The nuclear-energy firm, whose North American headquarters are in the Hill City, will upgrade its three area facilities and add hundreds of new engineers and support staff through 2027.
Economy
Covering the economic issues facing Southwest and Southside Virginia.
GO Virginia economic development program is improving regional collaboration, state study finds
The JLARC report was largely positive but noted that GO Virginia’s overall economic impact is hard to measure, and warned that the program’s appropriations could be reduced if the money doesn’t all get used.
Martinsville judge hears arguments as bank seeks $300M from West Va. governor, family
The judge said he likely will need until the end of January to issue an opinion on whether the dispute between Martinsville-based Carter Bank & Trust and West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s family will proceed to trial.
Governor announces funding proposal for ‘Virginia’s Research Triangle,’ including Roanoke, New River Valley
The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke would receive $27 million.
Plans to expand passenger rail through Southwest Virginia get federal funding for further study
The $500,000 grants will fund studies of expanded Amtrak service to communities including Bristol and Bedford.
Blacksburg shopping app looks to grow, while keeping its local focus
The Localyte app launched during the pandemic. By mid-November, about 3,000 people had downloaded the app, and 400 businesses had signed up.
Free rides will continue for Mountain Lynx passengers in Southwest Virginia
The transit service operates in four towns and five counties in Southwest Virginia. It was one of 15 projects to receive a total of $4.4 million through the state’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program.
Roanoke City Council OKs steps to aid Amazon-Deschutes negotiations
Amazon is in talks with the brewery to buy a 49-acre piece of land in the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology with an eye toward constructing and operating a distribution center.
Amazon plans to buy Deschutes-owned property in Roanoke
The Fortune 50 company seeks to build a distribution center on a site formerly considered for a Deschutes brewery, according to city documents. The city council will consider whether to approve a plan to repay a related federal grant, which would free the property from current restrictions on how it can be used.
State regulators OK Appalachian Power rate hike
An average Appalachian Power residential customer’s monthly bill will increase by about $16, starting in 60 days. Meanwhile, regulators did not approve a proposed monthly service charge exemption for low-income customers.

