August 31, 2026 - Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced $7.3 million in funding Friday for five projects aimed at supporting economic development, infrastructure, health care and public services in coal-impacted communities across Southwest Virginia.

The funding is being awarded through the Virginia Energy Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, which supports the redevelopment of former mining properties and related assets for business development, infrastructure, recreation, tourism, workforce initiatives and other economic uses.

Russell County received the largest individual award, with $2.5 million going to Project Franklin. The project plans to process an estimated 88 million tons of legacy coal waste at a reclaimed mine site into pozzolan, a material used in lower-carbon concrete production. The development is projected to create as many as 95 jobs over five years.

The Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority was awarded $1.6 million for improvements associated with the Route 460 Connector and Corridor Q. Funding will support design, construction and oversight work for the second phase of the connector, including expansion from two lanes with truck-climbing lanes to a four-lane highway.

The University of Virginia will receive $1.5 million for parking and infrastructure improvements at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. The project includes replacing about 2.1 acres of deteriorated parking area, adding 31 spaces, constructing approximately 560 feet of sidewalk and completing drainage improvements.

Another $1.45 million was awarded to the Russell County Industrial Development Authority for the East Main Rural Health Clinic in Lebanon. The funding will support the acquisition of property and improvements to an existing building that will house urgent care and primary care services.

The Town of St. Paul will receive $250,000 toward development of a regional emergency services and training facility. Plans call for the facility to accommodate the town's fire and police departments while providing space for future emergency medical services.

Spanberger said the investments are intended to create jobs, expand access to health and emergency services, improve transportation infrastructure and return formerly mined properties to productive use.

The five awards total $7.3 million.