WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded more than $3 million to promote manufacturing, higher education, and workforce development programs in Southwest Virginia. The funding comes as part of the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, a multi-agency effort aligning and targeting federal economic and workforce development resources to communities and workers affected by the downturn in the coal economy. These funds are expected to create or retain 500 direct and indirect jobs throughout the region.

“These ARC funds will support efforts to build a stronger, more diverse economy in Southwest Virginia,” said Warner. “I am particularly proud to see that ARC is continuing the work that we started back when I was Governor, when we first helped jumpstart Virginia Community Capital, by providing valuable investment to organizations that will bring jobs and attract more businesses in the area.”   

“I am a strong supporter of ARC because the commission has made a tangible, positive impact in Southwest Virginia,” Kaine said. “Today’s funding is another step in the right direction, helping to create and save jobs through investments in manufacturing and education.”

“These investments capitalize on the growing momentum for a diverse economy in Appalachia,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl.  “They are strategic, collaborative and impactful plans to make Virginia and the entire Appalachian Region more competitive in technology, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, broadband, health and a variety of other sectors

The $3,057,650 in POWER grants will be disbursed to the following three organizations:

• Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing will receive $1,307,650;
• Mountain Empire Community College will receive $950,000; and,
• Virginia Community Capital will receive $800,000.

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