Three Halifax County projects received approximately $1.6 million in Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission funding yesterday, but two projects were not approved.
Funded were the Riverstone Technology Project, for $1,190,764; Tuck Airport, $210,000 for terminal and office construction; and a proposed agricultural marketing center, $200,000.
Two of the projects, Riverstone Technology Park and Tuck Airport, gained the Tobacco Commission Southside Economic Development Sub-committee's recommendations last month.
The Prizery's and South Boston/Halifax Museum's requests were referred to the Commission's Executive Committee for review yesterday.
Those requests will be taken up during the Commission's June meeting.
"The outstanding money, we don't lose as a county," Delegate Clarke Hogan said yesterday.
"It could be put into another existing project or a new project.
"The Tobacco Commission is not sure it wants to fund museum's and fine arts projects under the guise of economic development," Hogan said.
Hogan, who said he supported the local museum and Prizery projects, added that he had rather those decisions be worked out in the Southside Economic Development Committee instead of the Executive Council of the Tobacco Commission.
Last month, the Prizery sought $800,000 in tobacco funds, while the museum sought $50,000 but was considered for $100,000 by the Commission's Southside Economic Development Committee.
At the March meeting in Halifax, the SEDC deferred recommendations for funding for the Prizery, the agricultural marketing center, as well as funding for tobacco barn conversions, as it reviewed economic development applications as it prepared funding recommendations for presentation to the full Tobacco Commission Board yesterday.
The Halifax Educational Foundation entered a request for $524,000 which wasn't funded.
The total amount available for the county is $2,713,512 and that amount was applied for by the county and town's endorsed request to the commission.
Following the March meeting here, Delegate Hogan had noted that none of the sub-committee's recommendations were binding.
The delegate also assured that "regardless of what happens, the Halifax County allotment will stay in the Halifax County kitty."
He said that the funds not used this year would be carried over until next year.

South Boston's Ward Burton, the first Virginian to win the Daytona 500, will be honored in a special ceremony Saturday night at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway.
The Ward Burton Celebration will be held at 7 p.m. with South Boston and Halifax County officials, officials of the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce, state officials and motorsports dignitaries participating.
Burton said he is humbled by the outpouring of support.
"I really don't have the words to express how much it means to me to have the people of the community support me and my family," Burton said.
"I'm very thankful for everyone's support and the time that everyone has put into this. I know a lot of people have spent a lot of time on it and for them, I really appreciate it.
"I'm sure we'll have a fun time Saturday night," he added.
The NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver said he is glad the celebration is being held at his hometown track.
"It's definitely fitting to do it at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway," Burton said.
"It's a great asset for our community and, obviously, a place that had a lot to do with spearheading my career."
A number of honors and awards will be given to Burton during the celebration.
Elon University officials will present Burton the Elon Athletics Foundation's first Phoenix Achievement Award.
The Phoenix Achievement Award recognizes individuals, couples, corporations or groups associated with Elon University who have clearly excelled and achieved a distinguished goal in their community or chosen profession.
The award is presented at the discretion of the EAF and its volunteer advisory board.
Burton attended Elon from 1981-1983.
The ceremony will be part of the pre-race festivities leading up to the 8 p.m. start of the Textilease 300 Presented By Little Trees American Speed Association (ASA) stock car race which will be telecast nationally on a tape-delay basis by TNN.
As part of Saturday night's event, the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses will be on display outside the speedway for viewing starting at 5 p.m.
Race fans and passersby may see the eight-hitch team with their trusty Dalmation companion prior to the start of Saturday night's race.
As a means of showing support for Burton, South Boston and Halifax County residents and businesses as well as the race fans attending Saturday night's event are encouraged to join Club 22 to benefit the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.
For a $22 donation, individuals and businesses can become a member of the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation for one year.
Club 22 members will receive a Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation decal, quarterly newsletters.
Opportunities will be available Saturday night to join Club 22. Individuals who sign up Saturday night will be included in a drawing in which one lucky member will receive an autographed die-cast Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation car, an autographed Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation hat, a Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation shirt and a phone call of appreciation from Burton.
Memberships in Club 22 can also be secured by sending a check for $22 payable to the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, P.O. Box 519, Halifax, VA, 24558.
The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation was created by Burton in 1996 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat in Halifax County and to help young people understand their stewardship responsibilities for the natural environment.
Also as part of Saturday night's Ward Burton Celebration, race fans attending Saturday night's event wearing a Ward Burton hat or shirt, or with a Ward Burton poster, will be given the chance to win two Weekend VIP Suite passes for the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, July 26-28.
A large banner is being produced to commemorate Burton's Daytona victory, as well as congratulating South Boston graduates Elliott Sadler and Geoffrey Bodine on their top-three Daytona 500 sweep.
Grandstand gates will open Saturday at 11 a.m. for the Textilease 300 presented by "Little Trees" and the Ward Burton Celebration.
The first Elon University 50-lap NASCAR Late Model race begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Ward Burton Celebration at 7 p.m., and the Textilease 300 Presented By Little Trees at 8 p.m.

Wednesday's opening of a Coordinated Economic Relief Center at the Virginia Employment Commission office in South Boston is the state's latest effort to focus its resources to assist an area suffering from double-digit unemployment.
The center will provide immediate access to the Governor's Economic Crisis Strike Force, which coordinates state and local government, nonprofit and private sector services for the area's recently displaced workers.
Two other CERCs have opened recently in Clarksville and Martinsville.
In his remarks, State Secretary of Commerce and Trade Matt Erskine re-emphasized the state's commitment to all of Southside.
Erskine said CERCs bring "immediate public and private resources to the community."
"It's a rapid response that will assist workers in accessing benefits and reduce the delay and burden of time and effort that unemployed workers often face," said Erskine.
The Governor's Economic Crisis Strike Force established the CERC in South Boston because of its proximity to the Burlington Industries Inc. plant in Halifax County.
The Burlington plant in Halifax, which employed 614 people, will close in August. The first round of layoffs began March 23 with 85 people expected to be laid off by April 20.
"The South Boston/Halifax County CERC will allow workers to access the spectrum of both private and public mission driven organizations and resources through a single intake process," continued Erskine.
Erskine explained that the CERC brings services to affected workers and their families at one centralized location, rather than the workers going to a number of places for those same services.
"Counselors will work with them and their families in accessing training and continued education available in the community, as well as health insurance for children, health services and emergency assistance to private partners," Erskine said.
Other than the VEC, participating agencies and organizations include the state Department of Social Services, the Virginia Community College System and various private church and civic organization.
Those in South Boston include the VEC, Department of Social Services, FAMIS, VCCS and various faith-based, civic and non-profit organizations.
The CERC provides displaced workers and their families with access to an array of services including: job opportunities with employers; intake for job search; Workforce Investment Act services; and cash payments for fuel assistance.
Other services include: assistance from private and non-profit organizations; intake for unemployment insurance claims; dislocated worker services; and child and family healthcare insurance.
Food stamps, dislocated worker services and childcare assistance are also available at the South Boston CERC.
CERCs opened in Clarksville and Martinsville have already shown results, with more than 450 families having visited the centers to use the services, according to Erskine.
"The toll free phone lines have answered more than 350 phone calls," he added.
Mayor Glen Abernathy remarked that "it was particularly gratifying to see the number of agencies, the number of departments and the amount of personnel who have come together in this joint venture to try to offer assistance to communities like us throughout the commonwealth."
Abernathy added he appreciated the effort the various agencies were making on the community's behalf, as it worked to help itself.
Erskine and David Martin, chairman of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, indicated it was important to be proactive.
"As community leaders, it's up to you to get the message out and communicate to affected workers to insure they know about the center and the innovative solutions that it brings," said Erskine.
"You've suffered some economic setbacks but the work ethic and the determination of the community are strong.
"You have overcome adversity in the past and your spirit will sustain you as you work for a brighter future."
Martin said he was reminded of a saying told him by his grandfather relating to motorists running out of gas.
"He would always say it doesn't take anymore money to keep the needle pointed at full than it does to keep it pointed at empty," Martin recalled.
"I think his point was that you're going to have to pay for the gas. The only question is are you going to have to walk to the gas station or are you going to ride to the gas station?"
"I translate that into this phrase - be proactive. I believe with efforts like CERC, the state of Virginia is being proactive. It puts its energy and resources up front.
"Fast action and a wide range of choices are crucial to the recovery of hard working individuals who find themselves stricken with the loss of their jobs.
"CERC will serve to ensure there is no void in services to the unemployed, allowing customers to access a wide range of services at a common point and to empower them to continue pursuit of their hopes and dreams."
Area citizens affected by recent job loss can access South Boston CERC services on a walk-in basis at the center, located at 1438 Seymour Drive.
They may also call the center's toll free number at 1-866-493-1088. Both options will provide displaced workers and their families with a single point of entry for access to a full array of services.

Halifax Town Council will take public comment on its proposed $1,249,115 budget at its regular May session.
Council set the public hearing date during its Tuesday night session.
The budget proposal reflects a 1 percent increase over last year's $1,236,504 budget, with no water/sewer, real estate or personal property tax increases, but Council is considering a $5 hike for vehicle decals.
Town decals are currently $20.
This year the town will also begin moving toward an April 15 decal deadline rather than its current June deadline, town officials agreed.
Town residents have been confused by the deadline, Town Finance Officer Rocky Reynolds told councilmen, because South Boston and the county have an April decal deadline.
In order to move to the new deadline, town decals bought in June are expected to be $15 since new decals will be purchased in April 2003.
The additional revenue from the decals will be used to add meters and to resurface the town's Maple Avenue parking lot.
Work at the parking lot is estimated at $15,000 with the new funds generating approximately $5,000.
Councilmen also unanimously approved a Dixie Youth Baseball request from Mike Sizemore asking to use the public address system on opening day, April 20, and on closing day, June 15, at the Halifax Elementary School ball field in Halifax.
Mike Sizemore, president of the league, estimated that the PA system would be used for about 25 minutes on opening and closing day.
Frank Booker Jr., who lives opposite the school, opposed the request, noting the baseball field is located in an area zoned residential.
Booker described the lights, noise and constant inflow and outflow of traffic as an invasion of his privacy and as showing a lack of respect for homeowners' property rights.
Since he played baseball in Halifax in his youth, Booker said the games are played later in the evening and that the number of lights have increased from about three to 20.
"I support athletics," he said, but added that he has "no privacy" at his home or escape from the lights.
In closing, Booker asked that councilmen not allow Dixie Youth to use the public address system; sought a curfew of 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m.; and suggested Dixie Youth League relocate if it wants to play late games.
Councilman Jack Dunavant noted that the ball field problem had come before Council before. "It is a problem that needs to be addressed. Do I have the answer? No," he replied. "But there has to be a way we can come together and find something better than what we've got."
Sizemore, former Dixie Youth president Pat Snead and Emmett Edmonds spoke on behalf of the baseball program.
One resident said that in 1990 there was an agreement that the ball field would be moved.
"Edmonds, a coach in the Dixie Youth program, told councilmen that the league complies with the agreement the town made with the league.
The coach said that the league has regulations, including lights and fences, for the safety of the players. Edmonds also said that league members clean up cigarette butts, a subject raised by Booker.
"If we see any drinking of alcohol, we'll have the town police in a heartbeat. I've been there 15 years and never seen alcoholic beverages used," added Edmonds, responding to two subjects raised by Booker.
"I think it would be a tragedy to consider closing that field," added Edmonds. "I certainly hope this Town Council will work with those kids."
Dunavant said that he would like to see the residents meet with Dixie Youth to work out any problems.
Booker offered to contribute $1,000 toward a new field if the league would move.
Councilman Sam Thompson made the motion, with a second by Buddy Guthrie, to approve Dixie Youth League's request to use the PA system.
The Council unanimously approved.
In other business, town officials reminded residents that April 26-27 marks the town's annual Spring Big Time Clean-Up.
"We are asking residents to call by noon on Thursday before Friday, April 26, if they want to have trashed picked up," reminded Bob Greene, town manager.
During the Friday and Saturday collection, large items, including appliances, will be carried away if placed at the curb, explained Greene.
"It is a good time to clean up for the county's 250th anniversary," he added.
Greene also advised Council that the green dumpster located at Halifax Elementary School had been removed.
"It was a nasty mess," Greene said. "It was put there for the school, not for residents," he added.
The town provides trash pick-up or residents may use the site provided by the county at Mary Bethune Complex.
Greene also told Council that eight homes on Banister Road would be losing their sewer connections when Burlington Industries closes in June. Connecting the homes to the Halifax lines is estimated to cost $9,000- $11,000.
Police Chief Glenn Stanley advised Council there had been eight false alarm calls at one location over the weekend. He noted that South Boston has a policy regarding false alarms with penalties when they continue. Stanley and town officials plan to study the subject.
In other business, the Town's Planning Commission is expected to discuss a leash law. The request came as a result of two people being bitten by dogs in Halifax.

Fances Ashby Chaffin

Frances Ashby Chaffin, 89, of Hilton Head Island, SC, formerly of South Boston, died April 11 at her home.
Mrs. Chaffin was born on July 12, 1912 in Vancouver, British Columbia. She was active in the Trinity Episcopal Church and South Boston Garden Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Chaffin and daughter, Susan Maxey.
Her survivors include her son and his wife: Jim and Betsy Chaffin of Spring Island, SC; brother: Donald Asby of Alameda, CA; and four grandchildren: Laura Maxey of Boulder, CO, Robert Maxey of Seattle, WA, Christopher Chaffin of Charlottesville and Anna C. Lambiotte of San Francisco, CA.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 13 at 11 a.m. at the Cypress of Hilton Head. A funeral service will be held Sunday, April 14 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, South Boston followed by interment at the Halifax Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Arthritis Foundation, Carolinas Chapter, 5019 Nations Crossing, Suite 217, Charlotte, NC 28217 or Trinity Episcopal Church.