Welcome to The Mountain Ascent’s October issue! Like every other month, Appalachian Voices’ New Economy program hopes our newsletter shines a light on the Southwest Virginia communities working to face the challenges of today while building a viable economy for their future and inspires you with all that can be achieved through community action.
Remember to help us spread the good news by sharing The Mountain Ascent with your friends and family inside and outside of the region and by encouraging them to subscribe!
If you run across some good news from Southwest Virginia, please share your news with us so we can try to include it in our next issue.
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith announced multiple projects in the seven coalfield counties of Southwest Virginia to potentially receive grant approval from the federal Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program.
The University of Virginia's College at Wise and The Nature Conservancy have partnered up to provide an upcoming grant opportunity for businesses looking to create more ‘nature based economic growth’ in the region.
The Town of Tazewell and three other communities in Virginia have been chosen to become Virginia’s latest Main Street Communities, which receive state assistance to help bolster long-term economic growth. Tazewell was cited for the support of its cultural and natural resources, as well as its popular motorcyclist routes.
The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia recently launched an innovative partnership with Secure Futures, LLC, Mountain Empire Community College, and GOT Electric to provide commercial-scale solar installations in the coalfield region that are specifically designed to employ local workers.
Appalachian Power is blocking local schools and municipal governments from installing solar, preventing them from saving money through solar. Help us support solar for schools and government building in Southwest Virginia by contacting your local school board today!
More than ever, it is important that you are able to vote in 2020. In Virginia, your last day to register to vote in the November election is October 13th at 5 p.m. Register online or learn how to register in your county using the link below.
