EPA, Webster Co. to support economic revitalization goals

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say on May 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Webster County will receive technical assistance through the Energy Communities Technical Assistance Pilot program.

Officials say the EPA and recipient communities such as Webster County will work together to develop “implementable action plans” that “promote environmental and economic revitalization” as part of their energy sector transformation.

“Our community has taken several strides toward revitalization and through the Energy Communities Pilot, we’re hoping to take steps toward giving current residents and future generations reason to stay in Webster County and have choices for a thriving economic future,” said Steve Henry, Webster County Judge Executive.

Officials say the technical assistance will enhance community planning capacity to respond to urgent needs related to the energy transition, including leveraging private sector and philanthropic funding assistance, cleaning up and redeveloping abandoned power plant and mining areas, expanding community economic revitalization opportunities, workforce transition and improving overall quality of life. The project will help communities develop the necessary planning to:

• Safely and equitably reuse and redevelop sites after coal mine and power plant closures.
• Boost opportunities for workforce development, training and apprenticeships.
• Improve partnerships between local and tribal governments, organizations, residents and the private sector to ensure local investments in clean energy and manufacturing are aligned with the community’s energy transition goals.

According to the Green River Area Development District (GRADD), as part of the technical assistance, EPA staff will support projects in Webster County including convening federal, state, regional and local partners and providing contractor support for two-day in-person workshops. After holding two workshops and having conversations with all the Rapid Response Teams, EPA will develop a playbook for use by any energy community during transition planning and implementation.

GRADD officials say Webster County will use the Energy Communities Pilot to identify and leverage resources and partnerships to encourage new and diverse economic opportunities. Webster County is still experiencing the economic effects of its last mine closure in 2019 and is home to extensive abandoned mine land, which the community would like to see rehabilitated and put to alternative uses.

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