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RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin and Congressman Morgan Griffith have announced two more projects selected for funding through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, a federally funded initiative that turns former coal mining sites into engines for economic growth and community improvement in Southwest Virginia.
"Virginia works best when every region has the opportunity to grow and succeed," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "Southwest Virginia has incredible assets-its people, its natural beauty, and its work ethic. AMLER funding helps transform those strengths into new opportunities by turning abandoned lands into thriving spaces for businesses, families, and visitors."
The two selected projects include:
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Food Incubator at Southern Gap in Buchanan County (1,120,000): Construction of a one-story metal building with concrete floors and conditioned space, including restrooms, a common dining area, and two kitchen rental spaces. The incubator will have up to five food truck slips with water, sewer, and electricity for food truck vendors.
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Camp Bethel Expansion Project in Wise County ($3,050,000): The project includes geotechnical studies, engineering, property acquisition, road and building upgrades, and excavation for a flat parking area, an engineered rock-climbing wall, adaptive snow tubing, ziplines, a playground, and hiking trails.
"AMLER stands out as a model of what is possible when federal resources are directed effectively," said Congressman Morgan Griffith. "I've supported this program from day one because it delivers real economic benefits to Southwest Virginia communities. These latest projects show exactly why this investment continues to pay dividends for our region-they're creating spaces for small businesses to grow, drawing tourists in, and giving families more reasons to stay and build their lives here."
The AMLER program in Virginia is administered by the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) and funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through a direct payment to the Commonwealth. Virginia began receiving AMLER funds in 2017 to support redevelopment in counties with Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites.
Since then, 50 projects have been recommended for funding, all located in Appalachian coalfield counties where mining occurred prior to 1977. Virginia Energy oversees the program under the authority of the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). Virginia is one of six states and three tribes selected to receive AMLER funding.
"Economic development requires vision and partnership," said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. "AMLER allows us to take land that was once an economic liability and transform it into an asset that attracts investment, support entrepreneurs, and create the kind of amenities that make communities competitive in today's economy."
"What sets AMLER apart is its flexibility to meet communities where they are," said Virginia Energy Director Glenn Davis. "Whether it's a food incubator, a solar farm, a commercial center, or recreational facilities, this program adapts to local needs and turns former mine sites into whatever serves that community best."
"Strong infrastructure makes strong communities," said Senator Todd Pillion. "These investments in parks, trails, and business facilities improve daily life for families while positioning Southwest Virginia to attract the employers and visitors who will drive our next chapter of growth."
"AMLER delivers what our communities actually need-jobs, modern facilities, and economic opportunity," said Delegate Terry Kilgore. "These federal dollars are working for Southwest Virginia families, helping us compete for the businesses and workforce that will drive long-term prosperity."
"Southwest Virginia's story has always been about resilience," said Delegate Will Morefield. "When we invest in transforming these lands, we're investing in our people and proving that our best days aren't behind us-they're ahead of us."
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