase. Increases in these sectors helped offset losses in mining and mining related manufacturing. Table 14 shows that taxable sales, which indicates a growing service sector, have increased substantially since 2000. Another fairly recent development in Russell County was the loss of three automobile parts manufacturers, which employed about 1400 people. This has been partially offset by two information technology industries that employ approximately 600 people. Other industrial development projects assisted through State and vocational schools offer training for high school students, and adults in areas such as auto repair, carpentry, cosmetology, electronics, masonry, mine machinery repair, practical nursing, and welding. E. The Economy a, Principal Economic Activity As shown in Table 13, the principal economic activity in terms of employment in the Planning District is shifting away from mining. In 2015 the principal employment activity was retail service with 15.25 percent followed by Health Care and Social Assistance with 15.03 percent. Mining accounted for 8.39 percent of total employment. However, trade is still not as important when both employment and income are compared. Agriculture and forestry are relatively insignificant as sources of employment. At present, tourism does not have a significant impact on the local economy. b.. Recent Trends in Economic Activity In recent years the trade and service sectors have increased in importance as a source of employment. Between 2000 and 2015 employment in the service sector continued to increase. Increases in these sectors helped offset losses in mining and mining related manufacturing. Table 14 shows that taxable sales, whic growing service sector, have increased substantially since 2000. Another fairly recent development in Russell County was the loss of three automobile parts manufacturers, which employed about 1400 people. This has been partially offset by two information technology industries that employ approximately 600 people. Other industrial development projects assisted through State and Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 36 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 37 Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC % % % % % Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 0.22% 0.45% 0.89% 0.27% 0.41% Mining 16.55% 20.98% 4.10% 3.98% 8.39% Utilities *** 0.45% *** *** 0.82% Construction 6.11% 5.19% 8.54% 3.82% 5.48% Manufacturing 2.59% 0.60% 5.83% 6.88% 5.10% Wholesale Trade 1.90% 0.90% 0.72% 3.31% 2.19% Retail Trade 11.21% 11.92% 12.23% 19.21% 15.25% Transportation and Warehousing 3.78% 4.29% 3.43% 2.21% 3.02% Information 0.42% 0.36% 0.84% 0.58% 0.58% Finance and Insurance 2.33% 1.86% 3.22% 2.47% 2.54% Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 0.42% *** 0.30% 1.02% 0.63% Professional and Technical Services 3.94% 6.60% 8.47% 2.69% 4.64% Management of Companies and Enterprises 1.13% *** 0.29% 2.13% 1.31% Administrative and Waste Services *** *** *** 1.82% 3.65% Educational Services 11.87% 13.63% 10.96% *** 11.28% Health Care and Social Assistance 12.36% 14.20% 15.66% 16.09% 15.03% Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation *** *** *** 0.95% 0.54% Accommodation and Food Services 4.25% 5.31% 7.80% 8.14% 6.97% Other Services, Ex. Public Admin 2.33% 1.71% 2.32% 6.09% 4.02% Public Administration 10.70% 9.40% 6.97% 6.68% 7.86% Source: Virginia Employment Commission Industry Table 13 Distribution of Employment 2016 Table 13 Distribution of Employment 2016 Industry Buchanan | Dickenson | Russell Tazewell ‘CPPDC % % % % % (Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 022% 0.45% 0.89% 027% O4t% IMining 16.55% 20.98% 4.10% 3.98% 8.39% Usities 0.45% - ” 0.82% [Construction 6.11% 5.19% 8.54% 3.82% 5.48% [Manufacturing 2.59% 0.60% 5.83% 6.88% 5.10% Wholesale Trade 1.90% 0.90% 0.72% 3.31% 2.19% Retail Trade 11.21% 11.92% 12.23% 10.21% 15.25% Transportation and Warehousing 3.78% 4.29% 3.43% 2.21% 3.02% Information 0.42% 0.36% 0.84% 0.58% 0.58% [Finance and Insurance 2.33% 1.86% 3.22% 247% 2.54% [Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 0.42% ~ 0.30% 1.02% 0.63% [Professional and Technical Services 3.98% 6.60% 847% 2.69% 4.88% Management of Companies and Enterprises. 1.13% ~ 0.29% 2.13% 1.31% lAdministratve and Waste Services . oo 1.82% 3.65% |Educational Services 11.87% 13.63% 10.96% a 11.28% Heath Care and Social Assistance 12.36% 14.20% 15.66% 16.00% 18.03% Acts, Entertainment, and Recreation “ “ “ 0.95% 0.54% |Accommodation and Food Services 4.25% 5.31% 7.80% 8.14% 6.97% lother Services, Ex Pubic Admin 2.33% 171% 2.32% 6.09%6 4.02% [Pubic Administration 10.70% 9.40% 6.97% 6.68% 7.86% ‘Source: Virginia Employment Commission Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 37 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 38 Federal funding include: Wardell Industrial Park - three industries, two non-mining related and one mining related, have expanded in the park, creating 190 new jobs. There have been no major bankruptcies that have had a significant impact upon the economy. c. Median Family and Per Capita Income Tables 15 and 16 and Figures 15 and 16 show that median family income increased in all four counties between 1990 and 2011-2015 average. The problem, however, is that all of the counties continue to lag behind the State. Between 1990 and 2011- 2015 median family income in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties increased by 71.59, 116.98, 120.60 and 108.04 percent respectively. During this same period the State increased by 118.00 percent. Even though the counties increased in per capita income at a significant rate, there is still a great disparity Year Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC 2000 $115,923,478 $48,398,260 $107,862,419 $409,177,303 $681,361,460 2001 $114,597,950 $47,977,617 $101,878,423 $414,883,974 $679,337,964 2002 $114,720,922 $49,531,310 $122,525,574 $421,810,028 $708,587,834 2003 $112,152,118 $50,249,767 $129,188,820 $439,228,597 $730,819,302 2004 $116,924,712 $52,914,791 $138,753,368 $462,767,675 $771,360,546 2005 $107,211,477 $50,357,215 $132,085,662 $433,462,904 $723,117,258 2006 $123,290,187 $57,182,687 $149,040,720 $503,888,173 $833,401,767 2007 $127,687,900 $60,083,344 $156,657,814 $520,718,233 $865,147,291 2008 $139,948,887 $63,232,095 $161,030,985 $541,605,045 $905,817,012 2009 $127,560,716 $64,054,957 $157,889,960 $532,354,982 $881,860,615 2010 $125,345,514 $65,984,411 $158,276,136 $531,158,462 $880,764,523 2011 $142,304,553 $68,042,398 $159,840,501 $540,216,247 $910,403,699 2012 $156,984,874 $66,417,728 $160,139,687 $552,018,668 $935,560,957 2013 $148,802,737 $65,552,723 $153,199,811 $527,292,801 $894,848,072 2014 $147,726,232 $69,962,263 $159,893,054 $521,246,767 $898,828,316 2015 $141,875,222 $60,520,561 $172,010,922 $531,489,881 $905,896,586 2016 $134,661,123 $58,322,259 $158,768,726 $515,363,533 $867,115,641 Source: Virginia Department of Taxation Taxable Sales 2000-2016 Table 14 Taxable Sales 2000-2016 Table 14 Year Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC 2000 $115,923,478 | $48,398,260 | $107,862,419 | $409,177,303 [ $681,361,460 2001 $114,597,950 | $47,977,617 | $101,878,423 | $414,883,974 | $679,337,964 2002 $114,720,922 | $49,531,310 | $122,525,574 | $421,810,028 [ $708,587,834 2003 $112,152,118 | $50,249,767 | $129,188,820 | $439,228,597 | $730,819,302 2004 $16,924,712 $52,914,791, $138,753,368 $462,767,675 $771,360,546 2005 $107,211,477 $50,357,215, $132,085,662 $433,462,904 $723,117,258 2006 $123,290,187 $57,182,687 $149,040,720 $503,888,173 $833,401,767 2007 $127,687,900 | $60,083,344 | $156,657,814 | $520,718,233 [ $865,147,291 2008 $139,948,887 | $63,232,095 | $161,030,985 | $541,605,045 [ $905,817,012 2009 $127,560,716 | $64,054,957 | $157,889,960 | $532,354,982 [| $81,860,615 2010 $125,345,514 | $65,984,411 | $18,276,136 | $531,158,462 | $80,764,523 2011 $142,304,553 | $68,042,398 | $159,840,501 | $540,216,247 | $910,403,699 2012 $156,984,874 | $66,417,728 | $160,139,687 | $552,018,668 [ $935,560,957 2013 $148,802,737 | $65,552,723 | $153,199.81 | $527,292,801 [ $894,848,072 2014 $147,726,232 | $69,962,263 | $19,893,054 | $521,246,767 [| $898,828,316 2015 $141,875,222 | $60,520,561 | $172,010,922 | $531,489,881 [ $905,896,586 2016 $134,661,123 $58,322,259 $158,768,726 $515,363,533 $867,115,641 Source: Virginia Department of Taxation Federal funding include: Wardell Industrial Park - three industries, two non-mining related and one mining related, have expanded in the park, creating 190 new jobs. There have been no major bankruptcies that have had a sign icant impact upon the economy. ¢. Median Family and Per Capita Income Tables 15 and 16 and Figures 15 and 16 show that median family income increased in all four counties between 1990 and 2011-2015 average. The problem, however, is that all of the counties continue to lag behind the State, Between 1990 and 2011- 2015 median family income in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties increased by 71.59, 116.98, 120.60 and 108.04 percent respectively. During this same period the State increased by 118.00 percent, Even though the counties increased in per capita income at a significant rate, there is still a great disparity Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 38 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 39 with the State Median Family Income 1990 2000 2011-2015 Buchanan County 22,464 27,328 38,546 Dickenson County 19,498 27,986 44,227 Russell County 21,777 31,491 48,040 Tazewell County 23,535 33,732 48,963 Virginia 38,213 54,169 83,306 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 data and 20011-2015 American Community Survey data Table 15 Median Family Income Figure 15 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County Virginia 1990 2000 2011-2015 with the State Median Family Income Table 15 [Median Family income 1990 2000 2011-2015 [Buchanan County 22,464 27,328 38,546 Dickenson County 19,498 27,986 44,227 Russell County 24777 31,491 48,040 [Tazewell County 23,535, 33,732 48,963 [Virginia 38,213 54,169 83,306 Figure 15 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 2000 30,000 2011-2015 20,000 10,000 o Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County 1990 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 data and 20011-2015 American Community Survey data Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 39 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 40 on the actual dollar amounts of the median family incomes. The same trend holds PerCapita Income Table 16 PerCapita Income 1990 2000 2011-2015 Buchanan County 13,875 12,788 17,883 Dickenson County 11,793 12,822 20,275 Russell County 11,972 14,863 20,053 Tazewell County 13,797 15,282 22,721 Virginia 20,527 23,975 36,206 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 data and 2011-2015 American Community Survey data Figure 16 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 Buchanan County Dickenson County Russell County Tazewell County Virginia 1990 2000 2011-2015 PerCapita Income Table 16 PerCapita Income 1990 2000 2011-2015, [Buchanan County 13,875, 12,788 17,883 Dickenson County 11,793 12,822 20,275 Russell County 11,972 14,863 20,053 [Tazewell County 13,797 15,282 22,721 Virginia 20,527 23,975 36,206 Figure 16 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 1990 20,000 = 2000 15,000 = 2011-2015 10,000 5,000 0 Buchanan Dickenson Russell County Tazewell inia County County County Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 data and 2011-2015 American Community Survey data on the actual dollar amounts of the median family incomes. The same trend holds Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 40 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 41 for per capita income. From 1990 – 2011-2015 average per capita income increased by 28.88% in Buchanan County, 71.92% in Dickenson County 67.49% in Russell County and by 64.68% in Tazewell County. State per capita income increased by 76.38% for the same period. The counties of the planning district would have to grow at a much faster rate for several years in order to close the income gap. This decrease relative to the State results from losing high paying mining jobs and replacing them with lower paying manufacturing and telecommunications jobs. d. Economic Ties to Surrounding Area The area's economy is somewhat tied to the coalfields of Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia, because some of the people who live along the District’s border work in these states. Ties with other areas in Virginia have been less evident, but there is a rise in commuters coming into the District to work in the new IT companies such as CGI, Northrup Grumman, Sykes and SI. There is, however, out-leakage of disposable income due to the drawing power of the commercial sector in the Tri-Cities area. e. Financial Resources The financial resources of the District are substantial according to Table 17. Deposits in banks, Savings and Loans and Credit Unions are approximately 2.3 billion dollars. The problem, however is that many of the banks in the area are affiliated with large State banks and are therefore reluctant to invest in the local for per capita income. From 1990 — 2011-2015 average per capita income increased by 28.88% in Buchanan County, 71.92% in Dickenson County 67.49% in Russell County and by 64.68% in Tazewell County. State per capita income creased by 76.38% for the same period. The counties of the planning district would have to grow at a much faster rate for several years in order to close the income gap. is decrease relative to the State results from losing high paying mining jobs and replacing them with lower paying manufacturing and telecommunications jobs. d. Economic Ties to Surrounding Area The area's economy is somewhat tied to the coalfields of Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia, because some of the people who live along the District’s border work in these states, Ties with other areas in Virginia have been less evident, but there is a rise in commuters coming into the District to work in the new IT companies such as CGI, Northrup Grumman, Sykes and SI. There is, however, out-leakage of disposable income due to the drawing power of the commercial sector in the Tri-Cities area. e. Financial Resources The financial resources of the District are substantial according to Table 17. Deposits in banks, Savings and Loans and Credit Unions are approximately 2.3 billion dollars. The problem, however is that many of the banks in the area are affiliated with large State banks and are therefore reluctant to invest in the local Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 41 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 42 economy. All attempts to persuade the banks to collectively provide a pool of risk capital has been unsuccessful. As a result of the lending policies of these banks, industries seeking to locate in the area or existing industries seeking to expand are sometimes forced to find other outside sources of financial capital. This is a barrier to development that the planning district will continue trying to bridge. f. Community Facilities and Services Over the past several years, jurisdictions in the District have made significant strides in improving their community facilities and services. In the major towns, where most economic development occurs, water and sewer capacity is sufficient for most light industry. Much remains, however, to be done in other areas with potential for development. Housing Table 18 and Figure 18 profile housing units by the year in which they were built. Housing stock differed somewhat in the District from those of the State as a Locality 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 United States 4,003,744 4,326,207 4,606,092 5,132,110 5,464,782 5,933,763 6,449,864 6,702,212 7,025,791 7,559,590 7,676,878 8,249,233 8,947,239 9,433,525 10,112,716 11,979,347 12,519,652 13,091,400 Virginia 87,819 100,926 117,669 129,719 147,775 155,264 172,785 182,183 193,910 212,671 214,271 227,963 248,783 240,787 239,965 278,290 278,176 307,654 Buchanan County 371 385 380 410 423 440 503 509 522 509 516 506 518 510 512 502 493 486 Dickenson County 130 137 151 154 157 162 170 183 205 219 212 198 202 202 200 204 196 198 Russell County 288 320 323 338 346 348 388 427 461 496 535 517 516 509 506 505 517 501 Tazewell County 671 691 696 682 686 727 791 865 910 1,112 1,082 1,121 1,135 1,101 1,055 1,060 988 1,031 CPPDC 1,460 1,533 1,550 1,584 1,612 1,677 1,852 1,984 2,098 2,336 2,345 2,342 2,371 2,322 2,273 2,271 2,194 2,216 Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Note-Total Bank Deposits=Commercial Banks + Savings Institutions + US Branches of Foreign Banks Note-Annual Estimates are as of June 30th of Each Year Deposits in Banks, Savings Institutions and US Branches of Foreign Banks: 2000 - 2017 (Millions of $) economy. All attempts to persuade the banks to collectively provide a pool of risk capital has been unsuccessful. As a result of the lending pol ies of these banks, industries seeking to locate in the area or existing industries seeking to expand are sometimes forced to find other outside sources of financial capital. This is a barrier to development that the planning district will continue trying to bridge. f. Community Facilities and Services Over the past several years, jurisdictions in the District have made significant strides in improving their community facilities and services. In the major towns, where most economic development occurs, water and sewer capacity is sufficient for most light industry. Much remains, however, to be done in other areas with potential for development. Housing Table 18 and Figure 18 profile housing w by the year in which they were built. Housing stock differed somewhat in the District from those of the State as a Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 42 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 43 whole. Of the year round residential structures in the State, 49.8 percent were built before 1970 , while Dickenson , Russell and Tazewell had larger percentages of pre-1970 structures (37.5, 43.43 and 34.56 percents, respectively), and Buchanan Year Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC Virginia 2014 or Later 9 0 0 44 53 3823 2010 - 2013 159 37 78 115 389 61,957 2000-2009 1,262 956 1,905 1,489 5612 547,215 1990-1999 1,664 1,186 2,307 3,503 8660 550,964 1980-1989 1,645 1,149 1,938 2,910 7642 574,843 1970-1979 3,150 1,856 2,917 4,185 12108 561,594 1960-1969 975 508 1,375 2,037 4895 378,759 1950-1959 1,191 609 925 2,005 4730 316,938 1940-1949 616 436 712 2,037 3801 163,958 1939 or Earlier 818 788 1,271 2,391 5268 263,240 Total 11,489 7,525 13,428 20,716 53,158 3,423,291 20011-2015 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey 20011-2015 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey Housing Units by Year Built Table 18 Figure 18 Housing Units by Year Built 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC 1939 or Earlier 1940-1949 1950-1959 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 2000-2009 2010 - 2013 2014 or Later Table 18 Housing Units by Year Built Year Buchanan | Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC. Virginia 2014 or Later 9 0 0 44 33 3823 2010 - 2013 159 37 8 115 389 61,957 2000-2009 1,262 956 1,905 1,489 5612 547,215 1990-1999 1,664 1,186 2,307 3,503 8660 550,964 1980-1989 1,645 1,149 1,938 2,910 7642 574,843 1970-1979 3,150 1,856 2,917 4,185 12108 561,594 1960-1969 975 508 1,375 2,087 4895 378,759 1950-1959 1,191 609 925 2,005 4730 316,938 1940-1949 616 436 712 2,037 3801 163,958 1939 orEarlier| 818 788 1271 2,391 5268 263,240 Total 11,489 7,525 13,428 20,716 53,158 3,423,291 20011-2015 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey Figure 18 Housing Units by Year Built 14,000 12,000 111939 or Earlier 1940-1949 70,000 1950-1959 8,000 1960-1969 1970-1979 6,000 1980-1989 1990-1999 #000 2000-2009 2,000 2010-2013, 2014 or Later ° Buchanan Dickenson ——_—Russell Tazewell cPPoC 20011-2015 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey whole. Of the year round residential structures in the State, 49.8 percent were built before 1970 , while Dickenson , Russell and Tazewell had larger percentages of pre-1970 structures (37.5, 43.43 and 34.56 percents, respectively), and Buchanan Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 43 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 44 had fewer with only 37.9 percent. The coal boom of the 1970's brought with it an increase in population and income, which in turn resulted in an increased demand for new housing. All four counties had larger percentages of houses built between 1970 and 1980 (Buchanan— 28.0 percent, Dickenson—28.0 percent, Russell—20.8 percent and Tazewell—21.7 percent) than did the State (16.9 percent). The percent of year-round units vacant, a measure that can indicate a housing shortage or surplus, was only slightly higher in the District (four county average of 12.81 percent) than in the State (7.6 percent) in 2000. In Tazewell County, that rate was lower (11.6 percent), indicating that the housing market in Tazewell counties in 1990's was better than the other counties in the district. Table 19 profiles the value of housing in the four counties. The district value differed substantially from that of the State in the last census year. In 2015, the median value for an owner-occupied unit in the District of $83,250 was 33.98 percent of the median value in the State ($245,000). Within the District, values of houses had the lowest average in Buchanan County ($71,500) and highest in Russell County ($96,000). Rents for renter-occupied units reflect this same trend with the State reporting a substantially higher figure than in the four counties. The 2011- 2015 information on the housing market indicates that housing values have increased substantially in all four counties of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. had fewer with only 37.9 percent, The coal boom of the 1970's brought with it an increase in population and income, which in turn resulted in an increased demand for new housing. All four counties had larger percentages of houses built between 1970 and 1980 (Buchanan— 28.0 percent, Dickenson—28.0 percent, Russell—20.8 percent and Tazewell—21.7 percent) than did the State (16.9 percent). The percent of year-round units vacant, a measure that can indicate a housing shortage or surplus, was only slightly higher in the District (four county average of 12.81 percent) than in the State (7.6 percent) in 2000. In Tazewell County, that rate was lower (11.6 percent), indicating that the housing market in Tazewell counties in 1990's was better than the other counties in the district. Table 19 profiles the value of housing in the four counties. The district value differed substanti: from that of the State in the last census year. In 2015, the median value for an owner-occupied unit in the District of $83,250 was 33.98 percent of the median value in the State ($245,000). Within the District, values of houses had the lowest average in Buchanan County ($71,500) and highest in Russell County ($96,000). Rents for renter-occupied units reflect this same trend with the State reporting a substantially higher figure than in the four counties. The 2011- 2015 information on the housing market indicates that housing values have increased substantially in all four counties of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 44 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 45 Real estate agents in the four counties provided estimates that indicate that the price of a standard house in the area (e.g., a three-bedroom house with central heating, fireplace, two bathrooms, kitchen, living room and garage) has increased between 2000 and 2015. The time that a house in these two counties stays on the market before it is sold has increased from approximately three to four months in 2000 to seven to twelve months in 2015. The housing markets in Russell and Tazewell Counties appear to be a bit stronger. Real estate agents estimate that between 2000 and 2015, the price of a standard house has increased by approximately 20 percent in Russell County and by 13 percent in Tazewell County. In addition to these price increases, the length of time that a house will remain on the market in Russell and Tazewell Counties is longer now than in 2000, Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell CPPDC Virginia Buchanan 2011-2015 ACS Dickenson 2011-2015 ACS Russell 2011-2015 ACS Tazewell 2011-2015 ACS CPPDC 2011-2015 ACS Virginia 2011-2015 ACS Less than $50,000 4,861 3,016 4,360 6,315 18,552 91,881 2,651 1,626 2,061 3,145 9,483 115,300 $50,000 to $99,999 2,960 1,984 3,722 5,532 14,198 462,870 2,547 1,497 2,459 4,255 10,758 157,670 $100,000 to $149,999 499 370 1,013 1,314 3,196 373,288 904 835 1,333 2,326 5,398 224,710 $150,000 to $199,999 210 68 226 509 1,013 233,999 434 410 1,245 1,645 3,734 294,598 $200,000 to $299,999 97 53 136 301 587 209,613 405 276 971 1,342 2,994 446,227 $300,000 to $499,999 24 9 84 82 199 107,093 359 99 425 476 1,359 455,559 $500,000 to $999,999 9 13 15 60 97 28,041 93 40 95 117 345 285,998 $1,000,000 or more 14 12 8 14 48 4,013 56 22 25 132 235 46,943 . Median (dollars) 42,800 45,100 55,200 55,700 49,700 118,800 71,500 74,100 96,000 91,400 83,250 245,000 Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2000 data) and 2011-2015 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey Estimates Value 2000 Census Comparative Values for Owner Occupied Housing By Value Range 20011-2015 American Community Survey ompaatve Values for Owner Ocuped Hous By Voie ange ssoonn” | ager | sore | caso | oars | sess | oxam || asx | rere | aon | anes | sasa | s15200 ssoanote lsssoca | eso | sue | ama | sssz | sease | aczaro || 2ser | assr | 2ase | aass | so2se | asre70 {sc0000.2 fsvso99 | a0 | a0 | ao | ase | aase | araase || son | as | saa | aaa | same | 2nen0 |ssoo00t0 jsisso99 | 210 ce | ne | som | som | ans |] ee | ao | az | nets | az | aoesoe |2c0,000% lassose | 97 sa | ue | am | ser | ose |] aos | 276 | om | agen | ase | atcanr |s00000%2 lswno9 | 2a 9 ew |e | so | tonom |] ase w@ | as | ae | tase | asssse ksoo.000.2 [203909 ° B x | | 7 | son 3 wo | x ay | sts | 2asa08 {000000 lestor) | e200 | asco _| ss200 | sso | 29700 | sea || rs | r4100 | ooo | sxs00 | saas0 | 2asoo0 ‘Source U5 Conus ure 2050 da) 70 2015S, Census Buren ena Corry sare Estes Real estate agents in the four counties provided estimates that indicate that the price of a standard house in the area (e.g., a three-bedroom house with central heating, fireplace, two bathrooms, kitchen, living room and garage) has increased between 2000 and 2015. The time that a house in these two counties stays on the market before it is sold has increased from approximately three to four months in 2000 to seven to twelve months in 2015. The housing markets in Russell and Tazewell Counties appear to be a bit stronger. Real estate agents estimate that between 2000 and 2015, the price of a standard house has increased by approximately 20 percent in Russell County and by 13 percent in Tazewell County. In addition to these price increases, the length of time that a house will remain on the market in Russell and Tazewell Counties is longer now than in 2000, Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 45 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 46 according to local real estate agents. The increase in the time needed to sell an average slump, a decrease in supply or a combination of both factors. In this case, both factors appear to play a role: low interest rates have made financing affordable to greater numbers of potential home buyers, increasing the demand for housing, and the number of houses being built in the two counties (i.e., the housing supply) has decreased in recent years. Table 20 summarizes data on the number of new building permits and public contracts authorized in the Cumberland Plateau between 2000 and 2015. A somewhat negative picture of the area's real estate market is portrayed in the table since the number of building permits and public contracts authorized in the four counties has decreased between 2000 and 2015, not surprising in view of the nationwide housing slump and the decrease in the District’s population. Dickenson and Tazewell Counties saw significant loss in the number of residential building permits between 2000-2015. The gradual decline in building permits for housing units might reflect pessimistic expectations about the future demand for new housing in an area which has experienced severe economic dislocations and significant population losses. These economic dislocations have prompted a shift in demand away from single-family homes and towards a less expensive alternative--mobile homes. Local realtors estimate that the average house in Dickenson County is selling for about 2-3 according to local real estate agents. The increase in the time needed to sell an average slump, a decrease in supply or a combination of both factors. In. this case, both factors appear to play a role: low interest rates have made financing affordable to greater numbers of potential home buyers, increasing the demand for housing, and the number of houses being built in the two counties (i.e., the housing supply) has decreased in recent years. Table 20 summarizes data on the number of new building permits and public contracts authorized in the Cumberland Plateau between 2000 and 2015. A somewhat negative picture of the area's real estate market is portrayed in the table since the number of building permits and public contracts authorized in the four counties has decreased between 2000 and 2015, not surprising in view of the nationwide housing slump and the decrease in the District’s population. Dickenson and Tazewell Counties saw significant loss in the number of residential building permits between 2000-2015. The gradual decline in building permits for housing units might reflect pessimistic expectations about the future demand for new housing in an area which has experienced severe economic dislocations and significant population losses. These economic dislocations have prompted a shift in demand away from single-family homes and towards a less expensive alternative--mobile homes. Local realtors estimate that the average house in Dickenson County is selling for about 2-3 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 46 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 47 times what a single-wide mobile home (including the land on which it sits) will cost the buyer. A double-wide mobile home plus a small plot of land (one-fourth to one-half acre) costs approximately two-thirds what a stick-built house would cost. The price difference between a mobile home and a stick-built house makes the former the only affordable choice for many residents. Education The educational system in the District includes private and public primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, and several colleges. In the 2015-2016 school year, a total of 15,520 students were enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools throughout the four counties. The student/teacher ratios in Dickenson (11.11), Russell (11.59), Tazewell (11.14) and Buchanan (12.64) were slightly lower than the ratio for the State of Virginia as a whole (12.76), for the 2014-2015 school year. (See Table 21.) Average teacher salaries for that same year were also lower in the Cumberland Plateau Counties than in the State. Russell and Tazewell Counties had the lowest average teacher salaries with $39,017 and $37,497, respectively ; Locality 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Virginia 39,756 41,681 45,711 46,263 48,990 49,959 38,977 30,944 19,939 16,268 16,149 23,297 27,278 31,944 28,693 28,469 Buchanan County 17 18 20 22 12 14 13 10 18 15 18 12 10 10 9 2 Dickenson County 24 15 25 29 23 18 18 15 27 14 12 23 16 6 8 6 Russell County 58 64 61 59 74 79 117 79 34 26 40 29 24 19 21 17 Tazewell County 79 71 77 77 77 73 130 74 53 40 22 39 36 34 15 31 CPPDC 178 168 183 187 186 184 278 178 132 95 92 103 86 69 53 56 Source: United States Census Bureau Number of Single Family Unit Permits Issued 2000 - 2015 Table 20 uenbe of Single ary Unit Permits sue 2000- 2015 Tale 20 [vee 39,756 [ans8i | 45,715 | 45263 | a8 900 | 49959] 38977 | 3094 [a9939 | 16268] 36105] 23297 | 27278 | auge4 | 2a02 | 2869 loctensoncouny | 2¢ | as | a5 | 29 | 22 | as | ae | as | a | «| 2 | a | aw | 6 | @ | 6 Iasewellcoutey pilalala|a[a|aol m[ ss | «@ | 2 |» | a | aw | os | a lcrroc ama {60 [ses [ay | sas [aes [oe Tove [om fos | oe fam fo fo fo | 6 times what a single-wide mobile home (including the land on which it sits) will cost the buyer. A double-wide mobile home plus a small plot of land (one-fourth to one-half acre) costs approximately two-thirds what a stick-built house would cost. The price difference between a mobile home and a stick-built house makes the former the only affordable choice for many residents. Education The educational system in the District includes private and public primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, and several colleges. In the 2015-2016 school year, a total of 15,520 students were enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools throughout the four counties, The student/teacher ratios in Dickenson (11.11), Russell (11.59), Tazewell (11.14) and Buchanan (12.64) were slightly lower than the ratio for the State of Virginia as a whole (12.76), for the 2014-2015 school year. (See Table 21.) Average teacher salaries for that same year were also lower in the Cumberland Plateau Counties than in the State. Russell and Tazewell Counties had the lowest average teacher salaries with $39,017 and $37,497, respectively ; Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 47 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 48 salaries in Dickenson ($40,667) and Buchanan ($45,036) were also well below the State average of $54,889 for the 2016 year. The higher numbers of students per teacher and lower teacher salaries, combined with lower expenditures per pupil compared with the State have contributed to producing an educational gap between the Cumberland Plateau area and the State as a whole. This gap extends throughout Southwest Virginia and was addressed by the Southwest Virginia Economic Development Commission in Forward Southwest Virginia. Two key recommendations in this report are: *to substantially increase spending on elementary and secondary education; and *to obtain appropriations from the General Assembly to be used by the region's community colleges to mount an all-out assault on adult illiteracy. Career and technology centers are located in each of the counties to provide students with specific job skills. The Buchanan County Career and Technology Center (Grundy) had an enrollment of approximately 260 students in the 2012-2013 Elementary Virginia Buchanan Dickenson Russell Tazewell Teaching Positions 58,568.41 128.25 123.30 204.89 358.00 End of Year Membership, K-7 764,952.04 1,737.42 1,338.47 2,310.37 3,594.82 Pupil/Teacher Ratio 13.06 13.55 10.86 11.28 10.04 Secondary Teaching Positions 37,442.84 98.25 61.50 128.63 188.40 End of Year Membership, 8-12 466,738.26 1,153.18 1,552.57 1,530.73 2,306.96 Pupil/Teacher Ratio 12.47 11.74 11.37 11.90 12.25 Source: Virginia Department of Education Superintendent's Annual Report Pupil Teacher Ratios Fiscal Year 2015 - 2016 Table 21 Pupil Teacher Ratios Fiscal Year 2015 - 2016 Table 21 [Elementary Virginia _[ Buchanan | Dickenson | Russell_| Tazewell [Teaching Positions 58,568.41 | 128.25 | 123.30 | 204.89 | 358.00 End of Year Membership, K-7 764,952.04] 1,737.42 | 1,338.47 | 2,310.37 | 3,594.82 Pupil/Teacher Ratio 13.06] 13.55 10.86 11.28 10.04 Secondary Teaching Positions 37,442.84 | 98.25 61.50 128.63 | 188.40 End of Year Membership, 8-12 466,738.26 | 1,153.18 | 1552.57 | 1,530.73 | 2,306.96 Pupil/Teacher Ratio 12.47 11.74 11.37, 11.90 12.25 Source: Virginia Department of Education Superintendent's Annual Report salaries in Dickenson ($40,667) and Buchanan ($45,036) were also well below the State average of $54,889 for the 2016 year. The higher numbers of students per teacher and lower teacher salaries, combined with lower expen fures per pu compared with the State have contributed to producing an educational gap between the Cumberland Plateau area and the State as a whole. This gap extends throughout Southwest Virginia and was addressed by the Southwest Virginia Economic Development Commission in Forward Southwest Virginia. Two key recommendations in this report are: *to substantially increase spending on elementary and secondary education; and *to obtain appropriations from the General Assembly to be used by the region's community colleges to mount an all-out assault on adult iteracy. Career and technology centers are located in each of the counties to provide students with specific job ski The Buchanan County Career and Technology Center (Grundy) had an enrollment of approximately 260 students in the 2012-2013 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 48 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 49 school year, Dickenson County Career and Technology Center (Clinchco) had 190 students enrolled in that year, 327 students were enrolled at the Russell County Career and Technology Center (Lebanon) and 335 were enrolled in programs at the Tazewell County Career and Technology Center (Tazewell). These centers offer training for high school students in areas such as auto repair, carpentry, cosmetology, electronics, masonry, mine machinery repair, practical nursing, and welding. Tazewell County also offers post-secondary educational programs at two two-year colleges, National Business College and Southwest Virginia Community College, and at Bluefield College, a four-year institution. National Business College, located in Bluefield, Virginia, offers seven associate degree programs and five one-year diplomas in a variety of business courses. In Wardell, approximately 2,630 students (fall 2013-2014 enrollment) study at Southwest Virginia Community College (SVCC) towards two-year associate degrees which include accounting, data processing, business administration, engineering, nursing, mining and many other areas. SVCC also offers one-year programs leading towards certificates in areas which include banking, drafting, law enforcement, machine tool operations, mine machinery maintenance, respiratory care and welding. Bluefield College is a private, Baptist- affiliated liberal arts college offering four-year programs leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in a wide variety of disciplines, and two-year Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of General Studies degree programs. In addition, pre-professional programs to prepare students for graduate level study in law, medicine and school year, Dickenson County Career and Technology Center (Clinchco) had 190 students enrolled in that year, 327 students were enrolled at the Russell County Career and Technology Center (Lebanon) and 335 were enrolled in programs at the Tazewell County Career and Technology Center (Tazewell). These centers offer training for high school students in areas such as auto repair, carpentry, cosmetology, electronics, masonry, mine machinery repair, practical nursing, and welding. Tazewell County also offers post-secondary educational programs at two two-year colleges, National Business College and Southwest Virginia Community College, and at Bluefield College, a four-year institution. National Business College, located in Bluefi , Virginia, offers seven associate degree programs and five one-year diplomas in a variety of business courses. In Wardell, approximately 2,630 students (fall 2013-2014 enrollment) study at Southwest Virginia Community College (SVCC) towards two-year associate degrees which include accounting, data processing, business administration, engineering, nursing, mining and many other areas. SVCC also offers one-year programs leading towards certificates in areas which include banking, drafting, law enforcement, machine tool operations, mine machinery maintenance, respiratory care and welding. Bluefield College is a private, Baptist- affiliated liberal arts college offering four-year programs leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in a wide variety of disciplines, and two-year Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of General Studies degree programs. In addition, pre-professional programs to prepare students for graduate level study in law, medicine and Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 49 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 50 dentistry are offered. In total, twenty-one majors are offered. While the majority of the College's 500 traditional students are recent high school graduates, Bluefield's special adult admissions program is designed to attract adults who are at least 24 years old and have two years work experience. Adults who qualify for this program are able to attend classes during the evening hours to accommodate their work schedules and family lives. The Town of Grundy in Buchanan County is the location of the Appalachian School of Law, established in 1996 and currently having 370 students. The school, which has been granted provisional accreditation by the American Bar Association, specializes in alternative dispute resolution. Oakwood in Buchanan County is home to the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, the first program of the University of Appalachia. Utilities Electricity in Buchanan and Tazewell Counties is provided by the Appalachian Power Company. Dickenson and Russell Counties are serviced by both the Appalachian Power Company and Old Dominion Power Company. Electricity rates are comparatively low in the District. Natural gas is currently not available to households in most areas in the District, with the exception of Bluefield in Tazewell County which is served by Commonwealth Natural Gas Company, Clintwood in Dickenson County which is served by Appalachian Natural Gas Distribution Company and Castlewood and Lebanon in Russell County served by Virginia Gas. Bottled gas is available in the four counties through nearby suppliers. dentistry are offered. In total, twenty-one majors are offered. While the majority of the College's 500 traditional students are recent high school graduates, Bluefield's special adult admissions program designed to attract adults who are at least 24 years old and have two years work experience. Adults who qualify for this program are able to attend classes during the evening hours to accommodate their work schedules and family lives. The Town of Grundy in Buchanan County is the location of the Appalachian School of Law, established in 1996 and currently having 370 students. The school, which has been granted provisional accreditation by the American Bar Association, specializes in alternative dispute resolution. Oakwood in Buchanan County is home to the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, the first program of the University of Appalachia. Electricity in Buchanan and Tazewell Counties is provided by the Appalachian Power Company. Dickenson and Russell Counties are serviced by both the Appalachian Power Company and Old Dominion Power Company. Electricity rates are comparatively low in the District. Natural gas is currently not available to households in most areas in the District, with the exception of Bluefield in Tazewell County which is served by Commonwealth Natural Gas Company, Clintwood in Dickenson County which is served by Appalachian Natural Gas bution Company and Castlewood and Lebanon in Russell County served by Virginia Gas. Bottled gas is available in the four counties through nearby suppliers. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 50 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 51 Verizon provides telephone services in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties. Fiber optics is now available in most areas for business and industry. Transportation The Cumberland Plateau Planning District is located in Southwest Virginia near Virginia's borders with the States of West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. As shown in Table 22, the locations of the District's four counties place them within convenient reach of the region's major cities. The network of highways running through the four counties includes three U. S. numbered highways and eleven state highways. U. S. Route 460 runs through the center of Buchanan and Tazewell Counties, linking Grundy (Buchanan), Richlands, Tazewell and Bluefield (all three in Tazewell County) to Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia to the east, and to Pikeville, Kentucky to the west. U. S. Alternate Route 58 cuts diagonally northwest-southeast through Russell County, heading southeast towards Abingdon, Virginia (and access to Interstate 81), and northwest towards Norton, Virginia (and access to U.S. Rt. 23). U.S. Route 19 runs east to west through the center of Russell County and Tazewell County, linking to Interstate-81 at Abingdon and Interstate-77 at Bluefield, West Virginia. Interstate 81 runs close to the southern county borders of Russell and Tazewell Counties (access to I-81 from either Lebanon or the Town of Tazewell is less than 30 miles) Verizon provides telephone services in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties. Fiber optics is now available in most areas for business and industry. Transportation The Cumberland Plateau Planning District is located in Southwest Virginia near Virginia's borders with the States of West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. As shown in Table 22, the locations of the District's four counties place them within convenient reach of the region's major c The network of highways running through the four counties includes three U.S. numbered highways and eleven state highways. U. S. Route 460 runs through the center of Buchanan and Tazewell Counties, linking Grundy (Buchanan), Richlands, Tazewell and Bluefield (all three in Tazewell County) to Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia to the east, and to Pikeville, Kentucky to the west. U. S. Alternate Route 58 cuts diagonally northwest-southeast through Russell County, heading southeast towards Abingdon, Virginia (and access to Interstate 81), and northwest towards Norton, inia (and access to U.S. Rt. 23). U.S. Route 19 runs east to west through the center of Russell County and Tazewell County, linking to Interstate-81 at Abingdon and Interstate-77 at Bluefield, West Virginia. Interstate 81 runs close to the southern county borders of Russell and Tazewell Counties (access to I-81 from either Lebanon or the Town of Tazewell is less than 30 miles) Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 51 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 52 Table 22 Distance From County Seat to Nearby Metropolitan Areas Grundy Clintwood Lebanon Tazewell Buchanan County Dickenson County Russel County Tazewell County Bristol, VA/TN 89 68 39 91 Blacksburg, VA 147 175 140 85 Knoxville, TN 250 154 152 195 Roanoke, VA 180 200 160 126 Richmond, VA 370 385 350 303 Source: Virginia Department of Transportation and links the District to the metropolitan areas of Knoxville,Tennessee and Roanoke, Virginia. From Lebanon, Knoxville is approximately a two and one-half hour drive along a well-developed highway system. Interstate 77, which runs north to south near Tazewell County's eastern border, also provides access for the Cumberland Plateau area to various points in the eastern United States from Cleveland, Ohio to Columbia, South Carolina. These two interstate highways, along with the U. S. highways discussed above and a network of state highways within the region, link the four counties to major markets within Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia. The recent locations of two major IT firms, CGI and Northrup Grumman in Russell County, illustrate the region's potential for recruiting new businesses based on its advantageous Mid-Atlantic location. The Cumberland Plateau area coal mines are served by railroad lines operated by CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. CSX Transportation maintains rail lines running mainly north to south, transporting coal from Dickenson County to utility customers in the Carolinas to the south, and Table 22 Distance From County Seat to Nearby Metropolitan Areas Grundy Clintwood Lebanon Tazewell Buchanan County | Dickenson County | Russel County | Tazewell County Bristol, VA/TN 89 68 39 91 Blacksburg, VA 147 175 140 85 Knoxville, TN 250 154 152 195 Roanoke, VA 180 200 160 126 Richmond, VA 370 385 350 303 Source: Virginia Department of. Transportation and links the District to the metropolitan areas of Knoxville,Tennessee and Roanoke, Virginia. From Lebanon, Knoxville is approximately a two and one-half hour drive along a well-developed highway system. Interstate 77, which runs north to south near Tazewell County's eastern border, also provides access for the Cumberland Plateau area to various points in the eastern United States from Cleveland, Ohio to Columbia, South Carolina. These two interstate highways, along with the U. S. highways discussed above and a network of state highways within the region, link the four counties to major markets within Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia. The recent locations of two major IT firms, CGI and Northrup Grumman in Russell County, illustrate the region's potenti for recruiting new businesses based on its advantageous Mid-Atlantic location. The Cumberland Plateau area coal mines are served by railroad lines operated by CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. CSX ‘Transportation maintains rail lines running mainly north to south, transporting coal from Dickenson County to utility customers in the Carolinas to the south, and Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 52 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 53 to customers in Kentucky to the north. Buchanan, Russell and Tazewell Counties are serviced by the Norfolk Southern Railroad which has an east-west orientation. Much of the coal is taken through Bluefield, Virginia to the port at Hampton Roads, Virginia, from which it can be shipped to foreign customers. Major interstate truck lines providing service for the Cumberland Plateau Counties include Consolidated Freight, Mason-Dixon Lines, Overnite Transportation, and Smith Transfer. Many smaller companies provide trucking services within the four-county region. Residents of the Cumberland Plateau area have access to Greyhound-Trailways bus service through bus stops in Bluefiled, Marion, and Wytheville. The Cumberland Plateau area is serviced by the Tri-Cities Airport, Roanoke Regional Airport, Tazewell County Airport, Grundy Municipal Airport and the Mercer County Airport (located between Princeton and Bluefield, West Virginia). A general aviation airport with a 4,200-foot runway and instrument landing capability is now open at the Tazewell County Airport. Climate and Amenities 1. Climate The climate in the Cumberland Plateau area is moderate for an area that enjoys four distinct seasons. The average temperature in July is a pleasant 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and winters are not too severe, with average temperatures of about 36 degrees Fahrenheit in January. The average annual precipitation is approximately 47 inches. to customers in Kentucky to the north. Buchanan, Russell and Tazewell Counties are serviced by the Norfolk Southern Railroad which has an east-west orientation. Much of the coal is taken through Bluefield, Virgi ia to the port at Hampton Roads, Virginia, from which it can be shipped to foreign customers. Major interstate truck lines providing service for the Cumberland Plateau Counties include Consolidated Freight, Mason-Dixon Lines, Overnite Transportation, and Smith Transfer. Many smaller companies provide trucking services within the four-county region. Residents of the Cumberland Plateau area have access. to Greyhound-Trailways bus service through bus stops in Bluefiled, Marion, and Wytheville. The Cumberland Plateau area is serviced by the Tri-Cities Airport, Roanoke Regional Airport, Tazewell County Airport, Grundy Municipal Airport and the Mercer County Airport (located between Princeton and Bluefield, West Virginia). A general aviation airport with a 4,200-foot runway and instrument landing capability is now open at the Tazewell County Airport. Climate and Amenities 1, Climate The climate in the Cumberland Plateau area is moderate for an area that enjoys four distinct seasons. The average temperature in July is a pleasant 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and winters are not too severe, with average temperatures of about 36 degrees Fahrenheit in January. The average annual precipitation is approximately 47 inches. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 53 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 54 2. Recreational and Tourist Attractions There is an amazing number of outdoor recreation and cultural heritage tourism assets throughout the four county-region. These assets are being aggressively marketed through several regional initiatives, the most prominent being the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Friends of Southwest Virginia. As the umbrella organization for the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, ‘Round the Mountain’: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network, and Appalachian Spring: Southwest Virginia’s Outdoor Recreation Initiative, the Foundation promotes the 19 counties and 4 cities of Southwest Virginia to national and international tourists. This effort has brought the region to near the top of Virginia’s tourism destinations. A brand new initiative, The Spearhead Trails, is focused on the development of a multi-trail system in Virginia’s Coalfield counties. Of special importance is the development of an ATV trail system similar to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail in West Virginia. This trail has prompted a increase in tourism and economic development in its service area. All of the District’s counties have easy access to Breaks Interstate Park which is located on the Virginia-Kentucky border with most of the Park's 4,500 acres falling within Dickenson County. The Park boasts the largest canyon east of the Mississippi, carved out by the Russell Fork River, and nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the South." The Park's numerous recreational facilities include picnic tables and shelters, hiking trails, 2. Recreational and Tourist Attractions There is an amazing number of outdoor recreation and cultural heritage tourism assets throughout the four county-region. These assets are being aggres ely marketed through several regional initiatives, the most prominent being the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Friends of Southwest Virginia. As the umbrella organization for the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, ‘Round the Mountain’: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network, and Appalachian Spring: Southwest Virginia’s Outdoor Recreation Initiative, the Foundation promotes the 19 counties and 4 cities of Southwest Virginia to national and international tourists. This effort has brought the region to near the top of Virginia’s tourism destinations. A brand new initiative, The Spearhead Trails, is focused on the development of a multi-trail system in Virginia’s Coalfield counties. Of special importance is the development of an ATV trail system similar to the Hatfield-MeCoy Trail in West Virginia. This trail has prompted a increase in tourism and economic development in its service area. All of the District’s counties have easy access to Breaks Interstate Park which is located on the Virginia-Kentucky border with most of the Park's 4,500 acres falling within Dickenson County. The Park boasts the largest canyon east of the Mississippi, carved out by the Russell Fork River, and nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the South." The Park's numerous recreational facilities include picnic tables and shelters, hiking trails, Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 54 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 55 campsites, cottages and a motor lodge, swimming pools, a new water park, scenic overlooks, an amphitheater, and a large conference center with dining rooms, a restaurant and gift shop. In addition, the Park has paddleboats, stables, playground facilities, as well as a 12-acre lake well stocked for fishing. Another significant outdoor recreation site in Dickenson County is the John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir which is located five miles from Haysi on the Pound River, a tributary of the Russell Fork River. Visitors to the Reservoir enjoy opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing. The lake is a well-known small-mouth bass fishing venue. White water rafting and kayaking are additional activities offered on a seasonal basis on the Russell Fork River below the Flannagan Dam. During October of each year, whitewater enthusiasts from all over the world come to Dickenson County to enjoy one of the best whitewater experiences in North America. Estimates of the regional economic impact of a 21-day rafting season on the Gauley River in West Virginia--$16.8 million in total direct and indirect revenues-- provide strong incentive for pursuing the development of rafting and related tourist industries in the area around the Flannagan Dam. Efforts are being made to increase the number of releases from the Dam to expand the length of the whitewater season. The four counties share access to Jefferson National Forest, a 690,000 acre forest located in Southwest Virginia. Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell campsites, cottages and a motor lodge, swimming pools, a new water park, scenic overlooks, an amphitheater, and a large conference center with dining rooms, a restaurant and gift shop. In addition, the Park has paddleboats, stables, playground facilities, as well as a 12-acre lake well stocked for fishing. Another significant outdoor recreation site in Dickenson County is the John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir which is located five miles from Haysi on the Pound River, a tributary of the Russell Fork River. Visitors to the Reservoir enjoy opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing. The lake is a well-known small-mouth bass fishing venue. White water rafting and kayaking are additional activities offered on a seasonal basis on the Russell Fork River below the Flannagan Dam. During October of each year, whitewater enthusiasts from all over the world come to Dickenson County to enjoy one of the best whitewater experiences in North America. Estimates of the regional economic impact of a 21-day rafting season on the Gauley River in West Virginia—$16.8 million in total direct and indirect revenues provide strong incentive for pursuing the development of rafting and related tourist industries in the area around the Flannagan Dam. Efforts are being made to increase the number of releases from the Dam to expand the length of the whitewater season. The four counties share access to Jefferson National Forest, a 690,000 acre forest located in Southwest Virginia. Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 55 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 56 Counties claim small portions of this forest's huge acreage and its many recreational attractions. Jefferson National Forest has received media attention for becoming the nation's first forest to actively promote tourism rather than simply waiting for people to ask for information. This bodes well for the District and Southwest Virginia as many world-class outdoor recreation assets are located in the region. In the District, in addition to the aforementioned Breaks Park, The Channels State Forest, Brumley Mountain Trail, Laurel Bed Lake, the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, the Appalachian Trail and Burkes Garden are all located along Clinch Mountain on the District’s southern border. In addition, many assets, including the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, are associated with the Clinch River, North America’s most biodiverse river. The residents of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties enjoy other local recreation facilities which include several country clubs complete with 18-hole golf courses, skating rinks, indoor and outdoor movie theaters, and numerous sports fields. Sports fans can attend home games of Tazewell County's professional minor league baseball team, the Bluefield Blue Jays, which plays at Bowen Field in Bluefield. A few miles away, near the Town of Tazewell, is the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park, located on 110 acres of land designated as a pre-historic and historic site by the Virginia Division of Historic Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum presents the history of Tazewell County and Southwest Virginia from five hundred and seventy million years Counties claim small portions of this forest's huge acreage and its many recreational attractions. Jefferson National Forest has received media attention for becoming the nation's first forest to actively promote tourism rather than simply waiting for people to ask for information. This bodes well for the District and Southwest Virginia as many world-class outdoor recreation assets are located in the region. In the District, in addition to the aforementioned Breaks Park, The Channels State Forest, Brumley Mountain Trail, Laurel Bed Lake, the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, the Appalachian Trail and Burkes Garden are all located along Clinch Mountain on the District’s southern border. In addition, many assets, including the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, are associated with the Clinch River, North America’s most biodiverse river. The residents of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties enjoy other local recreation facilities which include several country clubs complete with 18-hole golf courses, skating rinks, indoor and outdoor movie theaters, and numerous sports fields. Sports fans can attend home games of Tazewell County's professional minor league baseball team, the Bluefield Blue Jays, which plays at Bowen Field in Bluefield. A few miles away, near the Town of Tazewell, is the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park, located on 110 acres of land designated as a pre-historic and historic site by the Virginia Division of Historic Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum presents the history of Tazewell County and Southwest Virginia from five hundred and seventy million years Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 56 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 57 ago to the present time. Other sites of historic interest in the target area include: the Town of Pocahontas, which has been placed on the Virginia Register and the National Register as a historic preservation zone; the Old Russell County Courthouse, designated as a Virginia historic landmark and placed on the State Register; Honaker Historic Downtown District, and the Cedar Bluff Roller Mills, placed on both the State and National Registers for historic places. And the recently completed Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center in Clintwood is one of the major venues on “The Crooked Road” Music Trail that is attracting thousands of cultural heritage tourists to the region. Numerous affiliated venues of the Crooked Road are located throughout the District, and all four counties are on Artisan Trails sponsored by ‘Round the Mountain’. 3. Religious Facilities There are numerous religious congregations in the Cumberland Plateau area, where people take pride in their strong religious values and work ethic. These congregations represent the full spectrum of denominations and vary greatly in size. Denominations with churches in the four county region include Assembly of God; Baptist; Bible; Christian; Church of Christ; Church of God; Disciples of Christ; Episcopal; Full Gospel; Independent; Methodist; Nondenominational; Pentecostal; Presbyterian; Roman Catholic; Seventh-Day Adventist; and United Methodist. A Jewish synagogue in Bluefield, West Virginia is easily accessible to residents in the District. ago to the present time. Other sites of historic interest in the target area include: the Town of Pocahontas, which has been placed on the Virginia Register and the National Register as a historic preservation zone; the Old Russell County Courthouse, designated as a Virginia historic landmark and placed on the State Register; Honaker Historic Downtown District, and the Cedar Bluff Roller Mills, placed on both the State and National Registers for historic places. And the recently completed Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center in Clintwood is one of the major venues on “The Crooked Road” Music Trail that is attracting thousands of cultural heritage tourists to the region. Numerous affiliated venues of the Crooked Road are located throughout the District, and all four counties are on Artisan Trails sponsored by ‘Round the Mountain’. There are numerous religious congregations in the Cumberland Plateau area, where people take pride in their strong religious values and work ethic. These congregations represent the full spectrum of denominations and vary greatly in size. Denominations with churches in the four county region include Assembly of God; Baptist; Bible; Christian; Church of Christ; Church of God; Disciples of Christ; Episcopal; Full Gospel; Independent; Methodist; Nondenominational; Pentecostal; Presbyte n; Roman Catholi ; Seventh-Day Adventist; and United M thodist. A Jewish synagogue in Bluefield, West to residents in the District. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 57 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 58 4. Health Care Each of the four counties in the Cumberland Plateau area has at least one hospital or medical center to serve its residents. In Buchanan County, a 100-bed facility of Buchanan General Hospital is located on Slate Creek. The Dickenson County Medical Center (25 beds) provides services to local residents at its facility in Clintwood. The people of Russell County are served by the 78-bed Russell County Medical Center, located in Lebanon. Tazewell County boasts two hospitals, the Humana Hospital in Richlands (200 beds) and the Tazewell Community Hospital in the town of Tazewell (56 beds). The bed rate, which is the number of hospital beds per 100,000 residents, for each of the counties in 2012, the most recent date for which this information is available, was: 394.9 in Buchanan County, 245.6 in Russell County and 516.7 in Tazewell County. At that point, Dickenson County did not have a hospital. These figures are all lower, in most cases very much lower, than the State figure of 584.3 for that same year. Other medical facilities providing services to residents of the four counties include the Haysi Medical Clinic, the Hurley Medical Clinic, the Clearview Psychiatric Center, which is a medical division of the Russell County Medical Center providing inpatient psychiatric treatment, along with the following hospitals which are located in nearby areas: Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN/VA), Johnston Memorial Hospital (Abingdon, VA), Princeton Community Hospital (Princeton, WV), Roanoke Valley Psychiatric Center (Salem, VA), Saint Albans Psychiatric Hospital (Radford, 4. Health Care Each of the four counties in the Cumberland Plateau area has at least one hospital or medical center to serve its residents. In Buchanan County, a 100-bed faci 'y of Buchanan General Hospital is located on Slate Creek. The Dickenson County Medical Center (25 beds) provides services to local residents at its facil y in Clintwood. The people of Russell County are served by the 78-bed Russell County Medical Center, located in Lebanon. Tazewell County boasts two hospitals, the Humana Hospital in Richlands (200 beds) and the Tazewell Community Hospital in the town of Tazewell (56 beds). The bed rate, which is the number of hospital beds per 100,000 residents, for each of the counties in 2012, the most recent date for which this information is avai ble, was: 394.9 in Buchanan County, 245.6 in Russell County and 516.7 in Tazewell County. At that point, Dickenson County did not have a hospital. These figures are all lower, in most cases very much lower, than the State figure of 584.3 for that same year. Other medical fac s providing services to residents of the four counties include the Haysi Medical Clinic, the Hurley Medical Clinic, the Clearview Psychiatrie Center, which is a medical division of the Russell County Medical Center providing inpatient psychiatric treatment, along with the following hospitals which are located in nearby areas: Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN/VA), Johnston Memorial Hospital (Abingdon, VA), Princeton Community Hospital (Princeton, WV), Roanoke Valley Psychiatric Center (Salem, VA), Saint Albans Psychiatric Hospital (Radford, Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 58 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 59 VA) and Southern Hills Regional Rehabilitation Hospital (Princeton, WV). 5. Communications Communications media that serve the Cumberland Plateau area are fairly comprehensive and include AM and FM radio stations (one of each in Buchanan County, four AM stations and three FM stations in Tazewell County, two AM and one FM station in Russell County and one AM and one FM station in Dickenson County) and several daily and weekly newspapers. Daily newspapers which serve the four counties and surrounding areas are: the Bluefield Daily Telegraph (based in Bluefield, West Virginia), Bristol Herald Courier, and Roanoke Times. Local weekly newspapers include the Virginia Mountaineer (Buchanan), Dickenson Star (Dickenson), Lebanon News (Russell), Tazewell County Free Press (Richlands), Clinch Valley News (Tazewell) and Richlands News Press (Richlands). 6. Industrial Building and Site Utilization Analysis The Cumberland Plateau Planning District has industrial parks located in Russell, Tazewell, Buchanan and Dickenson Counties. The Cumberland Plateau Regional Industrial Park has one tenant, AT&T, Inc., which has a 50,000 square-feet building on a 10-acre lot, with a workforce of approximately 400 people. In order to recruit more tenants into the Park, the target area is prepared to use various incentives, including donation of land and the development of special financing programs. Twenty nine acres of land VA) and Southern Hills Regional Rehabilitation Hospital (Princeton, WV). 5. Communications Communications media that serve the Cumberland Plateau area are fairly comprehensive and include AM and FM radio stations (one of each in Buchanan County, four AM stations and three FM stations in Tazewell County, two AM and one FM station in Russell County and one AM and one FM station in Dickenson County) and several daily and weekly newspapers. newspapers which serve the four counties and surrounding areas are: the Bluefield Daily Telegraph (based in Bluefield, West Virginia), Bristol Herald Courier, and Roanoke Times. Local weekly newspapers include the Virginia Mountaineer (Buchanan), Dickenson Star (Dickenson), Lebanon News (Russell), Tazewell County Free Press (Richlands), Clinch Valley News (Tazewell) and Richlands News Press (Richlands). 6. Industrial Building and Site Utilization Analysis The Cumberland Plateau Planning District has industrial parks located in Russell, Tazewell, Buchanan and Dickenson Counties. The Cumberland Plateau Regional Industrial Park has one tenant, AT&T, Inc., which has a 50,000 square-feet building on a 10-acre lot, with a workforce of approximately 400 people. In order to recruit more tenants into the Park, the target area is prepared to use various incentives, including donation of land and the development of special financing programs. Twenty nine acres of land Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 59 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 60 suitable for development and two industrial buildings are available in the Regional Industrial Park, which is located on the Lebanon By-pass. The Park is served by a six-inch water main, an eight-inch sewer line and electricity supplied by the Appalachian Power Company. High-speed broadband is available from CPC Optinet. In Buchanan County, Southern Gap Industrial Park offers 1100 acres for business and industry. The Buchanan Public Service Authority serves this park with an eleven-inch waterline and a ten-inch sewer line. Three phase power and high speed broadband are also available in the park. In Tazewell County, Wardell Industrial Park offers 40 acres of available land adjacent to Southwest Virginia Community College, 4.75 miles west of Claypool Hill on U. S. Route 19. Ceramic Technologies Incorporated, Pepsi-Cola and Jen-Mar are located in the Park. The Tazewell County Public Service Authority serves the site with a six-inch water line (total capacity of 500,000 gallons per day) on the property, and an eight-inch sewer line (350,000 gallons per day capacity) adjacent to the property. Verizon, CPC Optinet and Appalachian Power Company also provide utilities to the site. The Bluestone Business and Technology Park, located on U.S. Route 19/460, west of Bluefield, Virginia, has 600+ acres of land available for mixed use development. In addition to the standard six-inch water main and eight-inch sewer line serving the site, natural gas is available through a four-inch gas line maintained by Commonwealth Gas Services. Phase I of the suitable for development and two industrial buildings are available in the Regional Industrial Park, which is located on the Lebanon By-pass. The Park is served by a si inch water main, an eight-inch sewer line and electricity supplied by the Appalachian Power Company. High-speed broadband is available from CPC Optinet. In Buchanan County, Southern Gap Industrial Park offers 1100 acres for business and industry. The Buchanan Public Service Authority serves this park with an eleven-inch waterline and a ten-inch sewer line. Three phase power and high speed broadband are also avail ble in the park. In Tazewell County, Wardell Industrial Park offers 40 acres of available land adjacent to Southwest Virginia Community College, 4.75 miles west of Claypool Hill on U. S. Route 19. Ceramic Technologies Incorporated, Pepsi-Cola and Jen-Mar are located in the Park. The Tazewell County Public Service Authority serves the site with a si inch water line (total capacity of 500,000 gallons per day) on the property, and an eight-inch sewer line (350,000 gallons per day cap: ) adjacent to the property. Verizon, CPC Optinet and Appalachian Power Company also provide utilities to the site. The Bluestone Business and Technology Park, located on U.S. Route 19/460, west of Bluefield, Virginia, has 600+ acres of land available for mixed use development. In addition to the standard six-inch water main and eight-inch sewer line serving the site, natural gas is available through a four-inch gas line maintained by Commonwealth Gas Services. Phase I of the Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 60 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 61 Bluestone Business and Technology Park is nearing completion. One site is now reserved for the proposed new dental school that is being developed by Tazewell County and Bluefield College. This project fits in well with the county’s plan to focus on advanced manufacturing, high quality research and technology businesses in the Park. Three tenants already enjoy the benefits of Tazewell Industrial Park's convenient location right outside the town limits of Tazewell. The Park's location places its tenants within 22 miles of Interstate 77, and 20 miles of the Richlands Airport. Twenty-two acres of land are still available for development in the 60-acre Park. The park is served by three-phase electrical power, a six-inch water line and an eight-inch sewer line. Bluestone Business and Technology Park is nearing completion. One site is now reserved for the proposed new dental school that is being developed by Tazewell County and Bluefield College. This project fits in well with the county’s plan to focus on advanced manufacturing, high quality research and technology businesses in the Park. Three tenants already enjoy the benefits of Tazewell Industrial Park's convenient location right outside the town limits of Tazewell. The Park's location places its tenants within 22 miles of Interstate 77, and 20 miles of the Richlands irport. Twenty-two acres of land are still available for development in the 60-acre Park. The park is served by three-phase electrical power, a six-inch water line and an eight-inch sewer line. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 61 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 62 2. ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES A. State of the Regional Economy a. Strengths and Weaknesses/Assets and Liabilities The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission is already noted for the willingness of its local governments to work together to improve their quality of life. The Cumberland Plateau, is the second oldest rural regional economic development agency in the state. Local government support of the PDC and regionalism is strong and entrenched. The strengths of the District are as follows: • The quality of life, strong family values, friendly community environment, low crime rate, safe public schools, low cost of housing, and recreational and cultural opportunities in the Region are attractive to workers and employers. • The natural beauty of this mountainous area, epitomized in the Breaks Interstate Park, Burkes Garden, The Cove, The Channels Natural Area Preserve, the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, and the Jefferson National Forest is breathtaking. • Regional cooperation is strong between the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission and its local governments and economic development organizations, as evidenced by the creation of the Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management Authority, the District RLF Program, and the District Water and Sewer Roundtable. Broader cooperative efforts with LENOWISCO PDC, involved the creation of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development 2. ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES A. State of the Regional Economy a. Strengths and Weaknesses/Assets and Liabil ies The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission is already noted for the willingness of its local governments to work together to improve their quality of life. The Cumberland Plateau, is the second oldest rural regional economic development agency in the state. Local government support of the PDC and regionalism is strong and entrenched. The strengths of the District are as follows: The quality of life, strong family values, friendly community environment, low crime rate, safe public schools, low cost of housing, and recreational and cultural opportunities in the Region are attractive to workers and employers. The natural beauty of this mountainous area, epitomized in the Breaks Interstate Park, Burkes Garden, The Cove, The Channels Natural Area Preserve, the Pinnacle Natural Arca Preserve, and the Jefferson National Forest is breathtaking, Regional cooperation is strong between the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission and its local governments and economic development organizations, as evidenced by the creation of the Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management Authority, the District RLF Program, and the District Water and Sewer Roundtable. Broader cooperative efforts with LENOWISCO PDC, involved the creation of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 62 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 63 Authority, the industrial marketing entity of PDC’s One and Two, the Heart of Appalachia Regional Tourism Authority, the Area One Workforce Investment Program, the Coalfield Water Development Fund, the Virginia Coalfield Coalition, and the Coalfields Water and Sewer initiatives. Even broader regional cooperation, as evidenced by the Cumberland Plateau’s participation in and leadership of The Crooked Road, ‘Round the Mountain’, Appalachian Spring and Heartwood cultural heritage initiatives, is strong in Southwest Virginia. This 19-county effort involves five planning district Commissions and is supported by several state and federal agencies. The District’s leaders recognized early on that strong cooperation across political boundaries was the only way to effectively address our many challenges. • The Region’s workforce has a proven record of high productivity, low turnover rates, and low absentee rates. • Community colleges, vocational training schools and the regional Workforce Investment Program provide extensive training opportunities. • The Region has a growing higher education emphasis as illustrated by the recent establishment of the Appalachian School of Law and the University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy in Buchanan County, as well as planning for a new college of Opthamology in Buchanan County. Authority, the industrial marketing entity of PDC’s One and Two, the Heart of Appalachia Regional urism Authority, the Area One Workforce Investment Program, the Coalfield Water Development Fund, the Virginia Coalfield Co: ion, and the Coalfields Water and Sewer ini ives. Even broader regional cooperation, as evidenced by the Cumberland Plateau’s participation in and leadership of The Crooked Road, ‘Round the Mountain’, Appalachian Spring and Heartwood cultural heritage initiatives, is strong in Southwest Virginia. This 19-county effort involves five planning district Commissions and is supported by several state and federal agencies. The District’s leaders recognized early on that strong cooperation across political boundaries was the only way to effectively address our many challenges. * The Region’s workforce has a proven record of high productivity, low turnover rates, and low absentee rates. © Community colleges, vocational training schools and the regional Workforce Investment Program provide extensive training opportunities. * The Region has a growing higher education emphasis as illustrated by the recent establishment of the Appalachian School of Law and the University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy in Buchanan County, as well as planning for a new college of Opthamology in Buchanan County, Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 63 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 64 • Exceptional local incentive programs are provided to assist new and expanding industry. • Power rates are among the lowest in the nation. • Sustainable development initiatives, which look to creating new jobs in forest products, agriculture, and nature tourism while safeguarding the beauty and environment of the region, are in place. • Most of the district has an excellent telecommunication infrastructure, with fiber optics and digital switching and wireless options. The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, despite many strengths, still has to deal with some issues that pose significant impediments and barriers to the region’s overall economic competitiveness. Most of these weaknesses are related to the reality that the entire region is mountainous, making the acquisition and development of large industrial sites, infrastructure, housing, community facilities, and highways extremely costly. Many of these issues have been identified through various strategic planning exercises that have taken place in the region over the years.. The District staff revisited these issues and identified several significant liabilities to the district’s overall economic recovery. They are as follows: led to assist © Exceptional local incentive programs are provi new and expanding industry. * Power rates are among the lowest in the nation. © Sustainable development initiatives, which look to creating new jobs in forest products, agriculture, and nature tourism while safeguarding the beauty and environment of the region, are in place. * Most of the district has an excellent telecommunication infrastructure, with fiber optics and digital switching and wireless options. The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, despite many strengths, still has to deal with some issues that pose significant impediments and barriers to the region’s overall economic competitiveness. Most of these weaknesses are related to the reality that the entire region is mountainous, making the acquisition and development of large industrial sites, infrastructure, housing, community facilities, and highways extremely costly. Many of these issues have been identified through various strategic planning exercises that have taken place in the region over the years.. The District staff revisited these issues and identified several significant liabilities to the district’s overall economic recovery. They are as follows: Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 64 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 65 • Lack of adequate water and sewer, especially sewer, in some areas with development potential. • There are only one or two large (100-200) acre) industrial sites in the Region that so many industries are now requiring. • There is a lack of capital from local lending institutions, and of affordable space for complimentary technical support to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs. • The region’s labor force generally has lower levels of educational attainment because there is a lack of job opportunities for high school and college graduates. This has led to outmigration of many of our most educated citizens. • No Interstate Highway passes through the district. No four- lane highway passes through Dickenson County. • There is a lack of quality market-rate housing. • The region lacks a significant growth center or centers. While these are considered the most significant impediments and liabilities to economic recovery, some of these are directly related to our assets and opportunities listed previously. For instance, the lack of an interstate highway and the sometimes chaotic growth it brings may be a large reason that our region’s natural beauty is somewhat unspoiled. Other liabilities may have another side to the coin as well. The region’s labor force, for example, does have lower educational attainment levels, largely because many older persons quit school early to go to work in the coal mines because the salaries and benefits were so good. Now, many are unemployed as a result of the boom and bust nature of the coal industry. But as new industries * Lack of adequate water and sewer, especially sewer, in some areas with development potential. + There are only one or two large (100-200) acre) industrial sites in the Region that so many industries are now requiring. © There is a lack of capital from local lending institutions, and of affordable space for compli entary technical support to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs. © The region’s labor force generally has lower levels of educational attainment because there is a lack of job opportunities for high school and college graduates. This has led to outmigration of many of our most educated citizens. © No Interstate Highway passes through the district. No four- lane highway passes through Dickenson County. © There is a lack of quality market-rate housing. © The region lacks a significant growth center or centers. While these are considered the most significant impediments and liabilities to economic recovery, some of these are directly related to our assets and opportunities listed previously. For instance, the lack of an interstate highway and the sometimes chaotic growth it brings may be a large reason that our region’s natural beauty is somewhat unspoiled. Other liabilities may have another side to the coin as well. The region’s labor force, for example, does have lower educational attainment levels, largely because many older persons quit school early to go to work in the coal mines because the salaries and benefits were so good. Now, many are unemployed as a result of the boom and bust nature of the coal industry. But as new industries Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 65 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 66 come in, especially manufacturing, they will find that many of these dislocated miners who worked in a highly mechanized industry have a multitude of skills that make them ideal employees. The district will look to redefine some of these perceptions and make positives where negatives once resided. b. Growth Clusters A significant proportion of growth in the planning district is concentrated in services and telecommunications. This trend of job growth in sectors other than mining helps in achieving the district’s primary goals of diversification. In 1998, the district embarked upon a journey to transform itself from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based one. Dramatic success in recruiting knowledge-based companies to the district as a result of our robust broadband network has helped to stabilize the economy and provide a platform for future economic growth. c. Progress During the Past Five Years It is the premise of the staff that to regain our lost economic ground and stability requires innovation and cooperation between business, educational, and governmental agencies and the investment necessary to achieve and maintain a strong and stable economy. Since it was first organized in 1968, the Cumberland Plateau Planning District and its member governments have pursued the goal of economic diversification. This effort has been hampered by mountainous terrain, a one- industry economy, lack of infrastructure, an inadequate transportation system, outmigration, and a poorly educated labor force. Many of the obstacles preventing economic development have been come in, especially manufacturing, they will find that many of these dislocated miners who worked in a highly mechanized industry have a multitude of skills that make them ideal employees. The district will look to redefine some of these perceptions and make positives where negatives once resided. b. Growth Clusters A significant proportion of growth in the planning district is concentrated in services and telecommunications. This trend of job growth in sectors other than mining helps in achieving the district’s primary goals of diversification. In 1998, the district embarked upon a journey to transform itself from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based one. Dramatic success in recruiting knowledge-based companies to the district as a result of our robust broadband network has helped to stabilize the economy and provide a platform for future economic growth. c. Progress During the Past Five Years the premise of the staff that to regain our lost economic ground and stability requires innovation and cooperation between business, educational, and governmental agencies and the investment necessary to achieve and maintain a strong and stable economy. ce it was first organized in 1968, the Cumberland Plateau Planning District and its member governments have pursued the goal of economic diversification. This effort has been hampered by mountainous terrain, a one- industry economy, lack of infrastructure, an inadequate transportation system, outmigration, and a poorly educated labor force. Many of the obstacles preventing economic development have been Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 66 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 67 overcome. Some, such as mountainous terrain, will be difficult to ever overcome and will continue to increase the cost of water and sewer systems, industrial sites and highways. Through EDA, ARC, RD, EPA, HUD, and other federal assistance programs, the area’s communities have greatly improved and expanded local infrastructure, transportation systems and community services. With federal assistance, new hospitals, libraries, schools, water and sewer systems, public housing units, and recreation and industrial parks have been built. The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission has reached many of the goals established in earlier CEDS’s, but some have not been met. However, the ground work has been laid to eventually achieve the goal of economic diversification. No major changes in program direction are needed. The patience and persistence shown by local governments is finally paying dividends. The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority has set a goal of creating 1,000 new manufacturing jobs per year over the next ten years. If this goal is realized, the Cumberland Plateau will be well on its way to achieving economic diversification and stability. B. External Trends and Forces At present, the economy is in transition from coal mining and timber operations to service and telecommunications. The success of the local economic development community in recruiting telecommunication companies to the area, such as Northrop Grumman, CGI, Sykes, Serco and AT & T, seems to be the wave of the future. The planning district’s rate of economic growth has not kept pace with the overcome. Some, such as mountainous terrain, will be difficult to ever overcome and will continue to increase the cost of water and sewer systems, industrial sites and highways. Through EDA, ARC, RD, EPA, HUD, and other federal assistance programs, the area’s communities have greatly improved and expanded local infrastructure, transportation systems and community services. With federal assistance, new hospitals, libraries, schools, water and sewer systems, public housing units, and recreation and industrial parks have been built. The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission has reached many of the goals established in earlier CEDS’s, but some have not been met. However, the ground work has been laid to eventually achieve the goal of economic diversification. No major changes in program direction are needed. The patience lends. The and persistence shown by local governments is finally paying di Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority has set a goal of creating 1,000 new manufacturing jobs per year over the next ten years. If this goal is realized, the Cumberland Plateau will be well on its way to achieving economic diversification and stability. B. _ External Trends and Forces At present, the economy is in transition from coal mining and timber operations to service and telecommunications. The success of the local economic development community in recruiting telecommunication companies to the area, such as Northrop Grumman, CGI, Sykes, Serco and AT & T, seems to be the wave of the future. The planning district’s rate of economic growth has not kept pace with the Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 67 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 68 national and global economies for several decades. Arrested growth means we are at a disadvantage in any competition and that, if this adverse trend continues, the extent to which the area is losing ground will accelerate. C. Partners For Economic Development The PDC had rigorously sought out and engaged federal, state, regional, local, and private partners and resources to assist in the diversification of the area economy. With all four counties in the District leading or near the top of the state in unemployment rates, particular attention had been given to improving the infrastructure and enabling local governments to recruit new industry to create the desperately needed new jobs to replace lost coal mining jobs. After forty-five years of work, the district’s localities are seeing gains in service and technology employment. Those gains have been largely due to the commitment of resources and energy from numerous local and regional partners, working not only in the economic development arena, but also in water, sewer, housing, business development, jobs training and other community development initiatives. These partners are as follows: Local and Regional Partners Local Governments Local Planning Commissions Local Industrial Development Authorities Local Public Service Authorities Local Chambers of Commerce Cumberland Plateau Company national and global economies for several decades. Arrested growth means we are at a disadvantage in any competition and that, if this adverse trend continues, the extent to which the area is losing ground will accelerate. C. Partners For Economic Development The PDC had rigorously sought out and engaged federal, state, regional, local, and private partners and resources to assist in the diversification of the area economy. With all four counties in the District leading or near the top of the state in unemployment rates, particular attention had been given to improving the infrastructure and enabli 2 local governments to recruit new industry to create the desperately needed new jobs to replace lost coal mining jobs. After forty-five years of work, the district's localities are seeing gains in service and technology employment. Those gains have been largely due to the commitment of resources and energy from numerous local and regional partners, working not only in the economic development arena, but also in water, sewer, housing, business development, jobs training and other community development initiatives. These partners are as follows: Local and Regional Partners Local Governments Local Planning Commissions Local Industrial Development Authorities Local Public Service Authorities Local Chambers of Commerce Cumberland Plateau Company Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 68 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 69 People, Inc. / Business Start Southwestern Virginia Workforce Investment Board Southwest Virginia Small Business Development Center Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Virginia Coalfield Coalition Cumberland Plateau Regional Housing Authority Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens Southwest Virginia Community College Appalachian School of Law University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy Coalfield Water Development Fund LENOWISCO Planning District Commission Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail Round The Mountain : Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network Appalachian Spring : Outdoor Recreation Initiative D. Resources for Economic Development The CEDS Committee and EDD staff work with numerous agencies and organizations, primarily at the private, state and federal level, who provide support and funding for the work plan activities and projects. They are listed below. Federal Resources Economic Development Administration Appalachian Regional Commission People, Inc. / Business Start Southwestern Virginia Workforce Investment Board Southwest Virginia Small Business Development Center Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Virginia Coalfield Coalition Cumberland Plateau Regional Housing Author’ Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens Southwest Virginia Community College Appalachian School of Law iversity of Appalachia College of Pharmacy Coalfield Water Development Fund LENOWISCO Planning District Commission Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail Round The Mountain : Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network Appalachian Spring : Outdoor Recreation I D. _ Resources for Economic Development The CEDS Committee and EDD staff work with numerous agencies and organizations, primarily at the private, state and federal level, who provide support and funding for the work plan activities and projects. They are listed below. Federal Resources Economic Development Administration Appalachian Regional Commission Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 69 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 70 Department of Housing and Urban Development Rural Development Department of Energy Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Protection Agency Small Business Administration Office of Surface Mining Federal Legislators State Resources Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Virginia Economic Development Partnership Virginia Department of Business Assistance Virginia Tourism Corporation Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Virginia Department of Health Virginia Tobacco Indemnification & Community Revitalization Commission Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy Virginia Department of Transportation Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Virginia Legislature Private Resources Virginia Resources Authority Department of Housing and Urban Development Rural Development Department of Energy Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Protection Agency Small Business Administration Office of Surface Mining Federal Legislators State Resources Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Virginia Economic Development Partnership Virginia Department of Business Assistance Virginia Tourism Corporation ia Department of Environmental Quality ia Department of Health ia Tobacco Indemnification & Community Revital Commission Virgi ia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy ia Department of Transportation ia Department of Conservation and Recreation Legislature Private Resources ia Resources Authority Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 70 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 71 Appalachian Sustainable Development Thompson Foundation Nature Conservancy Over its nearly 47 years, the Cumberland Plateau has worked with its local governments and agencies to bring in about 500 million in federal, state, and regional grant and low-interest loan funds for infrastructure projects. This effort has enabled huge advances in economic diversification and the quality of life in the District. E. Economic Development: Potentials and Constraints a. Analysis of Potentials The Cumberland Plateau Planning District is already noted for the willingness of its local governments to work together to improve their quality of life. Cumberland Plateau is one of the oldest rural regional economic development agencies in the state, and local government support of the PDC and regionalism is strong and entrenched. The result has been the implementation of several joint activities that other districts around the state are just now beginning. These and other strengths and opportunities are included here: • The quality of life, strong family values, friendly community environment, low crime rate, safe public schools, low cost of housing, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Region are attractive to workers and employers. The natural beauty of this mountainous area, epitomized in the Breaks Interstate Park, Burkes Garden, The Channels Park and the Appalachian Sustainable Development Thompson Foundation Nature Conservancy Over its nearly 47 years, the Cumberland Plateau has worked with its local governments and agencies to bring in about 500 million in federal, state, and regional grant and low-interest loan funds for infrastructure projects. This effort has enabled huge advances in economic diversification and the quality of life in the District. E. Economic Development: Potentials and Constraints a. Analysis of Potenti The Cumberland Plateau Planning District is already noted for the willingness of its local governments to work together to improve their quality of life. Cumberland Plateau is one of the oldest rural regional economic development agencies in the state, and local government support of the PDC and regionalism is strong and entrenched. The result has been the implementation of several joint activities that other districts around the state are just now beginning. These and other strengths and opportunities are included here: © The quality of life, strong family values, friendly community environment, low crime rate, safe public schools, low cost of housing, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Region are attractive to workers and employers. ‘The natural beauty of this mountainous area, epitomized in the Breaks Interstate Park, Burkes Garden, The Channels Park and the Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 71 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 72 Pinnacles Park, is breathtaking. • Regional cooperation is strong among the PDC and its local governments and economic development organizations, as evidenced by the creation of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the industrial marketing effort for the PDC and LENOWISCO, the Virginia Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority, the Virginia Coalfields Coalition, and the Coalfield Water Development Fund all of which are joint efforts of the Cumberland Plateau and LENOW1SCO PDC's. • The district, through the Cumberland Plateau Company and the Virginia Coalfield Coalition, is deploying an excellent telecommunication infrastructure, with both fiber optic broadband and wireless 4G service. When the project is completed, the broadband network will consist of over 700 miles of fiber backbone and middle mile fiber and service to 38 cell towers providing 4G service to about 80 percent of residents in the region. This impressive network will place Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO as a top rural area in the nation for broadband services. • The Region's workforce has a proven record of high productivity, low turnover rates, and low absentee rates. • Community colleges, the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center and vocational training schools provide extensive training Pinnacles Park, is breathtaking. . Regional cooperation is strong among the PDC and its local governments and economic development organizations, as evidenced by the creation of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the industri marketing effort for the PDC and LENOWISCO, the Virginia Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority, the Virginia Coalfields Coalition, and the Coalfield Water Development Fund all of which are joint efforts of the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO PDC's. . The district, through the Cumberland Plateau Company and the Virginia Coalfield Co: ion, is deploying an __ excellent telecommunication infrastructure, with both fiber optic broadband and wireless 4G service. When the project is completed, the broadband network will consist of over 700 miles of fiber backbone and middle mile fiber and service to 38 cell towers providing 4G service to about 80 percent of residents in the region. This impressive network will place Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO as a top rural area in the nation for broadband services. . The Region's workforce has a proven record of high productivity, low turnover rates, and low absentee rates. . Community colleges, the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center and vocational training schools provide extensive training Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 72 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 73 opportunities. The new Centers of Excellence will greatly enhance workforce skill levels for advanced manufacturing firms. • Exceptional local incentive programs are provided to assist new and expanding industry, • Power rates are among the lowest in the nation. • The District is part of a 19-county cultural heritage tourism project that has made Southwest Virginia an international tourism destination. • Sustainable development initiatives, which look to creating new jobs in forest products, agriculture, and nature tourism while safeguarding the beauty and environment of the region, are in place. • The Coalfields Expressway, a major four-lane highway that will run from Beckley, West Virginia through Buchanan and Dickenson Counties to Pound, Virginia is in various stages of design and/or construction. Several major industrial sites will be developed along this route. • The District has significant energy resources, including coal, natural gas and wind. As could be expected, the emphasis in the District to diversify has been focused on attracting new service and telecommunication jobs. Our area is no different than most—we hope also to attract higher-paying manufacturing jobs for our citizens. This is especially true in the District because the labor force, primarily made up of unemployed coal miners, has been used to finding good-paying jobs in the basic industry sector. Because our labor force is large and equipped with skills in welding, opportunities. The new Centers of Excellence will greatly enhance workforce skill levels for advanced manufacturing firms, . Exceptional local incentive programs are provided to assist new and expanding industry, . Power rates are among the lowest in the nation, . The District is part of a 19-county cultural heritage tourism project that has made Southwest Virginia an international tourism des © Sustainable development initiatives, which look to creating new jobs in forest products, agi ulture, and nature tourism while safeguarding the beauty and environment of the region, are in place. . The Coalfields Expressway, a major four-lane highway that will run from Beckley, West Virginia through Buchanan and Dickenson Counties to Pound, Virginia is in various stages of design and/or construction. Several major industrial sites will be developed along this route. © The District has significant energy resources, including coal, natural gas and wind. As could be expected, the emphasis in the District to diversify has been focused on attracting new service and telecommunication jobs. Our area is no different than This most—we hope also to attract higher-paying manufacturing jobs for our citizens. 1 is especially true in the District because the labor force, primarily made up of unemployed coal miners, has been used to finding good-paying jobs in the basic industry sector. Because our labor force is large and equipped with skills in welding, Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 73 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 74 metal fabrication, electronics and mechanics, we have excellent potential for attracting automotive firms, equipment manufacturers and other basic industries. State marketing concerns have focused on our labor force characteristics and are bringing prospects in these fields to our area. These efforts should result in reemployment of a number of our unemployed miners. While the majority of local efforts are aimed at attracting basic industry jobs, the District has a great potential for attracting service sector jobs in the tourism and recreation areas. There is a good supply of recreational and tourist attractions spread through-out the four-county region. All of the counties have easy access to Breaks Interstate Park, which is located on the Virginia-Kentucky border with most of the Park's 4,500 acres falling within Dickenson County. The Park boasts the largest Canyon east of the Mississippi, carved out by the Russell Fork River, and nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the South". Potential for this park to be developed into a major tourist attraction is significant. It is truly a unique and magnificent natural scenic wonder. This park has the potential to bring tens of thousands of tourists to the District and create many more jobs. Another recreational site in Dickenson County is the John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, which is located five miles from Haysi on the Pound River, a tributary of the Russell Fork River. Visitors to the Reservoir enjoy opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and boating. It is an especially fine small and large mouth bass lake. Another asset to the area is the fact that the TransAmerica Bike Trail bisects metal fabrication, electronics and mechanics, we have excellent potential for attracting automotive firms, equipment manufacturers and other basic industries. State marketing concerns have focused on our labor force characteristics and are bringing prospects in these fields to our area, These efforts should result in reemployment of a number of our unemployed miners. While the majority of local efforts are aimed at attracting basic industry jobs, the District has a great potential for attracting service sector jobs in the tourism and recreation areas. There is a good supply of recreational and tourist attractions spread through-out the four-county region. All of the counties have easy access to Breaks Interstate Park, which is located on the Virginia-Kentucky border with most of the Park's 4,500 acres falling within Dickenson County. The Park boasts the largest Canyon east of the Mississippi, carved out by the Russell Fork River, and nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the South". Potential for this park to be developed into a major tourist attraction is significant. It is truly a unique and magnificent natural scenic wonder. This park has the potential to bring tens of thousands of tourists to the District and create many more jobs. Another recreational site in Dickenson County is the John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, which is located five miles from Haysi on the Pound River, a tributary of the Russell Fork River. Visitors to the Reservoir enjoy opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and boating. It is an esp fine small and large mouth bass lake. Another asset to the area is the fact that the TransAmerica Bike Trail bisects Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 74 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 75 the District along Route 80 from Hayters Gap in Russell County through Council in Buchanan County to the Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County. Established in 1976 for the Bicenntenial, the trail is still used by hundreds of bicyclists every year and is the nation’s most traveled bike trail extending from Yorktown, Virginia to Astoria, Oregon. More could be done to accommodate these tourists and give them a chance to spend more than one day in the District. The Towns of Haysi and Honaker are planning an event across Big A Mountain, one of the steepest climbs on the Trail. The four counties share access to Jefferson National Forest, a 690,000 acre forest located in central Southwest Virginia. Russell and Tazewell Counties both claim small portions of this forest's huge acreage and its many recreational attractions, including the beautiful Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area and the Channels State Forest. Jefferson National Forest has recently received media attention for becoming the nation's first forest to actively promote tourism rather than simply waiting for people to ask for information. The District also has several points of historical interest that could bring tourists to the area. One of the most significant ones is the Daniel Boone National Historic Trail which crosses the District in Russell County. Castlewood, in western Russell County, is the site of Fort Castle's Woods, one of the early frontier forts on the Clinch River. It was from here that Daniel Boone tracked the Indians who kidnapped and killed one of his sons. Portions of the old frontier trail to Cumberland Gap are still present. If the National Park Service pursues development of this project, it could be a major tourist attraction. Another historic asset is the Fincastle Trail, an off-shoot of the National the District along Route 80 from Hayters Gap in Russell County through Council in Buchanan County to the Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County. Established in 1976 for the Bicenntenial, the trail used by hundreds of bicyclists every year and is the nation’s most traveled bike trail extending from Yorktown, Virginia to Astoria, Oregon. More could be done to accommodate these tourists and give them a chance to spend more than one day in the District. The Towns of Haysi and Honaker are planning an event across Big A Mountain, one of the steepest climbs on the Trail. The four counties share access to Jefferson National Forest, a 690,000 acre forest located in central Southwest Virginia. Russell and Tazewell Counties both claim small portions of this forest's huge acreage and its many recreational attractions, including the beautiful Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area and the Channels State Forest. Jefferson National Forest has recently received media attention for becoming the nation’s first forest to actively promote tourism rather than simply waiting for people to ask for information. The District also has several points of historical interest that could bring tourists to the area. One of the most significant ones is the Daniel Boone National Historic Trail which crosses the District in Russell County. Castlewood, in western Russell County, is the site of Fort Castle's Woods, one of the early frontier forts on the Clinch River. It was from here that Daniel Boone tracked the Indians who kidnapped and killed one of his sons. Portions of the old frontier trail to Cumberland Gap are still present. If the National Park Service pursues development of this project, could be a major tourist attraction. Another historic asset is the Fincastle Trail, an off-shoot of the National Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 75 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 76 Migration Trail which ran from Philadelphia west and then southwest through the Valley of Virginia and eventually to the Cumberland Gap. Portions of this trail are still visible. Also, near the Town of Tazewell, is the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park, located on 110 acres of land designated as a prehistoric and historic site by the Virginia Division of Historic Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum presents the history of Tazewell County and Southwest Virginia from five hundred and seventy million years ago to the present time. A new initiative seeks to promote economic opportunities along the Clinch River, North America’s most bio-diverse river. Communities along the river have joined to promote a Clinch River State Park, more access points for canoeists and kayakers, environmental education programs, a water quality initiative and a downtown revitalization effort. Other sites of historic interest in the target area include: the Town of Pocahontas, which has been placed on the Virginia Register and the National Register as a historic preservation zone; the Old Russell County Courthouse, designated as a Virginia historic landmark and placed on the State Register; and the Cedar Bluff Roller Mills, placed on both the State and National Registers for historic places. All of these places collectively offer an interesting variety of historical attractions for tourists. b. Problems and Constraints The Cumberland Plateau Planning District, despite many strengths, still has to deal with some issues that pose significant constraints and barriers to the Migration Trail which ran from Philadelphia west and then southwest through the Valley of Virginia and eventually to the Cumberland Gap. Portions of this trail are still visible. Also, near the Town of Tazewell, is the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park, located on 110 acres of land designated as a prehistoric and historic site by the Virginia Division of Historic Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum presents the history of Tazewell County and Southwest Virginia from five hundred and seventy million years ago to the present time. A new iative seeks to promote economic opportunities along the Clinch River, North America’s most bio-diverse river. Communities along the river have joined to promote a Clinch River State Park, more access points for canoeists and kayakers, environmental education programs, a water quality initiative and a downtown revitalization effort. Other sites of historic interest in the target area include: the Town of Pocahontas, which has been placed on the Virginia Register and the National Register as a historic preservation zone; the Old Russell County Courthouse, designated as a Virginia historic landmark and placed on the State Register; and the Cedar Bluff Roller Mills, placed on both the State and National Registers for historic places. All of these places collectively offer an interesting variety of historical attractions for tourists. b. Problems and Constraints The Cumberland Plateau Planning District, despite many strengths, still has to deal with some issues that pose significant constraints and barriers to the Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 76 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 77 District's overall economic development Most of these issues are related to the reality that the District is mountainous, making the acquisition and development of large industrial sites, infrastructure, housing, community facilities, and highways extremely costly. Many of these issues have been identified through various strategic planning exercises that have taken place recently in the region. The Cumberland Plateau revisited these issues and identified several current significant constraints and barriers to the District's overall economic recovery and prioritized them. They are as follows: • Topography offers many constraints to development. Roads are difficult and expensive to build, industrial sites are hard to find and expensive to buy and develop, and public utilities, such as water and sewer systems, are costly to construct. • There is a lack of capital from local lending institutions, and of affordable space for complimentary technical support to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs. • The District's labor force generally has lower levels of educational attainment because there is a lack of job opportunities for high school and college graduates. This has led to outmigration of many of our most educated citizens. • There are few large (50-100 acre) industrial sites in the District that so many industries are now requiring. • There is a lack of quality market-rate housing, especially rental housing, in the District. District's overall economic development Most of these issues are related to the reality that the District is mountainous, making the acquisition and development of large industrial sites, infrastructure, housing, community facilities, and highways extremely costly. Many of these issues have been identified through various strategic planning exercises that have taken place recently in the region. The Cumberland Plateau revisited these issues and identified several current significant constraints and barriers to the District's overall economic recovery and prioritized them. They are as follows: . Topography offers many constraints to development. Roads are difficult and expensive to build, industrial sites are hard to find and expensive to buy and develop, and public utilities, such as water and sewer systems, are costly to construct. . there is a lack of capital from local lending institutions, and of affordable space for complimentary technical support to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs. * The District's labor force generally has lower levels of educational attainment because there is a lack of job opportunities for high school and college graduates. This has led to outmigration of many of our most educated citizens. «There are few large (50-100 acre) industrial sites in the District that so many industries are now requiring. © There is a lack of quality market-rate housing, especially rental housing, in the District. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 77 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 78 • The region lacks a significant growth center or centers. While these are considered the most significant constraints and barriers to economic recovery, some of these are directly related to our potential strengths and listed previously. For instance, the lack of an interstate highway and the sometimes chaotic growth it brings may be a large reason that our District's natural beauty is somewhat unspoiled. And some of the impediments have another side of the coin. The District's labor force, for example, does have lower educational attainment levels, largely because many older persons quit school early to go to work in the coal mines because the salaries and benefits were so good. Now, many are unemployed. But as new industries come in, they are finding that many of these dislocated miners who worked in a highly mechanized industry have a multitude of skills that make them ideal employees. The District will look to redefine some of these perceptions and make positives where negatives once resided. © The region lacks a significant growth center or centers. While these are considered the most significant constraints and barriers to economic recovery, some of these are directly related to our potential strengths and listed previously. For instance, the lack of an interstate highway and the som es chaotic growth it brings may be a large reason that our District's natural beauty is somewhat unsp d. And some of the impediments have another side of the coin. The District's labor force, for example, does have lower educational attainment levels, largely because many older persons quit school early to go to work in the coal mines because the salaries and benefits were so good. Now, many are unemployed. But as new industries come in, they are fin g that many of these dislocated miners who worked in a highly mechanized industry have a mu ude of skills that make them ideal employees. The District will look to redefine some of these perceptions and make po where negatives once resided. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 78 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 79 3. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES A. Goals The goals and objectives defining regional expectations were developed by the EDD staff in cooperation with the CEDS Committee, local governments and other regional organizations. The CEDS Committee and local government representatives reviewed information submitted by the staff and discussed it in committee meetings. The CEDS Committee set priorities for goals and objectives based on activities already underway, the opportunities available to meet the goals and objectives, as well as the impact each goal and objective would have on addressing economic development needs in the District. Goal No. 1 -- Economic Development/Tourism Diversify the District's economic base in order to reduce dependence on coal mining and improve the ability of local governments to foster new or expanding business, especially in the target industries of information technology, automotive, clean and alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, aquaculture and wood products and in the field of asset – based development. A more robust regional marketing effort is needed to focus on our strengths to attract more industrial prospects and locations. Attract more tourists through the development of more and better park and recreation facilities, especially trails, and through partnerships with state and regional cultural heritage initiatives. Promote outdoor recreation, such as white water rafting, hiking, ATV trails and rock climbing, in the region. 3. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES A. Goals The goals and objectives defining regional expectations were developed by the EDD staff in cooperation with the CEDS Committee, local governments and other regional organizations. The CEDS Committee and local government representatives reviewed information submitted by the staff and discussed it in committee meetings. The CEDS Committee set priorities for goals and objectives based on activities already underway, the opportunities available to meet the goals and objectives, as well as the impact each goal and objective would have on addressing economic development needs in the District. Goal No. 1 ~ Economic Development/Tourism Diversify the District's economic base in order to reduce dependence on coal mining and improve the ability of local governments to foster new or expanding business, especially in the target industries of information technology, automotive, clean and alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, aquaculture and wood products and in the field of asset — based development, A more robust regional marketing effort is needed to focus on our strengths to attract more industrial prospects and locations. Attract more tourists through the development of more and better park and recreation facilities, especially trails, and through partnerships with state and regional cultural heritage initiatives. Promote outdoor recreation, such fe water rafting, hiking, ATV trails and rock climbing, in the region. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 79 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 80 Goal No. 2 – Workforce Development/Education Provide a highly trained work force by effectively using K-12 public school system, WIB Programs, SWCC’s Fast Track Training Program and the programs and facilities of the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center, UVA-Wise and Bluefield College. Support the development of Centers of Excellence in the District and Southwest Virginia to meet the workforce needs of advanced manufacturers. Encourage the continued development of graduate schools in the District in partnership with area 4- year colleges and other institutions. Address regional opportunities to improve K-12 education systems in the District, to better prepare its young people for 21st century jobs. Goal No. 3 -- Infrastructure Development Work to provide public water and sewer service, waste management programs, broadband and wireless infrastructure and natural gas service in existing areas of population concentration and in areas targeted for residential, commercial and industrial development. Goal No. 4 – Transportation Encourage the continued development of a transportation network and public transportation that will enhance safer highways and provide better access to District industrial sites and to major trade markets and to the District’s unique cultural heritage and outdoor recreation assets. Goal No. 5 – Asset-based Development Create quality jobs to build sustainable local economies through the support Goal No. 2 ~ Workforce Development/Education Provide a highly trained work force by effectively using K-12 public school system, WIB Programs, SWCC’s Fast Track Trai ing Program and the programs and facilities of the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center, UVA-Wise and Bluefield College. Support the development of Centers of Excellence in the District and Southwest Virginia to meet the workforce needs of advanced manufacturers. Encourage the continued development of graduate schools in the District in partnership with area 4- year colleges and other institutions. Address regional opportunities to improve K-12 education systems in the District, to better prepare its young people for 21* century jobs. Goal No. 3 ~ Infrastructure Development Work to provide public water and sewer service, waste management programs, broadband and wireless infrastructure and natural gas service in existing areas of population concentration and in areas targeted for residential, commercial and industrial development. Goal Ni ‘ansportation Encourage the continued development of a transportation network and public transportation that will enhance safer highways and provide better access to District industrial sites and to major trade markets and to the District’s unique cultural heritage and outdoor recreation assets. Goal No. 5— Asset-based Development Create quality jobs to build sustainable local economies through the support Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 80 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 81 of value-added businesses and asset-based development strategies, especially in the areas of wood products (alternative fuels from wood chips), agri- technology (aquaculture), agriculture (produce and livestock), cultural and natural heritage tourism and outdoor recreation. Goal No. 6 – Natural Resources Promote the proper use of natural resources, such as coal, natural gas and timber. Encourage natural resource development using clean coal technology, alternative energy and hydro-electric technologies that will create the most jobs while protecting the natural environment. Support research programs at Dickenson Center for Education and Research and other regional research facilities. Support the use of natural gas locally as an economic development incentive. Support the development of wind and solar energy projects. Goal No. 7 -- Physical Environment Encourage the achievement of a healthful, pleasing and efficient environment which encompasses a diversity of living patterns and provides for a broad range of choice for each citizen. Promote the revitalization of the District’s downtowns. This goal relates to the needs of all citizens as they pertain to land use, community facilities, utilities, transportation and environment. Goal No. 8 – Entrepreneurship Support the development of entrepreneurship initiatives in the District, especially for the development of small businesses in the District’s downtowns. of value-added businesses and asset-based development strategies, especially in the areas of wood products (alternative fuels from wood chips), agri- technology (aquaculture), agriculture (produce and livestock), cultural and natural heritage tourism and outdoor recreation. Goal No. 6 — Natural Resources Promote the proper use of natural resources, such as coal, natural gas and timber. Encourage natural resource development using clean coal technology, alternative energy and hydro-electric technologies that will create the most jobs while protecting the natural environment. Support research programs at Dickenson Center for Education and Research and other regional research facilities. Support the use of natural gas locally as an economic development incentive. Support the development of wind and solar energy projects. Goal No. 7 ~ Physical Environment Encourage the achievement of a healthful, pleasing and efficient environment which encompasses a diversity of living patterns and provides for a broad range of choice for each citizen. Promote the revitalization of the District's downtowns. This goal relates to the needs of all citizens as they pertain to land use, community facilities, utilities, transportation and environment. Goal No. 8— Entrepreneurship Support the development of entrepreneurship initiatives in the District, especially for the development of small businesses in the District’s downtowns. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 81 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 82 Goal No. 9 – Housing Support the expansion of the range of housing opportunities for all District citizens. Goal No. 10 – Health & Substance Abuse Support the development and expansion of medical facilities and programs to address the unique health and substance abuse needs of the region’s citizens and its workforce. B. Objectives Short-Term 1. Work with regional and local entities to create one large mega-site for industrial growth in the Virginia Coalfields region. 2. Work to create and/or maintain a minimum of one thousand (1,000) jobs over the next five (5) year period. 3. Develop new and/or promote existing business and technology parks of at least one hundred acres in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell Counties. 4. Continue to work with Federal and State Agencies to plan and develop water and sewer projects that are essential to future economic growth. The availability of water and sewer should increase by a minimum of ten percent over the next five (5) years. 5. Work with Appalachian Sustainable Development and other private organizations to develop sustainable development programs in the Goal No. 9 — Housin; Support the expansion of the range of housing opportunities for all District citizens. Goal No. 10 — Health & Substance Abuse Support the development and expansion of medical facilities and programs to address the unique health and substance abuse needs of the region’s citizens and its workforce. B. Objectives Work with regional and local entities to create one large mega-site for industrial growth in the Virginia Coalfields region. Work to create and/or maintain a minimum of one thousand (1,000) jobs over the next five (5) year period, Develop new and/or promote existing business and technology parks of at least one hundred acres in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell Counties. Continue to work with Federal and State Agencies to plan and develop water and sewer projects that are essential to future economic growth, The availability of water and sewer should increase by a minimum of ten percent over the next five (5) years. Work with Appalachian Sustainable Development and other private organizations to develop sustainable development programs in the Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 82 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 83 areas of wood products, organic agriculture (produce and livestock), and nature tourism. 6. Encourage the completion of the Coalfields Expressway which links the District to I-77 and U.S. 23. Work to improve State Route 80 to the Breaks Interstate Park, as well as Rt. 83 at Lover’s Gap and Rt. 460. Also other secondary highways in the Six-Year Plan. These projects will substantially improve the District's ability to foster tourism and industrial development. 7. Work to support the efforts of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, The Crooked Road, ‘Round the Mountain, Heartwood, Appalachian Spring, the Coal Heritage Trail, Spearhead Trails, and other trails to make Southwest Virginia a world-class destination for cultural heritage and outdoor recreational tourism. 8. Effectively use the WIB and other training programs to upgrade and expand the work-force available to industry by providing customized training to meet the needs of individual industries. Support the development of a workforce training facilities in the District and Southwest Virginia as part of the Centers of Excellence effort in advanced manufacturing. 9. Develop expanded business and industrial marketing programs. This will be accomplished in association with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Develop- ment Authority, Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, local areas of wood products, organic agriculture (produce and livestock), and nature tourism. 6. Encourage the completion of the Coalfields Expressway which links the District to I-77 and U.S. 23. Work to improve State Route 80 to the Breaks Interstate Park, as well as Rt. 83 at Lover’s Gap and Rt. 460. Also other secondary highways in the Six-Year Plan. These projects will substantially improve the District's ability to foster tourism and industrial development. 7. Work to support the efforts of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, The Crooked Road, ‘Round the Mountain, Heartwood, Appalachian Spring, the Coal Heritage Trail, Spearhead Trails, and other trails to make Southwest Virginia a world-class destination for cultural heritage and outdoor recreational tourism. 8. Effectively use the WIB and other training programs to upgrade and expand the work-force available to industry by providing customized training to meet the needs of individual industries. Support the development of a workforce training facilities in the District and Southwest Virginia as part of the Centers of Excellence effort in advanced manufacturing. 9, — Develop expanded business and industrial marketing programs. This ia Economic il be accomplished in association with the Virgi Development Partnership, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Develop- ment Authority, Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, local Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 83 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 84 IDA’s and other development partners. 10. Complete Regional Broadband and Wireless Projects to bring Broadband infrastructure to the entire District using fiber and wireless technologies. 11. Develop a downtown revitalization program for the Towns of Lebanon and Tazewell. 12. Work with LENOWISCO and Appalachian Prosperity Project to develop and/or expand regional entrepreneurship, health and wellness/outdoor recreation blueprints. 13. Work to support the creation of a Clinch River State Park and a collaborative community development strategy for the towns along the Clinch River. 14. Work to support the creation of a municipal natural gas utility in the Towns of Richlands and Tazewell and Tazewell County, and the entire region. 15. Support continued improvements at the Breaks Interstate Park, The Pinnacle and The Channels Parks. Long-Term 1. Create three thousand (3,000) new non-coal related jobs over the next ten (10) years. IDA’s and other development partners. 10. Complete Regional Broadband and Wireless Projects to bring Broadband infrastructure to the entire District using fiber and wireless technologies. 11, Develop a downtown revitalization program for the Towns of Lebanon and Tazewell. 12. Work with LENOWISCO and Appalachian Prosperity Project to develop and/or expand regional entrepreneurship, health and wellness/outdoor recreation blueprints. 13. Work to support the creation of a Clinch River State Park and a collaborative community development strategy for the towns along the Clinch River. 14, Work to support the creation of a mun Towns of Richlands and Tazewell and Tazewell County, and the entire region. 15. Support continued improvements at the Breaks Interstate Park, The Pinnacle and The Channels Parks. Long-Term 1, Create three thousand (3,000) new non-coal related jobs over the next ten (10) years. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 84 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 85 4. COMMUNITY & PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION Over the years of its existence, the CPPDC has nurtured a strong relationship with the private sector through the involvement of private sector leaders in the development of its CEDS, the marketing of its Revolving Loan Fund, and through membership of District staff on the Board of Directors of several regional economic development agencies and organizations. The District’s Executive Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, Friends of Southwest Virginia, The Crooked Road; Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, ‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network, Appalachian Spring, Appalachian Sustainable Development and other boards with significant private sector membership. Through the creation of the Virginia Coalfield Coalition, the CPPDC has been involved in a wireless 4G initiative in partnership with Verizon Wireless. This initiative will bring 4G coverage to the coalfields region of Virginia, making it one of the first rural areas in the nation with 4G service. This $26 million project will greatly enhance the quality of life in the region and increase industrial retention and recruitment in the area. Through the District’s broadband infrastructure project, over 1,000 private businesses and institutions, public and private, now have access to high speed, redundant broadband services. The District’s relationship with the private sector has never been stronger. 4. COMMUNITY & PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION Over the years of its existence, the CPPDC has nurtured a strong relationship with the private sector through the involvement of private sector leaders in the development of its CEDS, the marketing of its Revolving Loan Fund, and through membership of District staff on the Board of Directors of several regional economic development agencies and organizations. The District’s Executive Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, Friends of Southwest Virginia, The Crooked Road; Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, ‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network, Appalachian Spring, Appalachian Sustainable Development and other boards with significant private sector membership. Through the creation of the Virginia Coalfield Coalition, the CPPDC has been involved in a wireless 4G initiative in partnership with Verizon Wireless. This ative will bring 4G coverage to the coalfields region of Virginia, making it one of the first rural areas in the nation with 4G service. This $26 million project will greatly enhance the quality of life in the region and increase industrial retention and recruitment in the area. Through the District’s broadband infrastructure project, over 1,000 private businesses and institutions, public and private, now have access to high speed, redundant broadband services. The District’s relationship with the private sector has never been stronger. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 85 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 86 5. STRATEGIC PROJECTS, PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES Based on the basic needs identified in the Regional Analysis, the following vital projects were identified by the staff and CEDS Committee and were prioritized to meet the goals previously set forth. There are two priority categories. Priority 1 projects are those construction projects which are in advanced stages of planning and/or development. Priority 2 projects are construction projects in the formative stage or early planning stages of development. Priority 3 projects which involve non-construction planning and technical assistance, are not listed. These are on going from year to year. 5. STRATEGIC PROJECTS, PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES Based on the basic needs identified in the Regional Analysis, the following vital projects were identified by the staff and CEDS Committee and were prio ized to meet the goals previously set forth. There are two priority categories. Priority 1 projects are those construction projects which are in advanced stages of planning and/or development. Priority 2 projects are construction projects in the formative stage or early planning stages of development. Priority 3 projects which involve non-construction planning and technical assistance, are not listed. These are on going from year to year. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 86 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 87 ‘COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY--PRIORITY PROJECTS, Cumberland Plateau Planning Distriet Commission amuary £,2016—December 31, 2016 PROJKCI PRIORITY DESCRIPTION FUNDING SOURCE. AMOUNT Goal Southem Gap 1 Development of 3200aere ARC $4,000,000 1 Industrial Park! IndustialCommerciaHousing CDBG 1.000.000 Mulit-tise Development Project Site and supporting nfasiuciure EDA 2,000,000 (Buchanan County) tnd roed development ‘Tob. Comm 400,000 cba cal Dickenson Center for 1A workforee taining & EDA 1,000,000 Education and Research technology center fo cuba 1,800,000 Phase 2 clean energy, development, CDBG 00,000, (ickenson Covnty) ‘oer RAD buiseses Bluestone Business 1——_Development of sites and EDA $2,000.00 1 and Technology Center infrastructure in Bus Tech Center ARC 500,000 (Tavewell Co.) cone 700,000 RD 1,000,000 Tab. Comm, 2,000,000 Laat 2,000,000 Bluestone Workforce 2A. workforce waning facility EDA $2,000,000 1 Training Center for IT, AM, and energy Tob. Comm. 72,000,000 (Tazewell Co) development RD 000,000 Local 1,000,000 Doe Branch Business Park Development ofa large business $2,000,000 1 (Dickenson Co.) and industrial park near 500,000 Baysi 700,000, 4,000,000 500,000, Red Onion Development of ge $2,000,000 1 Industria Park ‘regional indusral park on 500,000 (Dickenson County) Dickenson/Wise Co, Border 2,000,000 3,000,000 500,000 Russell Co, Regional Business Development of 1s0-asr6 EDA 2,000,000 1 and Technology Park Phase 2 business an technology Tob. Comm, 2,000,000 (Russell Co.) 2 pak Local To00,000 Castlewood Sewer- 1 Sewer Ext cpaG 8 850,000 2 Phase tb to serve Castlewood Community Local 32,000 (Bossell County) RD 2,203,064 Hurley Community 1——_~Extenscm of public 4799852 ‘Water Project Phase water to households ‘cona 000,000 6 SwyWiww "200,000 (Boehanan County) cwDr 200,000 Local 1,058,890 Spearhead Trail 1 Multi-Use Trait te si,000,000 8 (istrict) System EDA Local Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 87 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 88 PROUECT PRIOR’ TORRTM T Heartwood (District) Ramey/460 Sewer Project 1 (Tazewell County) Richlands Natural Gas 1 Utility Projet Regional Wireless 1 Project CClinehoo(Cenenniat 1 eights Sewer Replacement Project (Diekenson County) Falls Mills Adult Dayeare (Tazewell County) Project Jonah 1 ‘Tazewell County) SSCRIPLION Regional Cura heritage nttives Sever extension support business expansion Expansion ofa egional 4G network projet Sewerline improvements to support growth in Hayst and Clineheo Renovation of vacant school ‘uildng into an ad dayne faciliy Large aquacultare projet in Richlinds Priory | - Project ean be implemented in one to two years Priority 2- Projet wil take two or moe years to implement. "Note: Te environmental impact ofeach project has not been a ‘completed on each project during the application stage. Based on EDD staf knowledge, none ofthese projets are expected to have a significant environmental impact. bor DMMB. CEDA Toeal ARC DEG DEQ cpac RSS Thompson Foundation Short Foundation Bll Skews Foundation EDA Private VCEDA Other CPPDC RLE AMOUNT 1,000,000 300,000 1,000,000 00,000 200,000, $1,831,385 $10,000,000 1,000,000, 1,900,000 2,000,000 $ 1,000,000 200,000 1,500,000 Ss 300,000 200,000, 5 1,000,000 1000,000, 1/300,000 200,000, 1,500,000 $ 2,000,000 104,187,300 114,000,000 38,000,000 125,000 Goal ® lyzed in any dil. An environmental astessment wil be Note:The primary responsibility for implementing these projects rests with CPPDC staff. Coordination withthe various Toca state, etal, and private agencies wil be eared out bythe CPPDC. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 88 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 89 6. ACTION PLAN A. Development Strategy The Cumberland Plateau Planning District is a victim of economic dislocations in the coal mining industry. Since the turn of the century the District economy has relied on the coal industry to provide jobs for its people. The nature of the coal industry has always been one of "boom" and "bust", thus, creating an unstable economic base. It is essential that the CEDS Committee and the Planning District staff understand the structure of the economy and the factors which have led to economic distress if the District is to develop economically in the future. The District action plan will focus, as it has for most of its existence, on diversification. Most of the District's effort in the past has been on development of the infrastructure that is a prerequisite for industrial development. Highways, water and sewer, and industrial site development have been the main elements in the District's development program. The District’s Regional Broadband and Wireless projects, as well as sustainable development and cultural heritage initiatives, have recently been added to this Program. In the last three (3) years, a regional outdoor recreation initiative, Appalachian Spring, has been added. There remains much work to be done in these areas, but the primary thrust in the future will be on recruiting new or expanding businesses and industries in telecommunications and advanced manufacturing to the area and to insuring that local workforce and K-12 education improvements are made. Industrial parks and sites will be prepared to meet the needs of both small and large industries. A major effort is now underway to create a mega-site in the coalfields region. The District ACTION PLAN A. Development Strategy The Cumberland Plateau Planning District is a victim of economic dislocations in the coal mining industry. Since the turn of the century the District economy has relied on the coal industry to provide jobs for its people. The nature of the coal industry has always been one of "boom" and "bust", thus, creating an unstable economic base. It is essential that the CEDS Committee and the Planning District staff understand the structure of the economy and the factors which have led to economic distress if the District is to develop economically in the future. The District action plan will focus, as it has for most of its existence, on diversification. Most of the 's effort in the past has been on development of the infrastructure that is a prerequisite for industrial development. Highways, water and sewer, and industrial site development have been the main elements in the Di 's development program. The District’s Regional Broadband and Wireless projects, as well as sustainable development and cultural heritage initiatives, have recently been added to this Program. In the last three (3) years, a regional outdoor recreation initiative, Appalachian Spring, has been added. There remains much work to be done in these areas, but the primary thrust in the future will be on recruiting new or expanding businesses and industries in telecommunications and advanced manufacturing to the area and to insuring that local workforce and K-12 education improvements are made. Industrial parks and sites will be prepared to meet the needs of both small and large industries. A major effort is now underway to create a mega-site in the coalfields region. The District Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 89 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 90 will continue to work with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Friends of Southwest Virginia and local IDA’s and others to market the area to businesses and industries seeking to expand. In this spirit, the District CEDS Committee has identified the opportunity to obtain funding from the recent POWER Initiative created by the federal government and the proposed POWER Plus Program to support the advanced manufacturing and outdoor recreation sectors of the regional economy. A consortium of PDCs, Community Colleges, workforce training organizations, private industry groups and others received a POWER grant to support entrepreneurial and infrastructure needs to address some of the obstacles to economic growth in the district. The action plan has many facets, including the following: 1. Increase availability and utilization of financial and other industrial location incentives. 2. Enhance skill training programs and their linkages with industry and access to these facilities. 3. Increase inventory of industrial buildings and developed land. 4. Improve entrepreneurial opportunities, especially for unemployed workers and managers. 5. Improve financing and other support mechanisms and provide a better climate for small business entrepreneurism and expansion, especially tourism-related businesses that might locate in revitalized will continue to work with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Friends of Southwest Virgi and local IDA’s and others to market the area to businesses and industries seeking to expand. In this spirit, the District CEDS Committee has identified the opportunity to obtain funding from the recent POWER Initiative created by the federal government and the proposed POWER Plus Program to support the advanced manufacturing and outdoor recreation sectors of the regional economy. A consortium of PDCs, Community Colleges, workforce training organizations, private industry groups and others received a POWER grant to support entrepreneurial and infrastructure needs to address some of the obstacles to economic growth in the district. The action plan has many facets, including the following: and other industrial 1, Increase availability and utilization of financi: location incentives. 2. Enhance skill training programs and their linkages with industry and access to these facilities. 3. __ Increase inventory of industrial buildings and developed land. 4. Improve entrepreneurial opportunities, especially for unemployed workers and managers, 5. Improve financing and other support mechanisms and provide a better climate for sm: I business entreprencurism and expansion, especially tourism-related businesses that might locate in revitalized Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 90 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 91 downtown districts. 6. Develop facilities and special support programs suitable for small and medium-sized firms which will help diversify the economy. 7. Improve area highway network and other transportation access, especially the Coalfields Expressway. 8. Increase the number and improve the quality of area water and sewer systems. 9. Develop programs to add value to coal before it is shipped elsewhere (e.g., clean coal technologies). 10. Improve tourism facilities and access to park areas as well as other commercial infrastructure. 11. Strengthen economic development planning capabilities. 12. Improve public and private attitudes and support for development plans. 13. Develop and implement improved area - specific industrial and business marketing and recruitment programs. 14. Provide the region with a ubiquitous state-of-the-art telecommunications system. 15. Support improvements in K-12 and higher education to address educational attainment challenges. 16. Support the improvement and development of the District’s health care facilities, especially in the area of substance abuse. 8. 10. ta 12. 13. 14. 16. downtown di ‘ts. Develop facilities and special support programs suitable for small and medium-sized firms which will help diversify the economy. Improve area highway network and other transportation access, especially the Coalfields Expressway. Increase the number and improve the quality of area water and sewer systems. Develop programs to add value to coal before it is shipped elsewhere (c.g., clean coal technologies). Improve tourism facilities and access to park areas as well as other commercial infrastructure. Strengthen economic development planning capabilities. Improve public and private attitudes and support for development plans. Develop and implement improved area - specific industrial and business marketing and recruitment programs. Provide the region with a ubiquitous state-of-the-art telecommunications system. Support improvements in K-12 and higher education to address educational attainment challenges. Support the improvement and development of the District’s health care facilities, especially in the area of substance abuse. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 91 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 92 B. Implementation Plan/Work Plan 1. Update the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission will undertake a thorough planning process, known as the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), that examines in detail the local conditions of the region and develops a guide for economic growth within the region. The purpose of the CEDS is to establish a process that will create jobs, foster a more stable and diversified economy, and improve the quality of life in the district. It will provide a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of individuals, organizations, and local governments and private industry concerned with economic development. The updated CEDS that the Commission will develop during the process will include sections on the following: description of the problems, needs, potentials, and resources of the District; the District’s visions and goals; the strategic direction for an action plan; established priority programs and projects for implementation; and outline of the performance standards for the annual evaluation and update of the process. The submission of this annual document is a prerequisite for designation of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District as an Economic Development District under the U. S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and to qualify for EDA assistance under its public works, economic adjustment and planning programs. 2. Conduct CEDS Committee Meetings The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission conducts four CEDS Committee meetings each year or as needed. 2 Implementation Plan/Work Plan 1. Update the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) The Cumberland Plateau Plan n will undertake a g District Commi thorough planning process, known as the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), that examines in detail the local conditions of the region and develops a guide for economic growth within the region. The purpose of the CEDS is to establish a process that will create jobs, foster a more stable and diversified economy, and improve the quality of life in the district. It will provide a mechanism for coor ating the efforts of individuals, organizations, and local governments and private industry concerned with economic development. The updated CEDS that the Commission will develop during the process will include sections on the following: description of the problems, needs, potentials, and resources of the District; the District’s visions and goals; the strategic direction for an action plan; established priority programs and projects for implementation; and outline of the performance standards for the annual evaluation and update of the process. The submission of this annual document is a prerequisite for designation of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District as an Economic Development District under the U. S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and to qualify for EDA assistance under its public works, economic adjustment and planning programs. Conduct CEDS Committee Meetings The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission conducts four CEDS Committee meetings each year or as needed. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 92 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 93 3. Update Economic Development Priority Project Profiles for CEDS An important aspect of the Commission’s work is long range planning for economic development projects. Part of this effort is the updating of priority project profiles on potential economic development projects. Localities will be asked during the CEDS process to submit a project profile of their top priority projects. The ranking for each project within the CEDS will be determined based upon such factors as economic need of the locality, feasibility, degree of planning, cost effectiveness, and environmental concerns. As always, conditions may change within a locality and the readiness of the project may change during the year. Therefore, the ranking of the projects may also change during the course of the year. 4. Assist in the Management and Implementation of Current VCDBG Projects The Commission has been very successful in the past several years in assisting Cumberland Plateau Planning District localities in securing Virginia Community Development Block Grant (VCDBG) assistance for new development projects. Presently, the Commission is assisting eight (8) localities in the planning, implementation and/or management of 10 (ten) VCDBG construction projects. These localities include the Towns of Lebanon, Tazewell, Cleveland, Honaker and Haysi, and Dickenson, Tazewell and Buchanan Counties. All of these projects are helping to develop needed community infrastructure improving the quality of life for the project’s area residents. The Commission contracts to assist and advise these localities on matters relating to the implementation and management of these projects. 3. Update Economic Development Priority Project Profiles for CEDS An important aspect of the Commission’s work long range planning for economic development projects. Part of this effort is the updating of priority project profiles on potential economic development projects. Localities will be asked during the CEDS process to submit a project profile of their top prior projects. The ranking for each project within the CEDS will be determined based upon such factors as economic need of the locality, feasibility, degree of planning, cost effectiveness, and environmental concerns. As always, conditions may change within a locality and the readiness of the project may change during the year. Therefore, the ranking of the projects may also change during the course of the year. 4. Assist in the Management and Implementation of Current VCDBG Projects ‘The Commission has been very successful in the past several years in assisting Cumberland Plateau Planning District localities in securing Virginia Community Development Block Grant (VCDBG) assistance for new development projects. Presently, the Commission is assisting eight (8) localities in the planning, plementation and/or management of 10 (ten) VCDBG construction projects. These localities include the Towns of Lebanon, Tazewell, Cleveland, Honaker and Haysi, and Dickenson, Tazewell and Buchanan Counties. All of these projects are helping to develop needed community infrastructure improving the quality of life for the project’s area residents. The Commission contracts to assist and advise these localities on matters relating to the implementation and management of these projects. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 93 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 94 5. Assist in the Development of New VCDBG Projects Presently, the Commission is assisting the Towns of Lebanon and Tazewell in planning for downtown revitalization projects, the Town of Pocahontas in developing a major water system project, Tazewell County with an adult daycare facility project, and Buchanan County in developing one 2016 CDBG water project. The Commission is also assisting several localities in the development of other much needed projects that may be more suited to other funding programs such as ARC, VDH, DEQ, VDOT, RD, VCEDA and the Tobacco Commission. Most successful CDBG projects require funding from other sources. These include: VCEDA – Coalfields Regional Mega-Site Project; Buchanan County – Hurley Phase 7 Water Project and Southern Gap Development Project; Tazewell County – Bluestone Business and Technology Park; Dickenson County-Red Onion Industrial Park and George’s Fork Sewer Project; Russell County-Tunnel Road Water Project; Town of Honaker Heritage Center Project, Town of Haysi Trails Center Project, Cleveland Water System Equipment Project, Cleveland Campground and River Trail Project and Haysi Riverfront Trail Project. The Commission will continue to assist localities in the development of new CDBG projects under this program. 6. Assist in the Development of New EDA Projects The Commission continues to encourage localities in possible use of Economic Development Administration programs for their projects which are listed within the CEDS Priority Project Listing. The Commission will continue to work with localities to develop projects to successfully compete for EDA funding. 5. Assist in the Development of New VCDBG Projects Presently, the Commission is assisting the Towns of Lebanon and Tazewell in planning for downtown revitalization projects, the Town of Pocahontas in developing a major water system project, Tazewell County with an adult daycare facility project, and Buchanan County in developing one 2016 CDBG water project. The Commission is also assisting several localities in the development of other much needed projects that may be more suited to other funding programs such as ARC, VDH, DEQ, VDOT, RD, VCEDA and the Tobacco Commission. Most successful CDBG projects require funding from other sources. These include: VCEDA — Coalfields Regional Mega-Site Project; Buchanan County — Hurley Phase 7 Water Project and Southern Gap Development Project; Tazewell County — Bluestone Business and Technology Park; Dickenson County-Red Onion Industrial Park and George’s Fork Sewer Project; Russell County-Tunnel Road Water Project; Town of Honaker Heritage Center Project, Town of Haysi Trails Center Project, Cleveland Water System Equipment Project, Cleveland Campground and River Trail Project and Haysi Riverfront Trail Project. The Commission will continue to assist localities in the development of new CDBG projects under this progra 6. Assist in the Development of New EDA Projects The Commission continues to encourage localities in possible use of Eeonomic Development Administration programs for their projects which are listed within the CEDS Prio: Project Listing. The Commission will continue to work with localities to develop projects to successfully compete for EDA funding. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 94 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 95 The Commission is also working on five (5) major economic development initiatives: Coalfields Regional Mega-Site Project; Tazewell County/Richlands Aquaculture Project; Southern Gap Industrial Park and Multi-Use Development Project in Buchanan County; the Dickenson County Red Onion Industrial Park Project in Dickenson County; and The Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Center in Tazewell County. 7. Coordinate and Assist in the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Rural Transportation Planning Program The Intermodal Surface Efficiency Act of 1991 made it possible for the rural localities of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District to develop a regional transportation planning program. Through funding made available from the State of Virginia, the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission continues to participate in a statewide program to assist the rural localities with their transportation programs and needs. A Rural Transportation Task Force Committee was developed to identify areas of concern within the District relating to transportation. Each task force representative brings to the group their field of expertise as a transportation service provider, consumer, planner, and/or implementer. A rural Transportation Planning Program Scope of Work is developed annually for the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. The Commission will coordinate and assist in the implementation of this program and the scope of work. The Commission is also working on five (5) major economic development initiatives: Coalfields Regional Mega-Site Project; Tazewell County/Richlands Aquaculture Project; Southern Gap Industrial Park and Multi-Use Development Project in Buchanan County; the Dickenson County Red Onion Industrial Park Project in Dickenson County; and The Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Center in Tazewell County. 1. Coordinate and Assist in the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Rural ‘ansportation Planning Program The Intermodal Surface Efficiency Act of 1991 made it possible for the rural localities of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District to develop a regional transportation planning program. Through funding made available from the State of Virginia, the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission continues to participate in a statewide program to assist the rural localities with their transportation programs and needs. A Rural Transportation Task Force Committee was developed to identify areas of concern within the District relating to transportation, Each task force representative brings to the group their field of expertise as a transportation service provider, consumer, planner, and/or implementer. A rural Transportation Planning Program Scope of Work is developed annually for the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. The Commission will coordinate and assist in the implementation of this program and the scope of work. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 95 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 96 8. Assist in the Development, Management, and/or Implementation of Projects Through Additional Programs The Commission is always interested in the development of projects through other programs that are related to issues of concern by member jurisdictions. This work element will/may include related programs to housing and community development (i.e., Rural Development, ARC, DCR and Abandoned Mined Land Water Program), and regional planning (Enterprise Zones, Solid Waste, Workforce, and the Cumberland Plateau Revolving Loan Fund). This work element will/may also include the development and management of projects funded through individual localities of the District (Comprehensive Plans, Zoning Plans and redistricting). 9. Coordinate and Support Agencies in the Implementation of Various Strategic Planning Initiatives During the 1995 session of the Virginia General Assembly, legislative reform of the Virginia Area Development Act was passed under the title of the “Regional Cooperation Act” (RCA). The goal of RCA is to strengthen the Virginia Planning District Commission system. The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission will coordinate and support State agencies in the implementation of the RCA and other programs approved in the future. 10. Provide Economic and Demographic Information and/or Technical Assistance to Public and Private Sector The Commission will continue to serve as State Data Center and Collect and maintain a significant body of statistical data on economics and demographics, 10. Assist in the Development, Management, and/or Implementation of Projects Through Additional Programs The Commission is always interested in the development of projects through other programs that are related to issues of concern by member jurisdictions. This work element will/may include related programs to housing and community development (i.e., Rural Development, ARC, DCR and Abandoned Mined Land Water Program), and regional planning (Enterprise Zones, Solid Waste, Workforce, and the Cumberland Plateau Revolving Loan Fund). This work element will/may also include the development and management of projects funded through individual localities of the Dist (Comprehensive Plans, Zoning Plans and redistricting). Coordinate and Support Agencies in the Implementation of Various During the 1995 session of the Virginia General Assembly, legislative reform of the Virginia Area Development Act was passed under the title of the “Regional Cooperation Act” (RCA). The goal of RCA is to strengthen the Virginia Planning District Commission system. The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission will coordinate and support State agencies in the implementation of the RCA and other programs approved in the future. Provide Economic and Demographic Information and/or Technical Assistance to Public and Private Sector The Commission will continue to serve as State Data Center and Collect and maintain a significant body of statistical data on economics and demographics, Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 96 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 97 assorted technical information on land use and development, and mapping products of various description. Specific types of material available from the Commission will include U.S. Bureau of the Census statistics, U.S. Geological Survey map products, and U.S. Emergency Management Flood Hazard Maps. assorted technical information on land use and development, and mapping products of various description. Specific types of material available from the Commission will include U.S. Bureau of the Census statistics, U.S. Geological Survey map products, and U.S. Emergency Management Flood Hazard Maps. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 97 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 98 7. PERFORMANCE MEASURES The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission staff, in collaboration with the CEDS Committee, local governments and agencies, has developed an on-going monitoring process that will result in a periodic evaluation of the District’s economy, as well as a status report on the Planning District’s programs and activities as set forth in its annual Scope of Work and the CEDS Action Plan. This monitoring program will quantify progress toward achieving the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy based on number of jobs created, number of business locations and investments, numbers of jobs retained, amount of private sector investment, and significant changes in the region’s economy. This process will rely on the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Employment Commission, our local governments and IDA’s and other agencies and organizations that track the effects of existing as well as new economic activities, and determine which area of our economy and development program might require additional attention. Updates on progress being made on the Action Plan’s top priority projects will be given at CEDS Committee meetings and PDC Board of Directors by staff. Updates on the lower ranked priority one projects will be given every six (6) months, and priority two projects will be updated annually. Should progress on any project be behind schedule, staff assignments will be given to identify problems and determine any alternative actions required to get the project back on schedule. In 7. PERFORMANCE MEASURES The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission staff, in collaboration with the CEDS Committee, local governments and agencies, has developed an on-going monitoring process that will result in a periodic evaluation of the District's economy, as well as a status report on the Planning District’s programs and activities as set forth in its annual Scope of Work and the CEDS Action Plan. This monitoring program will quantify progress toward achieving the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy based on number of jobs created, number of business locations and investments, numbers of jobs retained, amount of private sector investment, and significant changes in the region’s economy. This process will rely on the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Employment Commission, our local governments and IDA’s and other agencies and organizations that track the effects of existing as well as new economic activities, and determine which area of our economy and development program might require additional attention. Updates on progress being made on the Action Plan’s top priority projects will be given at CEDS Committee meetings and PDC Board of Directors by staff. Updates on the lower ranked priority one projects will be given every six (6) months, and priority two projects will be updated annually. Should progress on any project be behind schedule, staff assignments will be given to identify problems and determine any alternative actions required to get the project back on schedule, In Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 98 Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 99 some cases, dramatic changes in project activities may require major project schedule modification. some cases, dramatic changes in project activities may require major project schedule modification. Cumberland Plateau PDC 2018 Profile Page 99 3. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES A. Goals / 6. ACTION PLAN A. Development Strategy 7. PERFORMANCE MEASURES