On Wednesday, August 24, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will announce significant federal investments in projects to grow the economy in coal-impacted communities. These investments, spread across various states, are funded through the Obama administration’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative to stimulate economic growth and opportunity in communities that have historically relied on the coal economy for economic stability.
With this announcement, communities and regions that have been negatively impacted by changes in the coal economy — including mining, coal-fired power plants, and related transportation, logistics, and manufacturing supply chains — are able to strengthen their economies and workforces. In March, ARC and EDA announced the availability of $65.8 million through the POWER Initiative.
West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will join ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams at the Wild Ramp in Huntington, West Virginia for the announcement. The Wild Ramp is a local food retailer and a partner in the Central Appalachian Food Enterprise Corridor which will be supported through the POWER Initiative. The press event will be followed by a national press call.
WHAT: Announcement of POWER Initiative Investments to Strengthen Economies of U.S. Coal-Impacted Communities
WHO: Steve Williams, Mayor of Huntington, West Virginia
Earl Ray Tomblin, Governor of West Virginia
Evan Hollin Jenkins, U.S. Representative for West Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District
Jay Williams, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
Earl Gohl, ARC Federal Co-Chair
Gail Patton, Executive Director, Unlimited Future (POWER 2016 Grantee partner)
Mary Hunt, Senior Program Manager, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
WHEN: Wednesday, August 24, 2016 11 – 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Wild Ramp
555 14th St. W
Huntington, WV 25704
WHAT: National Press Call
WHEN: Wednesday, August 24, 2016 12-12:30 p.m.
888-455-8080
Participant Passcode: 603-6427
*please call in 5-10 minutes before the noon start time
WHO: Jay Williams, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
Earl Gohl, ARC Federal Co-Chair
Jason Walsh, Senior Policy Advisor, White House Domestic Policy Council
Jeff Whitehead, Executive Director, Eastern Kentucky CEP (POWER 2016 Grantee)
Kathlyn Terry, Executive Director, Appalachian Sustainable Development (POWER 2016 Grantee)
