Dear {{ FirstName | default: 'Ascent subscriber' }},
We are officially into mushroom foraging season, and just like our prized morels, exciting economic news is emerging all over the coalfields!
Read all about new movement with manufacturing and clean energy, grants to local business owners and more. Let’s continue making change happen in our area!
Please share our newsletter with friends and family, and encourage others to subscribe.
If you have any good news to share, make sure to email emma@appvoices.org so that we can continue watching Southwest Virginia ascend.
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Sen. Kaine visits the coalfields to discuss manufacturing and clean energy developments
Sen. Tim Kaine met with local community members, officials from Virginia Energy and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership at Mountain Empire Community College in mid-April. Conversation largely centered around clean energy tax credits, financial benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act and job creation in the region.
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AppCAA launching new program to aid families with diaper needs
The Appalachian Community Action and Development Agency is rolling out a new diaper distribution program aimed at making sure families have access to wipes, rash cream and diapers. The grant-funded program will assist 40 low-income families in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the city of Norton.
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Rock Bottom Horse Camp receives economic development grant
Rock Bottom Horse Camp, located in Lee County, has received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority to help fund an RV dump station for their campground. The campground provides lodging for horses, their owners and other visitors to the area.
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Elk herd now seen roaming Wise, Buchanan and Dickenson counties
A successful attempt to reestablish elk in Southwest Virginia has resulted in a growing herd roving around the three coalfield counties. Originally numbering around 75 elk in 2012, the herd has grown to approximately 250 elk living in carefully maintained habitats.
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UNITY community listening sessions underway
If you're interested in the new funding opportunities pouring into the coalfield region and sustainable community development, join your fellow Southwest Virginia residents at one or more of our listening sessions this year! These sessions are hosted by Appalachian Voices, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, Virginia Organizing and The Clinch Coalition.
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Speak out on air pollution from a gas-fired power plant in Southwest Virginia!
For the second time in five years, the Clinch River gas-fired power plant, which is owned by the monopoly utility company Appalachian Power, has violated regulations that protect public health and the environment. This time around, the Clinch River Plant violated clean air regulations by exceeding the limit for emissions of fine particulate matter.
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