The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) – Governor Glenn Youngkin and Congressman Morgan Griffith announced four economic development projects selected for Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant approval. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) and funded by the federal U.S. Department of Treasury. Each project incorporates sites where coal was mined before 1977 and include safety and environmental improvements to the Southwest Virginia communities where they are located.
“As we strengthen our commitment to accelerate growth in Southwest Virginia, these important projects bring unique economic opportunities to our coal communities,” said Governor Glenn 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.”
“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,” said U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith. “This renewed commitment highlights the impacts of AMLER projects on economic development and job creation in the region.
“We are already celebrating success through projects that have been created through this program,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “AMLER supports significant site development in these coalfield communities which supports this administration’s efforts for success in this region through Accelerate Southwest.”
“The AMLER program meets the top three priorities of Virginia Energy: safety, positive environmental impact and good economic development,” said Virginia Energy Director Glenn Davis. “The industrial developments, affordable energy initiatives and community impact projects created through this program over the last seven years have supported 453 jobs.”
“The AMLER program supports high impact projects that align with federal, state and local priorities to improve communities and foster economic development,” said Virginia District 6 Senator Todd Pillion. “This round of funding will provide necessary investments to bolster infrastructure and enhance recreational and commercial opportunities to ensure SWVA continues to be successful.”
“We live in a beautiful part of the world. It’s important that we are good stewards of the mining land we once thought unusable and AMLER is a key partner in this renewal and redevelopment process,” said Virginia District 5 Senator Travis Hackworth. “The grants allocated by AMLER help our communities to boost numerous economic development projects to bring businesses, jobs and growth to this region. Congratulations to all the grant recipients! We look forward to seeing your projects move forward in the days to come.”
“The latest round of funding from AMLER solidifies its commitment to the revitalization of our coal mining communities in Southwest Virginia,” said Virginia District 1 Delegate Terry Kilgore. “These projects ensure that Southwest Virginia has the infrastructure to bring economic growth and job opportunities to the region in an effort to keep it successful.”
“The AMLER funding will help several projects come to fruition in Southwest Virginia. I am particularly excited about the Richlands natural gas power plant project which will significantly reduce the price of electricity for the town’s residents and commercial utility customers.” said Virginia District 43 Delegate Will Morefield. “The project will help promote economic development opportunities by expanding natural gas infrastructure and provide affordable and competitive utility rates. The AMLER funding will also provide for a stronger application when the projects are applying for funding with other state and federal programs. I commend Governor Youngkin, the Virginia Department of Energy and the U.S. Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement for their support.”
Virginia received the federal grant dollars funding AMLER to develop Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites beginning in 2017. Nearly 50 projects have been recommended for funding since the program began. Virginia Energy oversees the grant which comes from the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE). The Commonwealth is one of six states and three tribes chosen to receive the funding. Visit the Virginia Energy website for more information on all AML programs.
