An access road that will open up a new phase of the Rocky Mount/Franklin County Industrial Park will soon begin, thanks to the last piece of funding provided by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

The town announced Wednesday that it will get $300,000 from the board. That will be added to $700,000 already accumulated for the project: $500,000 from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification Commission and $100,000 matches from the town and county.

Public utilities and storm water management will also be installed with the road.

The $1 million project will open at least three buildable industrial sites in the new phase, to be developed on the former Cox property. The lots include a 20-acre site to be served by rail.

"We look forward to turning dirt in the fall to get this road under way," said Town Manager James Ervin. "This project will lead to new jobs, new development and new opportunities for Rocky Mount and Franklin County."

The town purchased the 69-acre Cox property in 2004 for $1.1 million.

-- The Roanoke Times