WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced that the Town of Wise and the Town of Pennington Gap will receive $550,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

“We’re pleased to announce these investments to strengthen Virginia’s workforce and wastewater infrastructure,” said the Senators. “This funding aims to support projects that will help expand economic opportunity in the region and improve health and water quality.”

The funding will be awarded as follows:

• The Town of Wise will receive $500,000 to make water infrastructure improvements for the Glamorgan community. Currently, the Glamorgan community does not have access to public waste water service. The funding will be used for 13,640 linear feet of sewer line to serve 62 households and 18 commercial properties.
• Town of Pennington Gap will receive $50,000 for a feasibility study to build a workforce development workspace. The Pennington Gap Center for the Trades will help address the shortage of skilled trades, such as plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, and fabricators.

In addition to the Glamorgan Sewer Line Project's ARC funds, state sources will provide $1,289,132, and local sources will provide $74,180, bringing the total project funding to $1,863,312. In addition to the Pennington Gap Center for the Trades ARC funds, local sources will provide $25,000, bringing the total project funding to $75,000.

Since its inception in 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has invested with local, regional, and state partners to transform Appalachian communities, create jobs, and strengthen the regional economy. Warner and Kaine have been strong advocates for a fully funded ARC so that it can continue to increase employment and economic opportunities for those living in Appalachia.

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