Warner, Kaine Applaud $24.8 Million In Federal Funding To Boost Manufacturing, Create Economic Opportunity In Southwest Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded $24,800,000 in federal funding awarded to the Additive Manufacturing Advanced Materials (AM2) coalition to strengthen advanced manufacturing, expand workforce training, and support long-term economic recovery in Southwest Virginia following Hurricane Helene.

"Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Southwest Virginia, communities across the region are still working to rebuild and recover," said the senators. "This $24.8 million in federal funding will help strengthen the region's economy by giving workers the skills they need to compete for good-paying jobs and helping local manufacturers grow and innovate. We're proud to support this coalition, help secure this transformative investment, and continue working to ensure Southwest Virginia communities have the resources they need to fully recover and thrive."

The funding will support the AM2 coalition, which has a significant presence in Southwest and Southside Virginia, including the Danville region. The investment will expand advanced manufacturing certification programs, fund new equipment, and help local businesses improve their manufacturing processes. The grant is expected to provide training for 2,000 workers, help local manufacturers bring new products to market more quickly, and accelerate the growth of emerging and existing industries across the region.

This funding was awarded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, which supports economic recovery and long-term resilience in areas that were hit by natural disasters.

The AM2 coalition was previously awarded $500,000 in federal funding through the Strategy Development Grant as part of the 2023 Tech Hubs program to develop a 10-year roadmap for establishing the region as a global hub in additive manufacturing and advanced materials. The grant was made possible by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which Sen. Warner wrote and Sen. Kaine helped pass.

Warner and Kaine have secured significant federal resources to support Virginia's recovery from Hurricane Helene, including $240 million for the Creeper Trail, $60.9 million for farmers, over $46 million in HUD funding for infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and $1.7 million to repair a public access bridge along Route 859. In the aftermath of the hurricane, both senators met with Virginians impacted by the storm to tour damage and discuss federal support. Warner and Kaine continue to visit affected communities to receive updates on recovery efforts and infrastructure rebuilding.

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