Big Stone Gap, VA – The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) is announcing two additional public listening sessions to receive comments from residents on ways to better diversify the economy of southwest Virginia. The initiative is called Reenergize Southwest Virginia.
Reenergize Southwest Virginia Listening Session Two
When: July 6, 2021 6:00 p.m.
Where: Richlands High School Auditorium, Richlands
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Dial in number: +1-866-692-4530
Dial in access code: 161 371 5413
Reenergize Southwest Virginia Listening Session Three
When: July 8, 2021 6:00 p.m.
Where: Jettie Baker Center, Clintwood
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Dial in access code: 161 966 9412
DMME is receiving comments through a variety of formats.
Residents may speak at the in-person meetings
Via the chat box through WebEx
Comments can be mailed to:
ATTN: Reenergize SWVA
Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy
3405 Mountain Empire Road
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Comments will be accepted through September 30, 2021.
The first Reenergize Southwest Virginia listening session was held at Mountain Empire Community College on June 8, 2021. That recording and more information on the agency’s efforts can be found on the DMME website.
In April 2021, Governor Northam signed legislation that repealed the Coal Employment and Production Incentive Tax Credit and the Coalfield Employment Enhancement Tax Credit. The legislation also directed DMME to lead a workgroup and provide a report to the General Assembly as to how the Commonwealth can provide economic transition support to the coalfield region. (Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell and Wise) Public comment gathered from these meetings will be used in the final report.
Those needing additional information should please contact:
Tarah Kesterson
Public Relations Manager
276-356-3405
or
Michael Skiffington
Director of Policy and Planning
804-370-1833