Wednesday afternoon the House of Delegates and Senate unanimously approved a $1.4 billion package that included $59 million for construction of the Virginia Tech - Carilion School of Medicine.
Carilion's statement regarding the bill:
"We're pleased that the bond package passed, and very grateful to the legislature, our local legislators and Governor Kaine for their support of this project. It will allow the school to get off to a "running start" without the burden of construction debt. The school will be able to devote its resources to the mission of educating new physicians. It is also an excellent investment for the Commonwealth. The region will see a return on that investment in several ways:
- It will support the ongoing research and education initiative of Carilion Clinic
- Some of the new physicians will choose to stay in the area to practice
- The Medical School and adjoining research facility will generate additional economic activity
- Patients will benefit by the influx of new physicians who will come here to be a part of this endeavor (something we're already seeing)
- The research that takes place here will eventually improve the lives of many
- We will have a stronger connection with Virginia Tech here in the Roanoke Valley
Click the photo above to read coverage from the Richmond Times Dispatch, click below to view coverage from the Roanoke Times and WSET-TV
