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Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority receives $52.9 million in federal funding

Crystal Graham
Donald McEachin
Donald McEachin

The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority in Petersburg will receive $52.9 million in federal funding to expand the domestic supply chain for essential medicines and critical active pharmaceutical ingredients.

President Joe Biden announced 21 winners of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge last week. The BBBRC is a $1 billion regional economic development competition.

“This is a historic win for Petersburg, the greater Tri-Cities area, and our Commonwealth,” said Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04). “I am thrilled that this major pharmaceutical cluster in my district will receive this robust federal funding, thanks to the historic American Rescue Plan.”

McEachin said the funding will spur continued economic development and growth for the pharmaceutical park.

“From the beginning of the BBBRC application process, I have engaged with the Biden administration and advocated for the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority’s selection,” said McEachin.

In October 2021, Congressman McEachin first advocated for the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority. He and his office held briefings with relevant stakeholders to keep them apprised of any developments and to receive timely updates.

In March 2022, Congressman McEachin sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, detailing the tremendous progress and gathering momentum relevant stakeholders had achieved for the pharmaceutical cluster and reiterating his support for its selection.

For more information on President Biden’s BBBRC announcement, click here.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.