LYNCHBURG -- The U.S. Department of Justice plans to investigate possible civil rights violations at a state training center for the mentally disabled.

The agency notified Gov. Timothy M. Kaine of the investigation of the Central Virginia Training Center in an Aug. 21 letter.

Spokeswoman Meghan McGuire says the state Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services will cooperate with the investigation.

No information was released concerning what triggered the investigation.

The center's director, Denise Micheletti, says she was surprised by the investigation. Micheletti says the center has made several improvements, including the addition of a neurology clinic on site.

The center serves about 470 residents.

-- The Associated Press