June 9, 2008 THE VIRGINIA TOBACCO INDEMNIFICATION AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION COMMISSION BEGINS 2008 DISTRIBUTION OF PHASE I FUNDS The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission has approved payments for approximately 44,600 Phase I flue-cured and burley quota owner and producer claims totaling over $18.8 million. Payments for these claims are currently being disbursed. If you submitted a Verification for Payment form or Application for Payment requiring a change in ownership or claim information, you will be paid in the next round of payment in late-summer. Claimants who need additional information may contact Troutman Sanders Phase I Tobacco Indemnification Program, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM (excluding holidays) locally at 804-697-1869 or Toll Free at: 1-888-629-7682.

In 1999, Governor James S. Gilmore, III proposed and the General Assembly approved legislation allocating fifty (50) percent of the Master Settlement Agreement money due the Commonwealth of Virginia to tobacco community revitalization in Southside and Southwest Virginia.

The legislation also established the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission and charged it with the responsibility of distributing the Phase I funds to growers, quota holders and affected communities for economic development and revitalization. The first distribution of the Phase I funds was made in June 2000. The next distribution of Phase I funds is planned to begin in June 2008.

The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission has selected the law firm of Troutman Sanders LLP to act for the Commission as fiduciary agent in the distribution of Phase I funds to qualified Virginia tobacco growers and quota holders.

The Phase I - Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Funds derived from the Master Settlement Agreement are separate from another fund distributed through the Phase II - Virginia Tobacco Trust Fund, dedicated by tobacco companies to Virginia tobacco growers and quota holders. The Phase I Program is also separate from the Tobacco Transition Payment Program ("TTPP or "Buyout").

Phone:
Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM excluding holidays
Toll Free 1-888-629-7682
Local 804-697-1869
Fax: 804-697-1860

Mail:
Tobacco Indemnification Program - Phase I
c/o Troutman Sanders LLP
P.O. Box 1198
Richmond, Virginia 23218-1198

Email:
Tobacco@vatip.com