A ceremonial check representing the up to $4 million loan from VCEDA to the Dickenson County IDA to be used toward the development of an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation center at Red Onion was presented recently. On hand for the presentation were, from left, Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel; Peggy Kiser, Dickenson County Board of Supervisors chairwoman; Larry Barton, Dickenson County administrator; and Josh Evans, Dickenson County Board of Supervisors vice chairman. Courtesy of VCEDA.

The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority has approved a loan of up to $4 million to the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority as the county works with an unidentified private developer to open an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility in the Red Onion area of the county, according to a release from VCEDA. The facility could result in to 52 new full-time jobs in Dickenson County, according to VCEDA.

The Dickenson County IDA requested the funds to be used to help finance site development, building construction, the installation of utilities and other improvements associated with the project to construct a 96-bed male inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility.

Initially, it is anticipated the project will create 26 full-time jobs within a year, ramping up to 52 full-time employees within two to five years and at least $1 million in private investment, according to VCEDA.

As planned, the Red Onion facility will be constructed at the IDA’s property in that area of the county, near the Red Onion state prison.  The real estate on which the facility will be constructed will be leased with a possible option to purchase by the company developing the project, who will finish out the buildings and contract with an experienced operator to run the facility.

The rehab program to be operated through the new facility will span 12 months with multiple phases from detox, residential treatment, sober living to education and internship to employment, according to VCEDA.

“Dickenson County is excited for the opportunity to restore hope and provide a second chance to not only residents of Dickenson County, but people across the region,” said Dickenson County Administrator Larry Barton in a statement. “This facility will provide much needed jobs for our county, help combat substance abuse issues we are facing and help rebuild our workforce here in the county.  It is anticipated that the economic development project will provide 52 new full-time jobs, but more importantly, the project will provide a second chance for those who struggle with substance abuse.”