Virginia will receive a $7.2 million federal disaster-recovery grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to expand childcare capacity in Southwest and Southside Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced.
The grant will support three new or expanded childcare projects in the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, Tazewell County, and Washington County. Combined with local partnerships and other funding sources, the projects represent an approximately $18 million total investment and are expected to create more than 55 new jobs while expanding access to care for nearly 450 children.
The funding comes through the American Relief Act, enacted following Hurricane Helene. EO Companies, the Virginia Department of Education's designated regional early childhood partner, will implement the projects.
The largest project is in Danville and Pittsylvania County, receiving $2.7 million to construct a new approximately 20,000-square-foot childcare facility. The project represents an estimated $8.3 million total investment and is expected to create approximately 30 jobs and serve approximately 200 children.
Tazewell County will receive $2.5 million for a new approximately 10,000-square-foot childcare center. The project represents a $5.8 million total investment and is expected to create approximately 25 jobs and serve approximately 148 children.
Washington County will receive $615,000 for the expansion of EO's existing Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub, adding outdoor and classroom facilities for after-school and summer enrichment programming for approximately 100 children ages 5 to 12.
Additionally, $1.2 million will support project coordination and workforce development across the three initiatives.