Pursuing PVCC plans

Budget cuts will slow, but ought not derail, a plan by Piedmont Virginia Community College to use the old Monticello visitors’ center.

The building sits on Route 20 at the foot of the hill from the main campus.

Budget cuts recently announced by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to cover an expected $2.5 billion shortfall will cost PVCC about $450,000. A casualty will be the college’s plan to renovate the old visitors’ center to house its noncredit Workforce Services Division.

The center has suffered a sad fate. Tourists have shown a declining interest — a 90 percent decrease from Au-gust 2007 to the same time this year.

That’s not totally due to gasoline prices affecting tourism. The downtown Charlottesville visitors’ center has seen an increase in visitation — more than 26,000 people this year.

Meanwhile, the home of Thomas Jefferson upgraded and consolidated many of its welcome center and gift shop functions at a new facility, surely drawing away some visitors, also.

Still, a happy ending could evolve.

PVCC has been negotiating with Charlottesville and Albemarle County, which own the building. That effort should continue to go forward.

Workforce training greatly benefits area workers, employers and the community; and more space is needed by the growing college.

We look forward to seeing the space occupied by PVCC as soon as possible.