The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced its plan to invest $3 billion in communities through the American Rescue Plan. Through EDA’s “Coal Communities Commitment,” $300 million of that funding will go directly to areas recovering from both COVID-19 and transitioning from coal-based economies.
This exciting funding opportunity is in partnership with President Biden’s Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Coal and Power Plant Communities, of which ARC’s Federal Co-Chair is a member. The IWG has started facilitating listening sessions in coal communities across the country, some of which are in Appalachia. During today’s virtual workshop, which focused on revitalizing Western Pennsylvania’s energy communities, Co-Chair Manchin noted, “each of Pennsylvania’s 52 Appalachian counties possess opportunities, as well as challenges. We have worked very closely with Governor Wolf and his team, and Sheri Collins to support projects for coal-impacted communities in Pennsylvania.”
If you’re interested in applying but unsure how to get started, EDA and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) are hosting a free virtual workshop on August 18 focusing on revitalizing West Virginia’s energy communities. Register here. Check out their new website, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, for updates.