By SHAWN STREET
Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced $7.3 million in strategic investments through the Virginia Energy Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program.
According to the governor’s office, the projects will advance economic and community development in coal-impacted communities in Southwest Virginia through investments in job creation, healthcare, emergency services, transportation infrastructure, and improvements at UVA Wise.
Two of the five awards belong to the Russell County Industrial Development Authority.
A total of $2.5 million will go to Project Franklin. The project will convert 88 million tons of legacy coal waste on a reclaimed former mine site in Russell County into a high-value, low-carbon pozzolan product used in green concrete manufacturing. The project is expected to add up to 95 jobs over five years.
The second IDA project is for the East Main Rural Health Clinic. The $1.45 million in funding will support the purchase of property and improvements to an existing building in Lebanon for use as an urgent care and primary care clinic.
Other projects awarded funding include the Town of St. Paul’s Regional Emergency Services and Training Facility, which received $250,000. The funds will support construction of a facility to house the town’s fire department and police department and provide dedicated space for future emergency medical services.
Buchanan County’s IDA received $1.6 million for the Coalfields Expressway paving.
A parking lot expansion at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise received $1.5 million.
“My Administration is laser-focused on creating good-paying jobs and expanding economic opportunity across Southwest Virginia and our entire Commonwealth,” said Spanberger. “These new investments will help connect Virginians with steady careers, expand access to essential health and emergency services, improve transportation connections, and put formerly mined land to productive use. By supporting projects that meet local needs and build on regional strengths, we are helping make sure that Southwest Virginia continues to grow and thrive.”
The AMLER Program helps coal-impacted communities turn former mine lands and related assets into productive opportunities that support new businesses, infrastructure, recreation, tourism, workforce development, and long-term economic growth. The competitive 2025 funding round drew 16 applications from 14 organizations seeking more than $39.3 million. The awards announced today will obligate 91.5% of the $7.9 million available for the program.
“AMLER is a powerful tool for helping coal-impacted communities transform and innovate,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “From converting legacy coal waste into a lower-carbon material for concrete to strengthening public safety, health care, and regional infrastructure, these projects will deliver practical, lasting benefits for Southwest Virginia residents and businesses.”
“Southwest Virginia deserves investments that create jobs, strengthen public services, and support the communities that have powered our Commonwealth and nation for generations,” said U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith. “These AMLER awards will help communities across the region advance projects that improve quality of life and create a stronger foundation for future economic development.”
