WYTHE COUNTY, Va. – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced more than $4.0 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for nine Virginia localities, including $359,695 for the County of Wythe.

“I’m pleased to announce funding for ten projects that leverage Community Development Block Grant funding to invest in critical infrastructure,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These projects will help create new jobs and economic opportunities in the communities that receive them. By focusing on infrastructure, downtown revitalization and housing rehabilitation, we are helping communities across the Commonwealth make life better for the people they serve.”

The funding Wythe County has been granted will be used to extend an 8” sewage line to Lot 20 in Progress Park – serving Branch Botanicals, Inc., a planned manufacturing facility that will extract cherry oils for commercial markets.

The company spent $573,445 to acquire the land at Progress Park and is expected to make a capital investment of $21 million in facility construction and equipment.

Additionally, Branch Botanicals has signed an agreement with Wythe County to employ at least 40 persons in the locality within three years.

“Today’s announcement by the Governor is great news for the people of Wythe County, as it means we can move forward with a project that will create a number of high-paying private-sector jobs,” said Wythe County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tim Reeves, adding, “With each new jobs announcement and multi-million dollar investment, we’re sending a message around the world that Virginia and Wythe County are open for business.”

According to most current estimates, approximately 1,000 people work in Wythe County’s Progress Park.

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