Summer is almost over, and autumn is just around the corner — but don’t expect to see a fall in the amount of good news from Southwest Virginia. Check out these recent exciting stories from the region, and let’s continue making change happen in our communities!
Please continue sharing this newsletter with friends and family and encouraging others to subscribe.
If you know of any positive news to share, be sure to email austin@appvoices.org so that we can continue watching Southwest Virginia ascend.
|
Senate Passes Historic Investments in Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation
Advocates from coal communities across the country celebrated the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in mid-August. If it becomes law, the legislation will help to create jobs with an $11.3 billion investment in cleaning up abandoned coal mines.
|
Virginia Awards Workforce Training Grant to Mountain Empire Community College
A workforce development grant provided by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority will help Mountain Empire Community College fund up to $100,000 for retraining, instruction, scholarships, and customized training for students.
|
Ecotourism Project Funded in Buchanan County
More than $2.2 million of Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program funding will transition 350 acres of a former surface mine into healthy wildlife habitat.
|
Cumberland Forest Community Fund Announces First 10 Grant Recipients
The Cumberland Forest Limited Partnership awarded $100,000 in grants to 10 Southwest Virginia projects in late July. The projects include creating recreation access points, business development, public education, and more.
|
Support Shared Solar in Southwest Virginia
|
Ensuring fair access to solar energy is a crucial part of a just economic transition as Virginia becomes a leader in clean energy. However, Southwest Virginia has been left out of the most accessible model of solar development, shared solar. Shared solar is a way for businesses, local governments, low-income families and renters to go solar while significantly decreasing their electricity bill!
Sign on to our letter to Virginia legislators today to show that Southwest Virginians deserve and want the same solar energy opportunities as the rest of the commonwealth.
|
|
