Warner & Kaine Applaud Microporous Investment at Southern Virginia Megasite
Video of Kaine Discussing the Announcement is Available Here
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded the announcement that Microporous LLC will invest $1.35 billion to build a new manufacturing facility at the Southern Virginia Megasite, which is managed by Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville. This will create 2,015 new jobs. With support from Warner and Kaine, Microporous received $100 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators voted to pass, to support the construction of the new facility. The facility is also eligible for additional federal incentives because it falls within an area designated that has been designated an “energy community” by the Inflation Reduction Act, which both senators cast deciding votes for.
“Microporous’ selection of Pittsylvania County is a massive win for Southside and the entire Commonwealth,” said Warner. “This investment was made possible in part by a $100 million award courtesy of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which I was proud to help negotiate. This new manufacturing facility will not only create over 2,000 good-paying jobs but will also help to continue to position Virginia as the advanced manufacturing hub of the United States. I look forward to welcoming Microporous to the Commonwealth and to working together for years to come.”
“I’m thrilled that Microporous is receiving federal funding I helped secure from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build a facility at the Southern Virginia Megasite in Pittsylvania County, creating over 2,000 jobs and growing the region’s economy,” said Kaine. “This is a testament to years of hard work and collaboration, including working in a bipartisan way to address permitting challenges at economic development sites in Southside. With major federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and smart moves to cut red tape, it’s clear our work is paying off. I look forward to continuing to partner with the company and local stakeholders to ensure Microporous’ success in Virginia.”
Warner and Kaine long worked to lay the foundation for economic development at the Southern Virginia Megasite. Previously, the senators worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and led bipartisan efforts, including permitting reform legislation, to address permitting issues that were early impediments to the Megasite’s development as a competitive site. The senators have also worked to expand clean energy manufacturing through the Inflation Reduction Act, which included provisions and tax credits to incentivize investments in clean energy, including set-aside benefits for communities like Berry Hill that qualify as energy communities. Last year, Kaine held a roundtable discussion with local leaders at Berry Hill. In April 2023, Kaine hosted an event in Big Stone Gap with local leaders, state and federal officials, and businesses to strategize on how communities in Virginia can best take advantage of those provisions.
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