Summer is here, and bright futures lie ahead! Here are a few exciting stories of positive change from Southwest Virginia over the past month. We hope these inspire you to continue making change happen and to get involved in your own community!

 

Continue spreading the good news by sharing this newsletter with friends and family and encouraging others to subscribe.


And if you have positive news about the region, make sure to share (email austin@appvoices.org) so we can keep celebrating the ascent of Southwest Virginia.
 

New Appalachian Power contract increases solar opportunities for Southwest Virginia

One hundred and sixty-two public entities have negotiated and entered into an agreement with Appalachian Power to increase solar power development on schools and other public buildings across the region.
 

Stakeholder process invites Southwest Virginians to comment on state support for the region

This public input opportunity is crucial for Southwest Virginians hoping to influence state investment in the region. Public participation in this process will help ensure that the recommendations brought back to the General Assembly address the needs of impacted communities.
 

GO Virginia funds over $11.1 million in grants

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced more than $11.1 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants including up to $460,850 for projects in the Counties of Dickenson, Lee, Scott, and Wise, the city of Norton and the town of St. Paul.
 

Mountain Empire Transit launches on-demand transportation program

Mountain Empire Transit (MetGo!) launched a new microstransit program for the Town of Wise and the City of Norton on June 28. The first of its kind in Virginia, METGo! was chosen by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for an 18-month pilot project.

 

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The Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) and other public stakeholders are seeking public comments on how the Commonwealth should provide support for the coalfield region's economic transition. This effort is in light of the elimination of Virginia's coal tax credits, which help fund economic development across the region. Legislation requires that public comments from these listening sessions be used to create a recommendation on how the Commonwealth should support economic transition in Southwest Virginia.

You can also send a written comment to DMME directly by emailing: reenergizeswva@dmme.virginia.gov

 

Public comments are recommended by Aug. 1 to inform the first draft of DMME's report.
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