Economic Development

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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.

West Virginia Broadband

W.Va. touts broadband advancements, opportunities

The Federal Communications Commission’s latest update to the National Broadband Map will mean the opportunity for broadband funding for an additional 80,700 unserved and underserved locations in West Virginia, according to state officials. The most recent update to the map expands eligibility to 271,000 unserved locations in the Mountains State, an increase of more than … Read more

Pickets At Shepherds in West Virginia

$500,000 provided for preservation of Shepherdstown Battlefield

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board will receive $492,097 for the preservation of 149.6 acres at Shepherdstown Battlefield in Jefferson County. This funding was made available through the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program, which … Read more

Hikers In Creek in West Virginia

“Airbnb” for recreational properties to launch in West Virginia

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

WVU transportation center will bring mobility to rural areas

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

Acid mine drainage pours out of a site on lower Deckers Creek.

WVU earns $8M for rare earth elements extraction facility

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