The ACE Transportation Cluster Coalition Initiative background and objectives The Automated-Connected-Electrified (ACE) Transportation Cluster Coalition will establish Southwest and Southern Virginia as a global leader in next generation transportation by creating the most advanced, real-world test environments for ACE vehicles and delivery technologies. Fueling manufacturing investment and innovation, the Coalition will generate 5,000 jobs and more than $5 billion in economic impact, a 68-1 return on the $75 million investment requested from the Economic Development Administration.
Focus region for the Transportation Manufacturing cluster grant
Objective To accelerate the development, deployment, and sustainability of next generation vehicle technologies, and equitably distribute economic opportunity among distressed, coal-impacted communities and historically excluded populations.
150+ public, private, and non-profit organizations are members of the Coalition The initiative intends to: 1) facilitate asset alignment, 2) develop plans for building critical new assets to assist in firm growth, 3) build a shared agenda and identity for the cluster, and 4) equitably develop a diverse and technically ready workforce.
Transportation Manufacturing Cluster Snapshot
15.7% of regional GDP
3x expected freight demand by 2050, compared to today
#2 VTTI is the second largest university-level transportation institute in the US
79,000 workers in the regional cluster Virginia Smart Roads, New River Valley