U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo declared that West Virginia business expansion projects would be supported with grants totaling $5.7 million from the department's Economic Development Administration. Raimondo stated, "As part of the Biden Administration’s commitment to investing in America, we’re making sure that communities in West Virginia and across the country have the resources they need to grow and diversify their economies."
The investments in EDA made public on September 26 include:
- A $3.1 million EDA grant will be given to the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle (BDC) in Weirton for infrastructure upgrades to support the growth of the Beech Bottom Industrial Complex. The project is anticipated to produce or preserve 220 jobs and bring in $18 million in private investment.
- A $2.6 million EDA grant will be given to Doddridge County Public Service District, Inc. (Doddridge) in West Union for water infrastructure upgrades to assist regional economic growth. The project is anticipated to produce or preserve close to 60 jobs and bring in $13 million in private investment.
These projects were made possible by the Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning and Development Council (BDC) and the Region VI Planning and Development Council (Doddridge), which led the regional planning initiatives. These organizations receive funding from EDA to unite the public and private sectors in building a roadmap for economic development, encouraging private capital investment, and generating jobs. These initiatives are supported by the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, which provides funding to communities negatively affected by the decline in coal usage. Projects funded by the ACC promote workforce development, capital investment, economic diversification, job creation, and reemployment prospects.
Senator Joe Manchin expressed his support for the EDA's investments, saying, "The EDA continues to be a strong partner for West Virginia through critical investments in our communities that foster economic growth and create well-paying, long-term jobs." He further added, "I'm excited to watch how these investments benefit the Mountain State in the years to come, and I'll keep collaborating with the EDA to expand economic prospects there."
With this $5.7 million commitment, West Virginia businesses can expect to see growth and job creation as they receive support for infrastructure upgrades and water infrastructure improvements. These investments aim to diversify the state's economy and provide long-term economic benefits.
