Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) applauds today’s announcement of federal awards to grow the economy in coal-producing communities in Virginia.  These awards, which are being announced on a rolling basis by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), are funded through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, an effort to invest federal economic and workforce development resources in areas harmed by changes in the coal economy.

Griffith said, “I am pleased by Virginia’s receipt of these POWER awards, having worked to promote and provide information about them when my team and I were speaking with county administrators, planning district commissioners, and other local officials.  I am happy these awards are being distributed, and with this being a rolling process, look forward to others applying.”

“These awards are a small step which I am optimistic will help to reinvigorate economic prospects in Southwest Virginia.  I extend my congratulations to all those who worked to secure this funding and to those who also continue pushing to advance economic development strategies in our region.  As we know all too well, the need in Appalachian coal communities remains great.  I am proud to be a part of the group in Congress that continues to defend the reasonable and rational use of coal as a major energy source.  But as the fight to counter regulatory onslaught and defend the use of coal continues, so must continue our efforts together to advance economic development strategies to help keep and grow jobs in Appalachia.”

Awards announced today include a $1,417,375 ARC grant to Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in Cedar Bluff, Virginia for the Retraining Energy Displaced Individuals (REDI) Center for Dislocated Coal Miners program to provide fast-track reemployment services directly to displaced coal miners, a $1,500,000 ARC grant to Appalachian Sustainable Development in Abington, Virginia for the Central Appalachian Food Enterprise Corridor which will develop a coordinated local foods distribution network throughout Central Appalachia, and $400,000 for a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the Cool & Connected Initiative to help Appalachian coal-impacted communities use broadband service.  This is the first round of POWER award announcements for this fiscal year.

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