The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved more than $8.4 million in grants Tuesday, including one for the Birthplace of Country Music.
The BCM will receive $250,000 to help fund its planned renovation and expansion into the annex building adjacent to its $11 million museum. The local, nonprofit music promotion agency requested $310,000.
“We are very appreciative that the Virginia Tobacco Commission sees the value that the museum brings to our community and region and we are honored to have their support for our expansion project,” said Leah Ross, executive director of the Birthplace of Country Music.
The BCM application predicts creating six new jobs in conjunction with relocating all staff from its current Bristol Tennessee offices, according to the commission staff report. The project forecasts funding of $1.2 million federal and $950,000 in state tax credits. Fundraising to complete the work is ongoing, with some tax credits already approved and others pending, according to the report.
