Tourism and economic development in West Virginia play a vital role in driving growth and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Mountain State. Known for its breathtaking mountains, outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, and welcoming small towns, West Virginia attracts visitors year-round, boosting local businesses, restaurants, and lodging. This thriving tourism industry fuels economic development by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and encouraging investment in infrastructure and community revitalization. By promoting its natural beauty, rich heritage, and expanding industries, West Virginia continues to strengthen its economy and offer new opportunities for both residents and visitors.
BECKLEY, W.Va. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $500,000 grant to the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority to remediate a former refuse dump adjacent to the historic ruin of the
A new mobile application that will allow landowners to lease their properties for outdoor recreation is currently accepting participants for a beta test. Officials at “Bluebirding” are looking for 50 to 100 participants from anywhere in the nation to test the application. CEO Peyton Ballard says he’s encouraging West Virginians to partake. The test will … Read more
CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles will begin issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards with a new look and design that matches the state’s tourism branding. Gov. Jim Justice said in a press conference that the move to feature the iconic landmark near Fayetteville, West Virginia, is designed to further market … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The upcoming launch of a new transportation center at West Virginia University will direct $1.5 million in federal funding toward the development of mobility solutions for transportation challenges faced by rural residents. Beginning this summer, the school’s Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Regional Transportation Equity Research Center, also known as SMART, will position … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University researchers will continue to develop and advance their pioneering method to extract and separate rare earth elements and critical minerals from acid mine drainage and coal waste, courtesy of $8 million in new funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant, part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will lead … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has announced the award of 38 Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails Program grant projects for the Federal Fiscal Year 2022, worth $9,734,552 for projects in 22 counties. Justice said during a press conference that the grant program gives communities throughout the state an economic boost where tourism … Read more
West Virginia was once among the world’s chief exporters of glass, supporting more than 400 factories through the 20th century. Now, only a handful of manufacturers remain, though its glass museums and exhibits are growing as destinations for collectors. What circumstances caused West Virginia to excel, and why did the industry wane? Historians say three … Read more
ARTHURDALE, W.Va. — The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, in cooperation with Arthurdale Heritage Inc., has taken a next step in establishing a historic preservation center in this historic community in northern West Virginia. The cooperative is seeking qualified professionals and architecture firms to create a master plan for the center, an adaptive reuse of … Read more
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The launch of a partnership between West Virginia University engineers and the nonprofit and utility sectors could bring the region one step closer to integrating solar-generated power into the electrical grid. Anurag Srivastava, professor and chair of the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, will support the construction and analysis of a … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is petitioning for Clay, Boone, Monroe, Preston, and Hampshire counties to be declared eligible for federal benefits as a result of their relative lack of business investment. The Historically Underutilized Business Zone, or “HUBZone,” program provides participating small businesses access to exclusive federal contracting opportunities and preferential … Read more
