AMHERST COUNTY (WSLS) - Another company plans to cut jobs from the area. Starting in October, the Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC) will begin layoffs. The facility is set to close in the summer 2020, as part of an initiative by the Commonwealth of Virginia to transition patients into community-based living options.
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CVTC is the largest employer in Amherst County. Company officials said they have close to 1030 workers. However, the number of patients at the facility has declined significantly over the years. According to the company's recent newsletter, the facility, at one time, served over 3,600 people. CVTC's current census is around 230.With fewer patients, officials said less staff members are needed.
Victoria Hanson is the Executive Director of the Amherst County Economic Development Authority. She said future layoffs at CVTC will deliver a tremendous blow to the region.
"The overall economic development for Virginia Central Training Center is $87 million dollars," Hanson said. "That has a huge impact not just on Amherst County but the entire Region 2000. That's City of Lynchburg, Campbell, Appomattox and Bedford."
The property is nearly 350 acres. Hanson said some of the buildings are abandoned and need repairs. She said once the training center closes in 2020, the space and location could attract investors.
"We see this potentially as a mixed-use property," she said." Where you might have office buildings and residences."
Officials with the CVTC said it's still unclear how many employees will be affected by the layoffs. The cuts are expected to begin this October and continue through June of 2016. Workers will be given a 30 day notice.