Rep. Jenkins Announces $1.5 Million For Coal Communities

Press Release

U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) joined state and federal officials in Williamson today to announce more than $1.5 million in grants for southern West Virginia communities hurt by the downturn in coal. The grants are part of a federal effort to address the economic downturns in coal communities, spur redevelopment, and invest in infrastructure.

"Southern West Virginia has been hard hit by the war on coal. Everywhere I go, I see small towns and families suffering as coal production drops and our coal mines close. I will always fight to secure investments for our communities, but the best way to jumpstart our economy is to stop the Environmental Protection Agency's policies that have decimated our way of life. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought successfully to include funding to redevelop abandoned mines and spur economic growth. I will continue to stand up for the people of West Virginia as a member of Congress and push to block efforts to regulate our coal jobs out of existence," Rep. Jenkins said.

Rep. Jenkins joined officials from the Appalachian Regional Commission and U.S. Economic Development Administration to announce one of the grants at the Williamson Health and Wellness Center.

The Third Congressional District grants are:

$826,400 EDA grant to the town of Union to extend public water services from the town to the UTC Aerospace Systems' manufacturing plant in order to meet its water demand. The project will also expand access to municipal water to residents and improve firefighting capabilities. UTC is a major employer in Summers County, and Rep. Jenkins visited the plant earlier this year to see firsthand how this project will help UTC and the community.

$600,000 EDA grant to the Coalfield Development Corporation in Wayne for the Regional Economic Diversification Project. The project will support increased agricultural production on surface mine sites. It will also provide job training and mentorship for farmers to help develop a local food economy and promote healthy diets and lifestyles. This a joint program with the Williamson Health and Wellness Center (see below).

$75,000 ARC grant to the Williamson Health and Wellness Center in Williamson for the Health Innovation and Food Hub. The grant will fund the startup of the Health Innovation and Food Hub, which will promote local farming efforts, access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and promote healthy diets and lifestyles. This is a joint program with the Coalfield Development Corporation (see above).

$36,000 EDA grant to the Southern Appalachia Labor School in Robson, West Virginia to evaluate possible uses and redevelopments of abandoned and reclaimed surface mine operations.

The House Appropriation Committee's Fiscal Year 2016 Interior Appropriations bill includes $30 million for a pilot program in Appalachia to redevelop abandoned mine lands and spur economic growth. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Jenkins was proud to help secure this funding, which will give West Virginia millions to redevelop mine sites, create jobs, and invest in regional economic development. This pilot program will allow West Virginia and surrounding states to test the program.

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