Economic Development

ELKINS, W.Va. — To help educate the public about the value and stability of historic stone walls, the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia has declared those in historic districts across the Mountain State “endangered.” According to Danielle Parker, the organization’s executive director, “statewide, hand-cut stone walls aged 50 years or older are part of this … Read more

THURMOND, W.Va. — Programming through a preservation organization in West Virginia will support leasing in this historic town where the National Park Service had considered demolishing several nationally historic buildings it had formerly promised to save. Following a groundswell of public aversion to a proposal to demolish more than 20 historic structures in the town, … Read more

PAX, W.Va. — Few motorists traveling the West Virginia Turnpike between Beckley and Charleston may know that one of the state’s most beautiful trout streams lies hidden in the mountain forests along the way. But now scenic Paint Creek, named for ancient trees once painted blood-red by Native American warriors, is gaining ground as a … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council announced $22 million in funding for sewer and water projects around the state. Kanawha Public Service District The council approved a $1 million grant and a $12.62 million loan to the Kanawha Public Service District to extend sewer service to 220 homes from Marmet … Read more

WHITESVILLE, W.Va. — A new recreational trail in an isolated valley in southern West Virginia has piqued the curiosity of hikers, bikers, and residents wondering about its impact. The 15-mile Clear Fork Rail Trail, the first phase of which is set to open in spring 2024, follows an old railroad through one of the most … Read more

CANAAN VALLEY, W.Va. — Step aside, New England! West Virginia is fast becoming a chief destination for autumn leaf-change vacations in the eastern U.S. Thanks to accessibility, affordability, the number of trees, and the remarkable length of the season, the Mountain State is enjoying a significant shift to national prominence as a chief leaf-change destination, … Read more

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is accepting applications for its new Saving Historic Places Grant, designed to save certified historic buildings in rural West Virginia communities from “demolition by neglect.” According to Danielle Parker, executive director for the statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation in the Mountain State, funding will be provided for … Read more

JULIAN, W.Va. — The Fallen Heroes Mine Emergency Response Drill is underway in the southern coalfields of West Virginia, bringing together mining experts, safety professionals, and mine rescue teams. The growing event, now in its third year, is dedicated to enhancing safety preparedness and response strategies while commemorating the individuals who have committed their lives … Read more

DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials are celebrating a record $7 billion annual tourism impact in West Virginia in 2022 — a 17 percent increase in visitor spending compared to pre-pandemic levels, far higher than the national overall 1 percent post-pandemic tourism recovery. Gov. Jim Justice joined more than 300 tourism-industry members to announce “West Virginia’s best … Read more