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Smart Growth

Cool & Connected Summary Report

Cool & Connected, a planning assistance program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service, EPA's Office of Community Revitalization (formerly the Office of Sustainable Communities), and the Appalachian Regional Commission, helps rural communities use broadband service to revitalize small-town main streets.

Beginning in September 2016, 10 coal-impacted communities in Appalachia participated in Cool & Connected. This August 2016 summary report gives more information about the projects each community planned to pursue. The communities are:

  • Haleyville, Alabama
  • Portsmouth, Ohio
  • Zanesville, Ohio
  • Clarion, Pennsylvania
  • Curwensville, Pennsylvania
  • Erwin, Tennessee
  • Jonesville and Pennington Gap, Virginia
  • Bluefield, West Virginia
  • Weirton, West Virginia
  • Williamson, West Virginia

    Find more resources on smart growth in small towns and rural communities.

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