Virginia Clean Cities (VCC) was awarded funding through the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s Thriving Communities Program to help prepare Russell
County for the growing opportunities created by electric vehicles (EVs) and electric vehicle
charging infrastructure.
The project will focus on educating residents, local governments, businesses and community organizations while helping identify economic development and workforce training opportunities associated with transportation electrification.
As automakers continue investing billions of dollars in electric vehicle production and charging infrastructure expands across Virginia, rural communities are uniquely positioned to benefit from new jobs, tourism, business attraction and lower transportation costs. Preparing communities now ensures they are ready to compete for future investment while giving residents the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the evolving clean transportation economy.
“Transportation is changing rapidly, and we want Southwest Virginia to be prepared—not left behind,” said Tarah Kesterson, VCC’s Clean Communities and Economic Development
Director for Southwest Virginia. “This grant allows us to work directly with citizens, local
leaders and community partners to ensure Russell County is ready for the opportunities electric transportation presents. From workforce development and small business growth to tourism and infrastructure investment, preparing our communities today helps position us for long-term economic success while ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of clean transportation.”
“We’re excited to partner with Virginia Clean Cities on this important initiative,” said Russell County Board of Supervisors District 2 Representative Lou Ann Wallace. “I feel that Russell County is embracing innovation and trying to create opportunities for our citizens. This project will help us better understand how electric vehicle infrastructure can support economic development, attract visitors, strengthen our workforce and prepare our communities for future investment. We’re committed to ensuring Russell County remains competitive as transportation technology continues to evolve.”
Over the course of the project, Virginia Clean Cities will engage residents and community
leaders through comprehensive outreach and educational events designed to build local
knowledge and encourage participation in electric vehicle initiatives. Key project activities include establishing partnerships with county leaders and communities within; hosting virtual and in-person educational workshops focused on electric vehicles, job opportunities and community planning for infrastructure and assessing community needs when
it comes to EVs and other clean transportation initiatives.
These efforts will provide local leaders with data-driven guidance while helping residents better understand the economic opportunities associated with electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure deployment.
Russell County leaders were ahead of the game when applying for a grant to receive electric vehicle charging stations through Virginia Clean Cities’ Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership (MAEP) program. Chargers are installed in the town of Honaker and Cleveland and are planned for the town of Lebanon. St. Paul also has existing EV charging infrastructure within the town limits.
The project builds upon Virginia Clean Cities’ ongoing work throughout Southwest Virginia to expand access to clean transportation technologies, strengthen local economies and ensure rural communities benefit from emerging investments in domestic energy and advanced transportation.
Virginia Clean Cities will begin outreach activities in the coming months and encourages
residents, businesses, educators, workforce organizations and local governments to participate in upcoming educational events and planning activities.