D.C. sends a ray of hope to Southwest Virginia

Through the dark clouds of the Trump administration’s agenda for rolling back or killing off programs critical to the health of Appalachian communities and the environment, a bright spot has emerged — $10 million for repurposing old coal mines in Southwest Virginia for new economic opportunities.

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Congress includes $10 million for Southwest Virginia coal communities in spending plan

Contact: Adam Wells, New Economy Program Manager, 276-679-1691, [email protected] Thom Kay, Senior Legislative Representative, 864-580-1843, [email protected] Gerald Collins Coal Mining Engineering Services LLC, 276-220-0150, [email protected] Norton, Va. — A proposed federal spending bill that took shape in Congress over the weekend includes $10 million in funding for economic development projects to help communities in Southwest…

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Senate bill signals hope for economy in Appalachian coal communities

Contact: Adam Wells, Economic Diversification Program Manager, 804-240-4372, [email protected] Cat McCue, Communications Director, 434-293-6373, [email protected] NORTON, VA – A bill announced today by senators from four Appalachian states for $1 billion to repurpose abandoned coal strip mines for economic development projects marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to revitalize local communities in the…

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New SWVa project shows top spots for turning old coal mines into economic drivers

Contact: Adam Wells, Economic Diversification Program Coordinator (o) 276-679 1691, (m) 804-240-4372, [email protected] Norton, VA — Appalachian Voices today released preliminary findings in an ongoing review of abandoned coal mine lands in Southwest Virginia to identify the best potential sites for reclamation and redevelopment for positive economic benefit for the region. The nonprofit organization partnered…

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