Scarbro says he also expects RCBI ’ s center to become a regional hub for testing , credentialing and certifications offered by the American Welding Society — as well as an economic catalyst for the region .
Scarbro thanked officials with the Huntington Municipal Development Authority for including RCBI in their portion of the Build Back Better proposal for Southern West Virginia .
The opening of the new RCBI Welding & Robotics Training Center will happen after the completion of renovations at the site , which are expected to take several months .
RCBI Welding & Robotics Training Center .
U . S . Department of Commerce Announces $ 62.8 Million Award To West Virginia Coalition
President Joe Biden , U . S . Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Senator Joe Manchin announced on September 2 , 2022 , that the U . S . Economic Development Administration ( EDA ) has chosen the Appalachian Climate Technologies Coalition ( ACT Now Coalition ) for a package of grant awards totaling $ 62.8 million , leveraged with another $ 26 million in match from non-federal sources , for economic development projects in Southern West Virginia coalfield communities . The ACT Now Coalition is one of only 21 winners nationwide . The award is part of the highly competitive Build Back Better Regional Challenge , a $ 1 billion national challenge organized by the U . S . EDA to build new economic development approaches and good-paying jobs in economically distressed regions .
“ 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 this announcement is great news for our entire state ,” says Manchin .
The lead applicant of the ACT Now Coalition was Coalfield Development , a community-based not-for-profit organization based in Southern West Virginia . Coalfield Development CEO Brandon Dennison lauded the collaboration of the coalition .
ACT Now constitutes a tangible opportunity to take a major leap forward in this generational challenge to become a vibrant , growing , diversified economy ,” says Dennison . “ In the wake of continued coal-job losses , nothing could be more important for our region . ACT Now means nearly $ 100 million invested in renewable energy , sustainable mine land reclamation , clean manufacturing and entrepreneurship
throughout our hills and hollows . This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for transformational progress in our communities . I am deeply grateful to the Biden Administration and all our partners for this boost to our bottom-up endeavors .”
ACT Now will receive tens of millions of dollars in match and leverage support from Bloomberg Philanthropies , the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation , the Just Transition Fund and other philanthropies and corporate donors . A large portion of match was also provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission .
Boone Memorial Health Awarded $ 1.3 Million Grant
U . S . Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Economic Development Administration ( EDA ) is awarding a $ 1.3 million grant to Boone Memorial Health ( BMH ) for the construction and establishment of the Madison Farmers Market and Greenhouse . Based on responses from local entities and internal projections , BMH expects the project will create 136 jobs and retain 23 jobs . The grant is part of $ 15.4 million in American Rescue Plan investments announced by the EDA for projects in West Virginia .
The project will be located on Main Street in downtown Madison , WV , and will occupy a currently vacant lot . Part of the site was donated to BMH by the Madison Development Authority earlier this year .
Specific activities included in the scope of the work are the construction and outfitting of an indoor-outdoor farmers market structure and a permanent , environmentally conscious greenhouse in addition to an outdoor stage and seating area . Construction and operation of the Madison Farmers Market and Greenhouse will be managed by the BMH Foundation for Community Health , a department of BMH launched this year .
“ The Madison Farmers Market and Greenhouse is an endeavor designed to positively impact each of the social determinants of health with an emphasis on improving economic stability and food insecurity ,” says BMH General Counsel and Chief External Affairs Officer Ray Harrell Jr . “ By significantly increasing access to fresh produce , providing agricultural education opportunities and stimulating economic activity and agritourism in the heart of Boone County , we can take serious steps toward improving community health in a meaningful way .”
Current operational plans include a weekend farmers market where local growers and producers will be invited to sell their products . The greenhouse will feature a variety of both hydroponic and non-hydroponic growing methods and will serve as an experiential learning site for adults and K-12 students .
“ We look forward to working together with our existing partners and welcoming new partners into the fold as we embark on this important work ,” Harrell says .
Bridge Road Bistro Offers Franchising
Appalachian culture offers unique culinary experiences for everyone ’ s palette , and now those traditions can be brought to new communities by franchising Bridge Road Bistro ( BRB ).
BRB is a full-service restaurant that serves original recipes inspired by traditional West Virginian cooking . From the
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