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The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has long invested in coal communities across the United States through a variety of funding opportunities. Notably, under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) Initiative since 2015, EDA has awarded funds on a competitive basis to assist communities impacted by the declining use of coal through programs that support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.
Most recently, as part of EDA’s $3 billion American Rescue Plan appropriation, the Coal Communities Commitment allocates $300 million of these funds to support coal communities as they recover from the pandemic, develop resilient economies, and create good paying-jobs and opportunities.
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Courtney Haynes
EDA’s Coal Communities Coordinator
Courtney is the daughter of a coal miner. She was born in Pikeville, Kentucky, and grew up in Beckley, West Virginia. To say that this programming is important to her is an understatement. Courtney has seen first-hand the economic potential and worker skill in these communities and is leveraging her over 16 years of experience in social impact to ensure that EDA’s coal community programs empower those communities that need a little bit of help to reimagine their future and build back better.
One such effort is to set up regular communication with communities to share federal funding opportunities, successes, and important resources and partnership opportunities to support current and potential EDA coal community grantees. This newsletter is one way that Courtney plans to do just that.
Courtney is here to support you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments. Courtney can be reached at CHaynes@eda.gov and she looks forward to partnering with you for the work ahead.
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COAL COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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EDA Funding Opportunity: EDA is actively seeking applications from coal communities for its $200 million Coal Communities Commitment as part of the American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, a flexible funding opportunity that supports a wide range of projects including infrastructure, building construction, revolving loan funds, planning, and technical assistance. Click here for details on how to apply.
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More Federal Funding: EDA’s Economic Development Integration webpage highlights federal funding opportunities that are currently accepting applications. Scan this list and visit grants.gov for more info about these programs that may support your community’s economic transition strategies.
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Future Funding Opportunities: The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families will solicit applications on or about March 20 for approximately $3.2 million in Community Economic Development funds to Community Development Corporations for projects in energy communities. Click here for more details and updates.
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Request for Proposals: The Just Transition Fund has just relaunched an opportunity to help coal communities develop strong federal applications. Grants of up to $25,000 are now available on a rolling basis to help with expenses and to qualify as matching funds. Their Request for Proposals to support federal applications can be found here.
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Webinar: The Interagency Working Group for Coal and Power Plant Communities held a webinar on February 23 with various resources to highlight the “how to” and alignment for over $100 billion in infrastructure spending for energy communities. Click here to replay the webinar.
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After Two Power Plant Closures, Former Coal Community Gets It’s Second Wind
EDA’s Assistance to Coal Communities initiative supported the town of Somerset, Massachusetts, in its redevelopment efforts following the closure of two coal power plants, funding a comprehensive master plan, an economic development strategy, and various component projects.
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WEST VIRGINIA
Morgantown Utility Board
Morgantown, West Virginia was once a thriving coal community. Over the last several years, however, it has experienced a dramatic loss of more than 1,600 jobs in the coal industry. Still, Morgantown remains the primary economic engine for North Central West Virginia, and it is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the region. Morgantown and Monongalia County over all represent a talented workforce in a strategic location that provides a unique quality of life – all assets that have made the region an excellent location for businesses to grow and thrive.
In October 2021, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded its first local investment as part of the American Rescue Plan’s Coal Communities Commitment to the Morgantown Utility Board. The $2 million EDA grant will be used to promote sustainable, high-quality job creation and workforce development in the form of a new water treatment plant. The new plant will provide potable water to the existing Mountain Top Beverage Company facility, while also supplying necessary water volume to construct an additional manufacturing facility in the area. It will also reduce water loss, operational expenses, and maintenance costs, ultimately promoting re-employment opportunities for displaced coal workers and overall regional economic growth and diversification.
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RECENT COAL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM EDA?
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- Subscribe to this and other EDA newsletters and updates – click here to register.
- Connect with a local Economic Development Representative (EDR) – click here to find your EDR.
- Find an Economic Development District (EDD) for planning support and technical assistance – click here for the EDD Directory.
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