MS. PASHMAN:  Absolutely, Mr. President.  Thank you for that question.  And that really is the spirit of — as I was talking about earlier — our project and the way our partners are coming together. 
 
So we have five projects that are woven together, each with incredible organizations that know how to actually be on the ground.  Most of our money is actually going out to neighborhoods and communities, so they can actually use the organizations that know their people, that know where the businesses are, that know where those individuals are that have to get into the jobs, where those people are that are ready for entrepreneurial opportunities. 
 
So, for example, it starts with our manufacturing extension partnership.  They know where those manufacturers are, and they understand their readiness to adopt technologies.  They will come together in a manufacturing hub with entrepreneurs who can help de-risk the prototyping and creation of products that can actually be deployed. 
 
We also have our lead accelerator entity in the region that’s creating a new model of startup factory with anchor makerspaces throughout the communities where we can identify opportunities to create new technologies that will be deployed into those companies. 
 
And taken all together, our workforce ecosystem, as Dr.  Jahanian described, will actually be connected by a web of workforce boards and other community organizations, including labor unions and other, at the neighborhood level who can then bring those curriculum partnerships — the workers — to the table for those jobs. 
 
So we’re really relying on, as I said, 200 entities and partners who know how to navigate and know where businesses are and know where the people are to make sure we have a marriage and an alignment that can propel this opportunity,
 
THE PRESIDENT:  One of the things I’ve raised — and I’ve not raised with the Secretary but I’ve raised you guys and everyone who is part of this grant effort: I think it’s useful — think — think about it — 25 years ago, 30 years ago, almost every high school had shop classes, where you learned how to work with your hands, where you learned — you could go and get — take carpentry or automobile.  And you know, just — just to get a sense. 
 
I really think we should be talking — and I don’t have a program, so — but I think we should be talking about — a little bit about how we let high school students know how things are changing and what may be available down the road.
 
And I know we’re supposed to — I’m — I know I’m taking this longer than I should.  But a guy who has been talking about transition for a long time with me has been Joe Manchin.  He’s — he lives, breathes, and eats West Virginia. 
 
But, Joe, what’s — how — how is this going to help — if it is — the West Virginia transition to a strengthened — not totally new, but a new economy?
 
SENATOR MANCHIN:  Yeah, well, Mr. President, you and I have spoken many times about this when you first came into office, even when you — was running at that time, about how West Virginians felt they were left behind. 
 
My wonderful state and all the great workers and the people in my state that worked hard and they’re very proud, they’ve done the heavy lifting for years and years and years.  And basically, they never complained.  And as things started changing and transitioning, there was nothing left for them. 
 
Twenty-one of our most effective counties are in southern West Virginia.  This is based around that, and it’s — it’s pumping into an area which is — we call “the Appalachian Climate Technology,” or the ACT Now Coalition, which is led by Brandon Dennison.  Brandon is here with us, and he’s done a tremendous job with his team and the Coalfield Development Corporation.
 
It’s basically reinventing — not just reinventing, but basically being able to meet the needs of the public as we transition to making sure that we can provide the services.  That’s what they’ve been doing for quite some time.
 
And this — this announcement here and this Rescue Plan — the American Rescue Plan continues to play benefits for West Virginia.  But, you know, also, your co-chair of Appalachian Regional Commission, Gayle Manchin, who I know very well — (laughter) — is very, very proud that Appalachia has gotten so much consideration and assistance. 
 
And you’re the first person, Mr. President — and with your most capable Secretary and our dear friend Gina Raimondo — directing it to the people that need it the most.  I think that’s what we’re here to say is thank you.  These 21 counties have great regional projects.
 
I have with us here on the panel — I have my dear friend, Amy Goodwin, the chairman — she’s the mayor of Charleston.  I have Steve Williams, a fellow colleague of mine; and he is the mayor of Huntington.  Our two largest cities. 
 
And we have with us also Stephanie Tyree.  She’s the West Virginian Hub director that works directly with these projects.
 
They can explain in detail what this is going to allow us to do.  And we’ve gotten this $62.8 million — one of the top awards, and we’re so proud of that — but the need is there.  And I can guarantee you, the investments will be made.
 
You and I have spoken many times about: You can spend money or you can invest money.  And we’re going to give you a return on this.  We’re going to give the taxpayers of the United States a return on their investment in West Virginia.  That’s what this is about.
 
And a reward based to the people who have done the heavy lifting to allow them to continue to transition.  Now with our — our Inflation Reduction Act, Mr. President, this leads — segues right into that because now it’s going to allow them to start focusing on a new — a complete new way of delivering the energy that this country is going to need.
 
Coal — all — we talked about all the cars.  And Debbie Stabenow and I talk about that a lot.  And I said, “Debbie, you wouldn’t have a car if it wasn’t for the coal and the steel that we produce to send you the material that you need to make the car.”  So we’re — we’re all hooked to the hip here. 
 
And as the transition goes on, the investments that are being made — the 48C Tax Credit — is going to put $4 billion on — additionally, back into coal-hit communities so we can diversify and attract more business there. 
 
So I just can’t tell you how much this means, Mr.  President.  And I’m just so proud to be part of this and also so proud of what the ARP has done — the American Rescue Plan.  And so excited to see what the Inflation Reduction Act is going to do. 
 
So many people don’t know how much is in there that’s going to trans- — transition their lives and transfer them into an economy that’s going to give them an awful lot of stability.  So we’re very proud.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, Joe, thanks. 

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