Virginia leaders announce major economic revitalization projects for Southwest Virginia

Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin and Congressman Morgan Griffith have announced the approval of four significant economic development projects in Southwest Virginia, all selected for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant program. The program, administered by the Virginia Department of Energy and funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, focuses on redeveloping lands where coal was mined before 1977. These projects not only address safety and environmental concerns but also aim to foster economic growth in the region.

Transforming Southwest Virginia Through Strategic Investments

Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of these projects in accelerating growth and providing unique economic opportunities in coal communities. “As we strengthen our commitment to accelerate growth in Southwest Virginia, these important projects bring unique economic opportunities to our coal communities,” said Governor Youngkin. “From industrial development, tourism and community enhancement projects to an innovative solution to keep energy affordable, each one amplifies why Virginia is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Congressman Griffith, a strong advocate for the AMLER program, highlighted the impact these projects will have on the region. “As the leading advocate for the AMLER program, it is encouraging to see expanded efforts in Southwest Virginia to revitalize old mine lands and breathe life into coal communities,” he said.

Projects Selected for AMLER Funding

The four projects receiving funding include:

1. Access Road to Project Intersection (Wise County): This project, receiving $4.75 million, will create a second entryway into an industrial development that has previously benefited from AMLER funding.
2. Richlands Electric Diversification Project (Tazewell County): With $2 million in funding, this project will establish a micro natural gas power plant aimed at providing more affordable energy to the town’s utility customers.
3. Cumberland Outdoor Recreation Project (Dickenson and Buchanan Counties): This $2.75 million project will fund a portion of the largest conservation easement in Virginia, creating public access to land for outdoor recreation.
4. Project Wildcat (Wise County): Allocating $500,000, this project will build a retaining wall in an area with potential for future community development.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick expressed optimism about the success of these projects. “We are already celebrating success through projects that have been created through this program,” Merrick said. “AMLER supports significant site development in these coalfield communities which supports this administration’s efforts for success in this region through Accelerate Southwest.”

Virginia Energy Director Glenn Davis highlighted the program’s alignment with safety, environmental, and economic priorities. “The AMLER program meets the top three priorities of Virginia Energy: safety, positive environmental impact, and good economic development,” Davis said. “The industrial developments, affordable energy initiatives, and community impact projects created through this program over the last seven years have supported 453 jobs.”

A Commitment to Revitalization

State legislators expressed strong support for the AMLER-funded initiatives. Senator Todd Pillion emphasized the alignment of these projects with federal, state, and local priorities to improve communities and foster economic development. Senator Travis Hackworth and Delegate Terry Kilgore praised the program’s role in renewing and redeveloping the region’s mining lands, while Delegate Will Morefield noted the significant impact on reducing electricity costs and promoting economic development.

Since its inception in 2017, Virginia has received federal funding through AMLER to develop Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites. Nearly 50 projects have been recommended for funding, with Virginia being one of six states and three tribes selected for this initiative. The program is overseen by Virginia Energy and supported by the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE). For more information on the AML programs, visit the Virginia Energy website.