About BCIDA

The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of Brunswick County, Virginia, is a political subdivision and component unit of Brunswick County that bridges the gap between government resources and private sector expansion. It is an independent entity from Brunswick County and receives no county funds.

The IDA is the only entity in the county empowered to issue revenue bonds and secure grants without constituting debt of Brunswick County or the Commonwealth of Virginia.

It was established on August 23, 1971, under Chapter 33 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia (the Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act) and operates as a body politic dedicated to promoting industrial growth in Brunswick County and surrounding areas.

The IDA is managed by Executive Director Jeffrey G. Reed and governed by a Board of Directors. 

The IDA’s mission is to promote a vibrant and sustainable economy that enhances the quality of life for residents by focusing on 3 pillars:

• Industrial Recruitment: Attracting new businesses to the county, particularly in high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology.
• Business Retention & Expansion: Supporting existing local industries to ensure they have the infrastructure and workforce needed to remain in Brunswick.
• Asset Development: Managing the county’s industrial parks and sites to ensure they are “shovel-ready” for new investment.

We increasingly focus on diversifying the local economy beyond its traditional roots in timber and agriculture, specifically targeting unmanned systems (drones) and data center development due to the county’s strategic location along the I-85 and US 58 corridors.

We work collaboratively with the Brunswick County Department of Economic Development, local leaders, volunteers, and state and federal partners to implement initiatives aligned with long-term goals like “Vision 2035.”

The IDA emphasizes improving quality of life, raising living standards, and pursuing opportunities such as Enterprise Zone incentives, project grants, and partnerships for rural revitalization. Projects include business expansion, business recruitment to create jobs and transition from traditional industries, and historic preservation.

The IDA does not have the power to tax but operates through a mix of self-generated revenue and strategic grants.

• Revenue bonds:  As an IDA, the authority has the power to issue tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds. These bonds provide low-interest financing for private companies to build or expand facilities. The IDA earns fees for facilitating these transactions, which helps fund operations.
• Water line extensions: The IDA built and owns various water lines throughout the county. The Town of Lawrenceville manages and operates the water system and pays the IDA for use of the system.
• Intergovernmental grants: A significant portion of project-specific funding comes from state and federal grants. These are used for infrastructure improvements and specialized business programs.
  • Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) grants like the “Business District Resurgence Grant” fund initiatives such as the Merchant Assistance Program.
  • The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission frequently funds economic transition projects.
  • GO Virginia provides regional grants for workforce development and site preparation.