Gov. McAuliffe makes two economic announcements in Halifax Co.

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HALIFAX COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Governor Terry McAuliffe made two economic announcements in Halifax County Wednesday.

Slick Rock Lumber will invest $535,000 to open a new sawmill operation that will create 13 new jobs.

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The company will source 75 percent of its timber needs from Virginia land owners.

"Virginia's forestry industry supports thousands of good jobs in our rural communities and provides important market opportunities for the Commonwealth's private forestland owners," Governor McAuliffe said. "Partnering with a company like Slick Rock Lumber is a great way my administration can support Virginia's forest products sector, one of Virginia's top private industries.  Slick Rock's new facility will bring welcomed employment opportunities and economic vitality to the region, further helping with my administration's efforts to build a new Virginia economy."

The company's primary products will be railroad ties and large planks to be made into mats for use by utility, construction, and logging companies.

Slick Rock is also committing to purchase more than $5 million of Virginia timber over the next three years.

In his second economic announcement Wednesday, Governor McAuliffe revealed Springfield Distillery's plans to open a new whiskey distillery.

The $160,000 investment will bring first craft distillery to Halifax, creating five new jobs.

In addition, the distillery will source all of its corn and barley needs from Virginia agricultural producers.

"Springfield Distillery's investment is an excellent example of the important role that small businesses and our diverse agricultural economy can and will play in building the new Virginia economy," said Governor McAuliffe.

Springfield Distillery will include a tasting room and remote-licensed ABC store on the historic Springfield Farm, built in 1842.

Both projects are possible through the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID).