Botetourt County is in line for about $1.8 million from the tech giant Google, which is building a data center there.
Google announced the grant this week as part of a $10 million commitment to multiple Virginia localities. It will help about 80 homeowners near the planned data center in the Botetourt Center at Greenfield make repairs and energy efficiency improvements over the next year, according to a spokesman. The investment includes another $260,000 for construction-related workforce development.
“In Botetourt, we’re investing in both homes and people,” the company said through a spokesman, via email.
[Disclosure: Google is one of our donors through its Google News Initiative, which helped support our expansion in the New River Valley. Donors have no say in news decisions; see our policy.]
The Virginia Community Action Partnership will receive about $9.5 million to support what Google called energy affordability and community resilience efforts across Virginia. Dillwyn-based nonprofit FLIPP Inc. will receive $500,000 for workforce development, according to a Google news release.
It’s part of Google’s $15 million Virginia Energy Impact Fund, announced in June and focused on home projects that decrease monthly utility bills. The funding is for work in Botetourt, Loudoun, Prince William and Chesterfield counties and Hampton Roads, along with statewide efforts.
Low- and moderate-income households near Google’s data centers will take priority, according to the news release. The community action partnership and the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals will work with FLIPP Inc. to strengthen the commonwealth’s weatherization workforce via skilled-trades training and contractor recruitment.
Botetourt County’s share of the workforce grant includes career development for 40 people, for careers including construction, HVAC and electrical work, the spokesman said.
Roanoke-based Total Action for Progress is involved, leading the work in Botetourt County and sharing eligibility information and how residents can access funds.
“We know many households live in older homes with inadequate insulation, inefficient heating and cooling, leaky roofs, moisture problems, and old electrical systems,” Google said through the spokesman. “These factors not only increase utility expenses but can also create health and safety concerns. Many households need more than the available programs can cover.”
For more information about training or the weatherization program, visit TAP’s Home Weatherization program website.
