WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $540,000 in federal funding for Floyd County to expand high-speed broadband in the region. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.

“This project perfectly highlights the good that federal funding does for our communities,” said the senators. “This funding will bring broadband to Floyd County, expanding job opportunities, boosting the local economy, and supporting individual households. Despite illegal attempts from the Trump administration to sabotage federal funding, including for broadband, public safety, roads and bridges, and more, we will continue to fight for projects like this.”

Specifically, the funding will go towards the Citizens Telephone Cooperative for the Citizens Industrial Park Broadband Expansion Project. As a result of this project, 26,400 linear feet of middle mile broadband network will be constructed to serve 285 businesses with 10Gbps speeds.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have been outspoken about the harm that President Trump’s funding freeze would have had on Virginians and Virginia businesses. Last week, the senators called out President Trump’s order as illegal and costly, less than 48 hours after it was originally issued, the order was blocked by federal courts, and rescinded by the administration.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $46,670,000 in federal funding to support disaster recovery efforts in Virginia following Hurricane Helene. The funding, which the senators pushed for, was part of the disaster relief package that passed to fund the government. The funding is allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program, which provides flexible funding to support long-term recovery efforts in impacted communities, including restoration of public infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and funding for job training, workforce development, and loans and grants to support economic revitalization and local businesses. 

“We’ve both visited Southwest Virginia in the wake of Hurricane Helene to hear directly from those impacted by the storm—and rebuilding those communities remains a top priority,” said the senators. “We were glad to secure these resources in the end-of-year package because this flexible funding is going to be critical to helping communities rebuild where it’s most needed. We will continue to support individuals across Southwest Virginia as they build back their homes, businesses, and communities.”

Warner and Kaine have been vocal advocates for significant federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and both met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia to tour damage and discuss federal support. They voted to pass short-term government funding legislation that included $110 billion in disaster relief for communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton after repeatedly urging Congress to act. Last October, the senators successfully urged the Biden Administration to submit a supplemental funding request to cover the costs associated with Hurricanes Helene and Milton and successfully secured robust disaster relief funding for public lands and federal lands in Southwest Virginia.  

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WASHINGTON –  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $9,460,000 in federal funding for Carroll and Rockbridge counties to expand high-speed internet access for residents and businesses. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Connect Program that provides financial assistance to increase broadband services in rural communities where service is limited. 

“High-speed internet allows Virginians to access more educational, health care, and economic opportunities, which is why we’ve worked hard to expand internet access during our time as governors and senators,” said the senators. “We’re glad to see this federal funding headed to Carroll and Rockbridge counties to build broadband infrastructure. We will continue working to ensure families and businesses across the Commonwealth can access the internet.”  

The funding is broken down as follows:

• $5,000,000 for Citizens Telephone Cooperative in Carroll County to build a fiber-to-the-premises system that will benefit 1,838 residents and 22 businesses in the area. Residents will be able to access free internet for at least two years at the Dugspur Community Center.
• $4,460,000 for BARC Electric Cooperative in Rockbridge County to build a fiber-to-the-premises system that will benefit 816 residents and four businesses in the area. Residents will be able to access free internet for at least two years at the Lake Robertson Recreational Area. 

Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand broadband access across the Commonwealth. They have worked to secure significant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deploy broadband infrastructure across Virginia and make internet access more affordable for Virginians, including through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner and Kaine secured significant funding for broadband through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the December 2020 government funding bill that included COVID relief, and the American Rescue Plan Act.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $13,317,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand and secure rail service across Virginia. This funding was made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law, landmark legislation championed by both senators.

“Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re unlocking investments in rail across the Commonwealth, which create jobs, cut costs, and give you the freedom to get where you need to go,” said the senators. “These investments will build on our work expanding funding for Amtrak and addressing rail bottlenecks across the country, creating a future where passenger rail is more affordable, reliable, and accessible for all Virginians, including folks in communities like Bedford.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

• $6,000,000 for the Buckingham Branch Railroad Company to replace old rail tracks and ties across central Virginia. The project will make freight rail service more resilient, efficient, and secure and reduce the risk of derailments by resurfacing approximately 83 miles of track and seven grade crossings.
• $5,836,000 for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to improve the Richmond Staples Mill Amtrak Station by upgrading two platforms, adding one platform canopy, and promoting accessibility. This will make the station ADA compliant and will create a better and safer passenger experience. It will also support Staples Mill’s addition of 10 Amtrak trains per day, rapidly scaling up the number of passenger rail options available to Richmonders.
• $1,481,000 for the Town of Bedford to develop plans for a new intercity passenger rail station. This funding will allow for initial engineering and environmental work on the proposed station, which could connect Bedford to passenger rail service for the first time in several decades.  

The funding is made possible by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which is supported by several recent government spending bills and the bipartisan infrastructure law, all of which were strongly supported by the senators.

Warner and Kaine have consistently supported and led efforts to expand passenger rail across the Commonwealth. Sens. Warner and Kaine advocated directly for the funding for Staples Mill Station and Bedford. In 2021, Warner and Kaine wrote and passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has brought over $8.4 billion in federal funding to Virginia for hundreds of projects. In December 2023, Sens. Warner and Kaine announced $500,000, also courtesy of the infrastructure law, to explore the possibility of creating an infill stop in Bedford. Last week, the senators broke ground on the Long Bridge Project, a major effort to invest in rail in Virginia by easing one of the worst rail bottlenecks in America while creating 36,000 jobs.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,192,538 in federal funding to support projects across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.

“We’re glad to continue delivering for Southwest Virginia,” said the senators. “This funding will help the region continue to grow, expand job opportunities, and help those who are struggling with substance use disorder access resources they need in their recovery.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

• $1,692,538 to support Appalachian Sustainable Development for Groundwork. The funding will provide training and technical assistance needed to boost Appalachia's agriculture workforce. The funding will support 240 businesses and 182 workers/trainees. The funding will support agriculture entrepreneurs, providing organizations and trainees resources to engage and grow their businesses.  
• $500,000 for the Piedmont Regional Community Services Board - Community Recovery Employment Ecosystem Expansion. The funding will directly expand access to recovery resources as well as assist those in recovery with job placement and retention.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC. Earlier this week, Sens. Warner and Kaine announced over $2 million in federal funding for Southwest Virginia courtesy of ARC.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $1,945,692 in federal funding for Lee and Wise counties and the Town of Clintwood to support infrastructure projects that will improve and extend waterline and sewer systems to additional homes. The funding is awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership that invests in building community and strengthening local economies.

“High-quality water infrastructure is crucial to the health and well-being of any community,” said the Senators. “We’re glad to have helped bring nearly $2 million in funding to Clintwood and Lee and Wise counties to expand waterlines to dozens of homes and improve our wastewater systems.”

The funding is allocated as follows:

• $700,000 for Lee County to connect 12 households to the county public water system and ensure safe, reliable drinking water to residents in the county.
• $700,000 for the Town of Clintwood to support ongoing water and sewer renovations in Dickenson County. The funding will ensure that 45 households receive potable water along Backbone Ridge Road.
• $545,692 for Wise County to connect 22 households to the county wastewater system and address the lack of public wastewater service to underserved areas. This funding will ensure the community has access to a safe, reliable wastewater treatment system.  

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to expand and improve infrastructure across the Commonwealth, including voting to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which has brought over $8.4 billion in funding to Virginia so far. Last November, the senators announced $62.4 million in federal funding to make clean water infrastructure upgrades across the Commonwealth. 

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WASHINGTON — Today, in the midst of the National Suicide Prevention Month, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced $4,549,848 in federal funding for suicide prevention efforts targeted towards Virginia’s veterans. The funding, courtesy of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, will support community-based prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans and their families through outreach, prevention services, and connection to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and community resources.

The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program was created through the Warner-sponsored IMPROVE Wellbeing for Veterans Act, legislation introduced in 2019 to improve coordination of veteran mental health and suicide prevention services and to better measure the effectiveness of these programs in order to reduce the alarming number of veteran suicides. The legislation was signed into law as part of the broader Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which was passed unanimously in the Senate in August 2020.

“Too many veterans are silently suffering with their mental health when their tours of duty conclude. That’s why it is our duty to make sure that servicemembers, who sacrificed so much for our freedom and security, have the support and resources they deserve when they are struggling,” said Sen. Warner. “I was proud to help write the legislation that made this funding possible, and I am thrilled that Virginia’s veterans will receive more support as we continue to tackle the alarming rate of veteran suicide.”

“Our veterans have made great sacrifices for our nation, and we owe it to them to provide them with the best support possible, including mental health resources,” said Sen. Kaine. “I’m proud this funding, made possible by legislation I helped pass, will expand community-based suicide prevention efforts for veterans across Virginia.”

This funding is broken down as follows:

• Volunteers of America Chesapeake will receive $750,000 in funding and will serve the cities of Alexandria, Bristol, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Norton, and Winchester as well as Arlington, Buchanan, Caroline, Clarke, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dickenson, Essex, Fauquier, Frederick, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lee, Loudoun, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Russell, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, and Wise counties.
• Western Tidewater Community Services Board will receive $613,910 in funding and will serve Accomack, Essex, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King William, Middlesex, Northampton, and Southampton counties, Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg.
• Boulder Crest Foundation will receive $725,000 in funding and will operate in Arizona and Virginia, serving Clarke, Frederick, and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
• Modern Military Association of America, Inc. will receive $669,800 in funding and will operate in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, serving Alexandria, as well as Fairfax and Arlington counties in Virginia.
• EveryMind will receive $541,138 in funding and will operate in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, serving Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park in Virginia.
• United States Veterans Initiative will receive $400,000 in funding and will operate in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, serving Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren counties in Virginia.
• Community Building Art Works will receive $100,000 in funding and will operate in Washington, D.C., Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia, serving all counties in Virginia.
• Blue Star Families Inc. will receive $750,000 in funding and will operate nationally, including serving Virginia veterans.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long been strong advocates for improving mental health care for Virginia’s veterans. In addition to seeing through the signing of his legislation to expand veterans’ access to mental health services and reduce the alarming rate of veteran suicide, Sen. Warner has also previously met with senior leadership at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and Hampton VA Medical Center to discuss suicide prevention efforts and other issues affecting the local veteran community. Last year, Sen. Kaine cosponsored the Not Just a Number Act, bipartisan legislation that would help the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs better prevent veteran suicide.

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NEW YORK – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), co-chairs of the Community Development Finance Caucus, along with U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, today held an event at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Coalition (EOC) and new deposit commitments from companies including BNY, Google, KKR, and VISA. This event follows last week’s announcement that Exelon Corporation, Edison International, and Southern Company have joined the procurement pledge to expand opportunities for small and historically underutilized companies. 

“In only two years, the Economic Opportunity Coalition has made historic strides to sync our tremendous progress on CDFIs with the tremendous resources of the banking and corporate world,” said Sen. Warner. “As the EOC continues to grow and unlock billions more in investments, it’s clear that we’re bound for even more progress on getting capital to underserved communities across America. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the EOC and maintaining our strong legislative momentum in the Senate on this deeply important priority.”

“CDFIs are necessary for those outside the financial mainstream to gain self-sufficiency,” said Sen. Crapo. “This announcement is another step forward in the goal of CDFIs supporting new and innovative approaches to spurring economic growth and access to capital in underserved communities.  I applaud the buy-in from the financial sector as Coalition members continue to support public-private partnerships that empower small businesses.”

“Expanding access to capital is key to creating economic opportunity for all communities,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “Community lenders have received historic levels of public and private support during the Biden-Harris Administration, and Economic Opportunity Coalition investments are helping small businesses grow and hire nationwide. The Treasury Department looks forward to continuing to work with leading U.S. companies to put additional commitments to work in communities across the country.”      

“Today, I am pleased by the continued support for the EOC’s deposits initiatives provided by our members,” said Christopher Weaver, Executive Director of the Economic Opportunity Coalition. “The additional deposits announced today are another important milestone for the EOC, and we could not have achieved it without the committed support of our members.  I thank all our partners for continuing to work with us, and look forward to building on the achievements announced today, as we strive to build and grow our deposits commitments as a means of wealth creation opportunities for underserved individuals, businesses, and communities.”

Today’s event honoring new members to the Economic Opportunity Coalition and a new round of deposits follows a June 2023 announcement that the Economic Opportunity Coalition secured $1 billion in committed deposits in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in order to expand their lending power for underserved communities and small businesses.

Launched by Vice President Harris in July 2022, the Economic Opportunity Coalition is a historic public-private partnership composed of dozens of corporations and foundations to create wealth in underserved communities. One of the priorities of the EOC is increase access to capital in underserved communities, which motivated the launch of a deposit initiative that facilitates the placement of fully FDIC-insured deposits into CDFI depositories. 

In the past several years, Sens. Warner and Crapo have led efforts to grow the lending capacity of CDFIs. Sens. Warner and Crapo secured a record $12 billion federal investment to help underserved communities access capital as part of the bipartisan COVID relief package approved by Congress at the end of 2020. They also lead the Community Development Finance Caucus, a bipartisan group of 26 senators – 13 Democrats and 13 Republicans – that coordinate to support and expand funding for CDFIs across the country. The senators also champion comprehensive legislation to support CDFIs, including the Scaling Community Lenders Act, bipartisan legislation to unlock more sources of liquidity for CDFIs. 

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WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $1,574,898 in federal funding for Seven Hills Food Company in Lynchburg to expand processing, address capacity limitations, add new value-added products to the plant, and support the addition of a farmer liaison to coordinate expanded production. The funding is possible thanks to the American Rescue Plan, which both senators voted for and passed in the Senate by one vote.

“By investing in local farmers and producers, we can strengthen our food supply chains, lower food costs for Virginians, and create a more sustainable local economy,“ said the Senators. “We’re glad to help secure this funding to enable Seven Hills to increase their processing capacity and help connect local producers to consumers.”

The investment is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Local Meat Capacity Grant program, which supports independently owned meat and poultry processing businesses with grant funds to provide more and better processing options for local livestock producers by modernizing, increasing, diversifying, and decentralizing meat and poultry processing capacity.  

Last year, Kaine met with farmers in Unionville, Verona, and Fishersville to discuss challenges they’re facing. He also met, alongside USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh, with underserved farmers and producers in Harrisonburg who benefited from USDA’s distressed borrowers program, which was created through the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, which both senators voted for and also passed in the Senate by one vote.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, (both D-VA) announced $1,935,757 in Public Health funding from AmeriCorps — the federal agency for national service and volunteerism — and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This funding for Virginia will go towards building the capacity of the public health workforce and bolstering efforts relating to mental health, chronic disease prevention, and public health readiness. Through this funding, Public Health AmeriCorps members will continue to gain experience in the public health field while supporting local health efforts and community-based organizations.

“AmeriCorps members across Virginia work hard to create positive change for the communities they serve,” said the Senators. “This federal funding will allow volunteers to continue their important work of addressing some of the Commonwealth’s biggest health care needs.”

The funding, which was made possible through the annual federal budget that Sens. Warner and Kaine helped pass, is broken down as follows:

• Volunteers of America, Inc. in Alexandria, VA will receive $432,000 in funding to continue supporting 16 AmeriCorps members;
• The City of Richmond will receive $431,317 in in funding to continue supporting 16 AmeriCorps members;
• Catholic Charities USA in Alexandria, VA will receive $314,306 in funding to continue supporting 14 AmeriCorps members;
• Blue Ridge Medical Center in Nelson County, VA will receive $312,659 in funding to continue supporting 34 AmeriCorps members;
• Boat People SOS, Inc. in Falls Church, VA will receive $226,797 in funding to continue supporting 12 AmeriCorps members;
• The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, VA will receive $218,678 in funding to continue supporting 15 AmeriCorps members.

Since the launch of Public Health AmeriCorps in 2021, more than 4,700 AmeriCorps members have added much-needed capacity to health departments, community-based organizations, schools and more. This partnership has capitalized on AmeriCorps’ people power and infrastructure and leveraged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s technical expertise as the country’s leading public health agency to address communities’ most pressing public health challenges and create new pathways to public-health related careers.  

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $14,070,000 in federal funding for three conservation projects in the Commonwealth. The funding, courtesy of the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Legacy Program (FLP), was made possible through annual Land and Water Conservation Funding (LWCF) as well as the Inflation Reduction Act, which the senators helped pass.

“We are proud to announce this funding to support conservation efforts, protect wildlife, and help Virginians safeguard our natural lands for generations to come,” the senators said. “This funding will preserve thousands of acres of scenic land and boost outdoor recreation, a critical part of local economies across the Commonwealth.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

• The Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve Expansion Project in Floyd and Carroll Counties will receive $9,500,000 in Land and Water Conservation Funding to protect 3,311 acres of the Southern Appalachian Rich Cove Forest and productive white pine, as well as nearly 14 miles of mountain streams at the headwaters of the New River. The funding will secure public access to outdoor recreation activities, alleviate pressure on existing Preserve resources, and support the tourism economy of surrounding communities.
• The Assamoosic Pinelands State Forest Project in Southampton County will receive $3,265,000 in federal funding courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act to establish a new state forest. The state-recognized Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia will enter into a co-stewardship agreement with the Virginia Department of Forestry and The Nature Conservancy to collaboratively manage the property in the center of the former Nottoway Indian Tribe reservation.
• The Cedar Mountain Project in Albemarle County will receive $1,305,000 in federal funding courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act to construct a conservation easement that will protect 767 acres of family-owned forestland. The project will help ensure the Appalachian Corridor's protection and enhance critical habitat connectivity and climate resiliency in the region. 

Sens. Warner & Kaine have long supported efforts to protect and preserve Virginia’s landscapes. Last year, the senators introduced the Virginia Wilderness Additions Act, which would add a total of 5,600 acres to the existing Rough Mountain and Rich Hole wilderness areas within the George Washington National Forest in Bath County, Virginia. The senators also successfully pushed to pass legislation to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the Great Dismal Swamp and its associated sites as a National Heritage Area, as well as legislation to establish the Northern Neck as a National Heritage Area, both of which President Biden signed into law. Sens. Warner and Kaine also authored and championed the Great American Outdoors Act, legislation to preserve and protect our country’s public lands.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $24,439,297 in federal funding for two resiliency projects in the Commonwealth. The funding, courtesy of the Department of Transportation Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation Program (PROTECT) Grant Program, was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law the senators passed and will go towards efforts to mitigate damage from severe weather and flooding in Virginia Beach and throughout the Tidewater region.

“As severe weather events become more common, we’re glad to see this funding further shore up resilience efforts to protect residents, assist with evacuations, and address the frustration of flooded roads,” the senators said.

The funding is broken down as follows:

• Virginia Beach will receive $19,012,917 in federal funding to address flooding issues on Pungo Ferry Road, a low-lying roadway that provides an east-west connection to several military installations, agricultural lands, and wildlife refuges. The project will raise a 1.5-mile of the roadway to make it passable during 100-year storm events, and will include paved, graded shoulders and bike paths.
• Virginia's Tidewater and Chesapeake region will receive $5,426,380 to install a weather and traffic monitoring system that will facilitate emergency evacuations due to extreme weather events through the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long-supported efforts to build coastal resilience and record flooding in Virginia’s coastal communities. Last year, the senators announced over $10 million in federal funding to combat the effects of severe flooding in coastal Virginia as well as $25 million to protect critical infrastructure from flooding in Virginia Beach. The senators also previously secured nearly $399 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, which will reduce and manage flooding in Norfolk through a system of surge barriers, tidal gates, floodwalls, levees, pump stations, and non-structural measures.

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