“West Virginia continues to see the benefits of the critical American Rescue Plan investments that drive economic development and create good-paying, long-term jobs, and today’s announcement is great news for our entire state. It is a testament to our hardworking fellow West Virginians and forward-thinking communities that West Virginia was one of just 21 recipients of the EDA’s Regional Challenge program. I’m pleased the EDA is investing nearly $63 million in communities across southern West Virginia to strengthen local economies, support our energy industries and expand job opportunities. This is an incredible opportunity and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this funding for years to come.”

“We are in a unique moment in history, and thanks to this new federal support for the ACT Now coalition, we are poised to truly transform economic opportunities for communities across the state,” West Virginia University President Gordon Gee said. “This is a crucial component of our land-grant mission at West Virginia University, and I join our partners with excitement and a renewed commitment to move forward together in shared purpose to create a more vibrant future for West Virginia.”

“Marshall University is privileged to serve with the amazing team who will bring innovation in research, training and workforce development to the Mountain State. West Virginia stands on the threshold of a great economic reawakening, thanks to an engaged and forward-focused generation of thinkers and doers. The synergy being created across our universities, our federal, state and local levels of government and our private businesses is showcasing the grit and grace of our Appalachian spirit while propelling economic growth for generations to come. West Virginia is quickly becoming the demonstration project for the rest of the world. Our time has come!”

“Charleston now has the opportunity to become the capital of innovation, healthy food production, and green technologies with a skilled workforce to support the Learning, Innovation, Food, and Technology (LIFT) Center. The creation of the LIFT Center will transform not only Charleston’s East End, but our entire Capital City. We are truly grateful to the U.S. Department of Commerce for helping us launch this monumental economic development endeavor.”

“The ACT Now Coalition proves that we are infinitely stronger in West Virginia when we stand together. Because Coalfield Development is partnering with the cities of Huntington and Charleston, Marshall and West Virginia universities and so many other organizations working for positive change, Southern West Virginia is becoming an economic force that is prepared to compete in the ever-changing world market. We now are proud to say our efforts are bolstered by a partnership with the federal government as we embrace the challenges of the digital age.”

“What an great and exciting day for southern West Virginia. The people of Logan and this state are strong and hardworking, but the economy has been a struggle over these past decades for many of us. Logan is thrilled that a former coal miner training building in our downtown will now become a center for technology, innovation, and family wage jobs.

“West Virginia is becoming a center for innovation, business, and jobs not only in Appalachia, but for the whole nation. I am glad that I have been part of the team helping make the Appalachian Climate Technologies initiative a reality. West Virginia is ready to lift off with new industries and jobs!”

​“The WV Community Development Hub is proud to be a project lead in the ACT Now Coalition, and thrilled that the US Economic Development Administration is investing in this innovative, transformative Coalition,” said Stephanie Tyree, Executive Director of the WV Community Development Hub. “The Build Back Better Regional Challenge investment builds on the strengths of our partnerships, and the strength that is inherent in Southern West Virginia.”

“We are thrilled that U.S. EDA recognizes the importance of our place-based workforce development strategies here in West Virginia. This historic investment will enable us and our partners to scale innovative programs that address unique challenges in West Virginia’s workforce. We’re incredibly proud and also eager to continue this great work with the support of the EDA.”

“The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund is thrilled to play a role in the ACT Now Coalition’s historic investment in climate resilience,” said Autumn Long, Appalachian Solar Finance Fund Director. “Our team is excited to help catalyze more solar development in southern West Virginia and the surrounding coalfield region as part of this innovative coalition.”

“The Charleston Area Alliance is incredibly proud to be part of this truly historic occasion,” said Nicole Christian, President & CEO, Charleston Area Alliance. “We are so excited to be part of the ACT Now Coalition and be selected as one of the projects for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. It proves that the leaders of these communities are committed to creating a bright future for West Virginia. Through the Alliance’s leadership on the LIFT Center project, the Charleston area will help to transform our traditional assets into tomorrow’s resources which will create the necessary tools and opportunities for our future.”

We couldn’t be more pleased to support the work of the ACT Now coalition and advance the former minelands to sustainable lands project component with WVU, Coalfield Development and other partners. This funding from the EDA will unlock tremendous investment in West Virginia and the Central Appalachians to continue to step boldly into the new energy economy and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation – improving the livelihood and well-being of West Virginia communities, while also helping the nation and the world to tackle climate change.

“The WV Brownfields Assistance Centers have been working throughout southern WV assisting communities in redeveloping brownfield properties for new economic development and community vibrancy. The ACT Now project is destined to be an economic game changer that will re-invent communities and transform the entire region. Our Centers are excited to play a role in this major transformation.”

“For decades, we’ve known the economy of Southern West Virginia needs diversification. Some progress has been made on this goal, but not nearly enough. ACT Now constitutes a tangible opportunity to take a major leap forward in this generational challenge to become a vibrant, growing, diversified economy. In the wake of continued coal-job losses, nothing could be more important for our region.”