This $19,886,658 Project Grant award from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program (CFDA 66.616) will fund a multi-faceted initiative led by the University of Virginia (UVA). The project aims to implement climate resilience planning in 10 communities across Southwest Virginia, while also advancing initiatives that reduce pollution and carbon emissions. Key deliverables include:
Solar installations, energy efficiency upgrades, and carbon-neutral enhancements to childcare facilities, workforce housing, and community gathering spaces in partnership with United Way of Southwest Virginia and local counties.
Construction of a climate resilience hub in Dickenson County that will serve as a community engagement center and healthcare access point.
Feasibility studies for mixed renewable energy developments on brownfield sites in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties.
Development of a regional clean energy workforce hub in Abingdon, Virginia in collaboration with community colleges to create a talent pipeline for renewable energy careers.
The award includes several sub-grants to UVA partners totaling over $13 million, including $4.6 million to United Way, $1.8 million to Dickenson County, $4.8 million to Buchanan County, and nearly $2 million to James Madison University.