A multimillion-dollar nuclear energy research center is coming to Bedford County.

The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research on Thursday received a $7.6 million grant for construction from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.

Center Executive Director Bob Bailey said it will be a venue for applied research, product development, commercialization and professional training.

A 25,000-square-foot facility featuring research laboratories, classrooms and meeting space will be built in the New London Business and Technology Center, a business park operated by the county's economic development authority.

"It is an absolute asset to the county," said Steve Arrington, chairman of the county's board of supervisors. "It is a good jump-start for the park, and I think other businesses will continue to look at Bedford County."

There are incentives for qualifying technology-based businesses interested in locating in the 500-acre park on U.S. 460 near Lynchburg.

Sue Montgomery, the county's director of economic development, said it is the first time the county has offered tax abatements for any industry outside agriculture.

County officials identified the park's first tenant last year.

Innovative Wireless Technologies will invest $5.6 million to locate in the park and bring 50 jobs to the site.

Plans also are under way for a three-story office building, which will offer leased space, Montgomery said.