Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Dec. 17 plans to include funding for new and renovated livestock, poultry, and equine facilities at Virginia Tech as one part of a proposed $2.43 billion bond package.

The proposed facilities are one of many capital improvement projects around the state aimed at strengthening the commonwealth’s research and economic development infrastructure. The bond package, along with the rest of the governor’s two-year budget, is subject to General Assembly approval.

“We are very pleased that the governor has included these facilities in his proposed budget and continues to be an enthusiastic advocate for agriculture,” said Alan Grant, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “His support highlights the vital role that Virginia Tech plays in helping grow the economy through research, education, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.”

Agriculture, which is by far the largest industry in Virginia, has an annual economic impact of more than $52 billion and provides nearly 311,000 jobs around the state. The livestock, poultry, and equine sectors yield $1.8 billion in cash receipts annually and form the backbone of the state’s agricultural sector. These industries rely on the research and workforce development that Virginia Tech provides. The Virginia equine industry supports more than 16,000 jobs and had an impact of more than $502 million on the labor market in 2010