We’ve made it clear that the nation — and the world — aren’t ready to rapidly shift from coal as a power-generating force.
But it is equally clear that market conditions are trending away from coal, in part because major seams have been mined out, making the cost of extracting the resource more expensive.
This shift, which has been expedited by some government regulations, has led to a major negative impact on many long-time coal-producing communities.
That’s where sound energy and economic policy must combine to lessen the effect on these communities.
On Thursday, the Appalachian Regional Commission announced more than $46 million in grants to these impacted communities, including $12.5 million to be allocated in West Virginia.
As Senior Staff Writer Charles Young reports on Page A1, the ARC’s POWER Initiative was launched in 2015 to help direct federal resources to communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.
“The downturn of the coal industry has impacted economies across Appalachia. That’s why ARC’s POWER initiative helps to leverage regional partnerships and collaborations to support efforts to create a more vibrant economic future for coal-impacted communities,” ARC federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin said.
“Many of the projects we announced today will invest in educating and training the Appalachian workforce, nurturing entrepreneurship, and supporting infrastructure — including broadband access. These investments are critical in leveling the economic playing field so Appalachian communities can thrive,” Manchin said.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, the husband of Gayle Manchin, said the ARC has a long history of helping West Virginia and coal communities.
“The ARC continues to be a strong partner for West Virginia, and the POWER program will help coal communities create stronger local economies and promising futures for West Virginians,” Sen. Manchin said.
“I am thrilled that this is the largest POWER investment to date, with more awards for West Virginia organizations than any other state. ARC is investing more than $12.3 million through 14 different awards across the Mountain State, supporting projects ranging from broadband deployment to downtown revitalization to youth entrepreneurship,” Sen. Manchin said.
“I look forward to seeing the impact of these awards in years to come, and I will continue to stand with our hardworking coal miners and West Virginians to create good-paying jobs and opportunities.”
Manchin’s fellow senator, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, also praised the efforts of the ARC.
“From broadband infrastructure to health care to outdoor recreation, each of these POWER grants is an investment in the growth and vitality of West Virginia’s economy,” Capito said.
“ARC provides critical support to local communities, and today’s announcement will impact multiple sectors of our state. As ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees ARC, I’ll continue working as a federal partner to ensure our state gets the resources it deserves,” she said.
The ARC’s efforts over the years have made a positive impact on many in the challenged Appalachian region, especially in West Virginia.
Allocating more than 25% of Thursday’s grants to the Mountain State shows the ARC’s commitment to our state and its people.
And by targeting broadband, as well as retraining the workforce, the ARC Power Initiative is providing a pathway to a brighter future.
We applaud their efforts and the continued support of our federal delegation led by Sens. Manchin and Capito.