June 13, 1995




MEMORANDUM


TO:         Reporters and Editors 

FROM:       Bob Brickhouse, Information Officer
      
DATE:       June 13, 1995


      The enclosed study of assets and liabilities for economic
performance in Virginia and the South is not for release until
Thursday, June 15, when it will be presented at the Virginia
Urban Partnership's Urban Issues Forum in Norfolk.  The Urban
Partnership is a coalition of business and government leaders in
17 Virginia localities and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

      The study by U.Va. urban policy analysts William Lucy and
David Phillips pinpoints several key factors related to economic
prosperity in the South's metro areas.  It concludes that,
overall, Virginia hasn't had economic assets as strong as those
in North Carolina and Georgia, two states that have led the South
in recent years in economic growth.  The deficiency most evident
in Virginia was a lack of major interstate highway connections in
key areas.

      For additional information or interviews William Lucy may be
reached at (804) 924-4779.  For information about the forum or
Urban Partnership contact Neal Barber at (804) 644-1607.