Authority: Title 23.1, Chapter 31, Article 4, Code of Virginia.

A. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the New College Institute, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center coordinate their activities, both instructional and research, to the maximum extent possible to best meet the needs of the citizens of the region, to ensure effective utilization of resources, and to avoid unnecessary duplication. The three entities shall report annually by October 1 to the Secretary of Education and the State Council of Higher Education and the Department of Planning and Budget on their joint efforts in this regard.

B. The requirements of § 4-5.05 shall not apply to this appropriation.

C. 1. The Governing Board of the New College Institute shall be authorized to seek an agreement with the New College Foundation and other non-governmental parties to acquire the Building on Baldwin for the amount not funded by the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the federal government through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Appalachian Regional Commission, other federal monies, or local government.

2. If agreement on acquisition of the Building on Baldwin cannot be reached, the Governing Board of the New College Institute, with the assistance of the Department of General Services (DGS), is further authorized to plan for the construction or acquisition of a new facility. Priority will be given to options utilizing existing state property. The Governing Board and DGS may partner with local community colleges and/or local governments to this end.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, New College Institute is authorized to retain the income generated by the rental of space at the Building on Baldwin in Martinsville, VA to outside entities.