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EDA has received a significant number of high-quality applications across our American Rescue Plan programs, including applications for the Coal Communities Commitment (CCC) – $300 million dedicated to these communities in transition. This commitment comprises $100 million for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) and $200 million for the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program. On April 12, EDA provided an update to the public on the status of funds for EDA’s American Rescue Plan programs.
Over the coming months, EDA will review applications and make funding decisions. We look forward to sharing the grants EDA is making to support the tremendous capacity and innovation opportunities in coal communities across the country, helping them drive towards recovery and resiliency.
*Per applicant estimates
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Each state and territory across the country has a dedicated Economic Development Representative (EDR) with a mission to support applicants and grantees through the application process and beyond. EDRs are best positioned to provide support to the communities they represent because they understand regional needs and opportunities, and have in-depth knowledge of EDA structures and processes. If you haven’t connected with your EDR, check EDA’s resource directory here. Learn more about two of our EDRs below.
Tracey Rowan
EDR, West Virginia
Tracey has served as the EDR for the state of West Virginia since December 2015, collaborating with local and regional stakeholders on investments that have included job training and manufacturing diversification initiatives, incubators, multi-use buildings, and infrastructure improvements in rural West Virginia.
“West Virginia is a beautiful and resilient state, and each community is unique in its struggle due to the downturn in the coal industry; however, ALL are committed to ‘Wild and Wonderful West Virginia’ and determined to rebuild the economy with alternative opportunities. Emerging and expanding clusters such aerospace, hardwood manufacturing, and tourism are creating new opportunities and hope. The workforce, known for their grit and small businesses, still serve as the backbone of the economy.”
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Trent Thompson
EDR, Colorado
Trent has been the EDR for Colorado and Utah for six years. In this capacity, he works with community leaders and stakeholders to foster economic growth, create jobs, and ensure the region’s competitiveness in a global economy.
“What I find unique in working with Colorado’s coal communities is that they are proud and resilient. My colleagues, friends, and neighbors in the West are rightly proud of their heritage and contributions to America’s energy economy since the industrial revolution, yet they are also resilient because they are determined to diversify their economy as the world adjusts to the societal and climate costs associated with carbon-based energy resources.”
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COAL COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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EDA Funding Opportunity: While EDA’s American Rescue Plan Act funding opportunities have closed, there are other programs available. The Assistance to Coal Communities program considers applications on a rolling basis and can be used to assist locally driven efforts by communities and regions severely impacted by the declining use of coal. Grants usually range from $500,000 to $2 million.
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More Federal Funding: The S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development office has a number of Energy Programs available, many of which have open application deadlines.
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Future Funding Opportunities: Stay updated with the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities Clearinghouse, which serves as a centralized location to find funding opportunities for your Coal Community transitions.
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Reminder: This week is Energy Communities Week! Click here for information on the latest announcements from the IWG.
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Webinar: The Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities hosted a webinar on Repurposing Fossil Fuel Energy Assets that included presentations across federal and private sector opportunities for funding, collaboration, and planning. Click here to watch the webinar.
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EDA Invests in Coal Communities: Assistant Secretary Castillo Visits Ohio and West Virginia to Spotlight Projects Throughout Appalachian Region
In March, Assistant Secretary Castillo visited Youngstown, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia, to tour EDA grantee project locations and to participate in two events sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Coal and Power Plant Communities & Economic Revitalization. The second event included announcements of several grants made by EDA, the Department of Energy, the Department of Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
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OHIO
Youngstown State University and the County of Mahoning
Opened in 2021, the Youngstown State University Excellence Training Center was redeveloped in part thanks to a $2 million EDA Assistance to Coal Communities investment made in 2017. The former jail now houses the most modern advanced manufacturing equipment available for training students with necessary 21st-century skills needed to maintain the competitiveness in a fast-changing, technology-driven economy.
Career pathways include traditional and non-traditional certifications, as well as industry-recognized credentials offered in a wide range of areas such as manual and CNC machining, industrial maintenance, robotics, automation, and additive manufacturing.
Click here to watch an informational video.
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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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