RUSTBURG, VA: Campbell County Economic Development is excited to announce it is proceeding with plans to build a 100,000 square foot industrial building in Seneca Commerce Park, located along the US Rt.29/Wards Road corridor in Rustburg, Virginia. With an estimated budget of $11 million, this endeavor, beginning with clearing, grading, and site preparation of over 7.5 acres in the industrial park, represents the largest project the Economic Development Department has taken on in over a decade. The projected timeline has the tenant-ready industrial building completion estimated for spring 2026.
In October 2023, the Campbell County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the development of a 100,000 square foot industrial speculative building. The county was engaged in financing the renovation of Brookville High School for $25 million and the school administration later received a $15 million grant for the Brookville project. The reduction of the local share on the school renovation enabled Campbell County Board of Supervisors to utilize the additional low-interest financing for other capital projects in the county.
Regional Impact
“Site development and industrial projects like this are crucial as they serve as magnets for businesses looking to expand or relocate,” commented Megan Lucas, CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. “By providing ready-to-go facilities, we significantly reduce the lead time for companies to begin operations, making our region more attractive to site selectors and setting the stage for future economic growth and job creation.”
"The development of this 100,000 square foot building in Campbell County is a great addition to the Lynchburg Region's economic landscape,” continued Lucas. “We applaud the Campbell County Board of Supervisors and the IDA for their strategic vision."
The execution of the project will be divided into two phases: Site Preparation and Building Construction. The site preparation phase has been underway for some time. The site is 100% engineered and has been approved for grant funding by the Tobacco Regional Revitalization Commission and also recommended for funding by the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission. The site development is expected to be advertised for bid in the fall.
“The momentum of this project continues to build as we enter the procurement phase,” said Nina Rezai, Director of Campbell County Economic Development. “For over a year, the Economic Development department has aggressively pursued grant funding to reduce the county’s share of the site development phase of the project and now we can put that funding to use.”
Reducing Development Costs Through Grant Funding
In October 2023, The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) voted to approve a Sites & Buildings Grant for $404,918 to prepare the 100,000-square-foot pad-ready site, representing 50% of the site preparation estimates. Development in Seneca Commerce Park has been heavily supported through VTRRC funding for over a decade. Previous TRRC grants helped fund infrastructure at the park as well as construction of an industrial shell building in the park through the Campbell County Industrial Development Authority.
"This investment is an investment in the future of Campbell County and our region," Tobacco Commission Member, Watt R. Foster, Jr. said, "forward-thinking investments like this building, and the investment the Commission has made in Seneca Park over the years, are critical to our ability to attract top employers and build a vibrant economy. In today's competitive landscape companies looking to relocate or expand want to get started as soon as possible and this investment will allow us to compete for, and win, those opportunities."
The Economic Development department also submitted a grant application to a new federal program offered through the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC). On May 15, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced his recommendation to the SCRC to offer an additional $202,459 to Campbell County through a State Economic and Infrastructure Development (SEID) Grant. Final award decisions on the SEID grant are scheduled to be announced later this month.
The design and oversight of the construction project is currently being procured. The successful architect and engineering firm will work with the county to design the building and provide ongoing construction management throughout the project.
# # #
About Campbell County
Campbell County is located in Central Virginia, strategically positioned between the Cities of Lynchburg and Danville. Encompassing 511 square miles, Campbell County residents enjoy neighborhood options ranging from scenic agricultural areas to suburban corridors and town living. A high quality of life, lower cost of living, and business-friendly policies make Campbell County an exceptional place to work, play, and live.
High resolution photos are available upon request at econdev@co.campbell.va.us.
