Private grant fills federal gap for SWVA resiliency hub projects

Google has stepped in to help with two Scott County projects for community emergency resiliency. Advocacy and development group Appalachian Voices had been working on its Community Strong initiative with Dungannon and four other communities in Lee, Wise and Dickenson counties until the Trump administration cut the remainder of a $500,000 Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Grant. That cut slowed Appalachian Voices and Dungannon's work on a proposal for community resiliency hub at the town's Depot community center, Appalachian Voices staff said during a Community Strong town hall meeting in Duffield in March 2025. The hub concept — using an existing community center or school — would provide a safe gathering place for residents during a weather or other disaster emergency with reliable emergency power and supplies. Appalachian Voices, Dungannon and Duffield were able to start preliminary work in 2025 and avoid cost increases of up to 30%, Appalachian Voices regional Community and Economic Development Director Adam Wells said Friday. On the Dungannon side, Google will provide $231,293.80 in grant funding and regional development investment fund Invest Appalachia will provide $122,283.20 in repayable grant funding as a bridge loan. That project builds on already-completed energy upgrades to the Depot. The Food Hub project will see $69,022.20 in Google funding and $349,500 in Invest Appalachia grant and loan funds. "It was a Christmas miracle that we got these funds," said Wells. "Where we're able to get philanthropic funding for many projects will be a game changer for these and other community projects. "We're proud to collaborate with Appalachian Voices to help bring more low-cost, reliable power to Southwest Virginia," said Google Energy Market Development representative Kaitlin Savage. "Resilience hubs are a vital resource for communities facing increasing weather-related challenges, and this partnership further reflects our commitment to advancing affordable energy solutions and community preparedness in vulnerable regions." The Dungannon Depot and town hall energy fit will include solar panels and equipment to generate 30.5 kilowatts of electricity and 115 kilowatt hours of battery storage. The Duffield Food Hub will see a 75.6 kilowatt solar energy array and 246 hours of battery storage. The installation will help reduce energy costs for the site, which processes and stores local produce for food boxes distributed to food banks and pantries, civic groups and residents in Southwest Virginia. Both battery storage installations translate to 1-3 days of backup power depending on weather and temperature conditions, Wells said. In the Duffield project case, the solar/battery equipment will help maintain the hub's food cold storage until power can be restored. Knoxville-based Solar Alliance will handle the Duffield project, and Charlottesville-based Tiger Solar will do the Dungannon installation. Dungannon Mayor Melissa Gillenwater said the project marks a success for past mayor Debra Horne, who died in 2025 and had worked with Appalachian Voices for much of the Community Strong effort. "(Horne) is deeply missed and we are trying to live up to her legacy," Gillenwater said Thursday. "We may be a small town in Southwest Virginia, but we have big dreams and workers who want to see them fulfilled." "By harnessing solar energy, the food hub will continue providing fresh, locally grown food to communities — even in times of crisis — while reducing our environmental footprint," said Appalachian Sustainable Development CEO Kathlyn Terry Baker. "This project represents a powerful combination of sustainability, innovation and community resilience, ensuring that both our farmers and neighbors thrive for years to come." Two other resiliency hub projects in Dickenson County – Dante and Clinchco – may see a funding opportunity through a funding program started Monday by the Virginia Department of Energy, the Community-Oriented Resilient Energy subaward program. "We look forward to applying with those communities for CORE funding," Wells said. While funding has come through for the two resiliency hubs, Wells said Appalachian Voices' work through the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia to facilitate farm, business and residential solar projects has faced challenges from the federal government side. The Trump administration's phaseout of investment tax credits for solar energy installations will mean a 30% hike in project costs. "It's done a lot of damage to the solar industry's capacity for production and installation," said Wells. "The outlook is not rosy, and that capacity just can't be turned back on at the flip of a switch."