WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., joined U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on Oct. 10 in announcing that the department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $6.7 million in grants to West Virginia to support local business development and job growth efforts.
According to grantee estimates, the projects are expected to create or retain more than 1,430 jobs, while generating $35 million in private investment, Capito said in a news release.
"I've always said that economic growth starts at the local level, which is why it's important that we continue working to revitalize and support our small communities in West Virginia," Capito said. "For years, I've worked directly with the Department of Commerce to encourage a renewed focus and drive investment in West Virginia so we can spur economic development and boost our economy. I am thrilled that the EDA has decided to once again invest in our state, and I'm proud of the role I played in making this announcement possible. Not only will these investments lead to more than a thousand new jobs for West Virginians looking for work now, but they will also lead to significant private investment that will benefit the region's economy over the long term."
Regionally, Coalfield Development Corporation in Wayne will receive $222,000 to assist with a strategic planning initiative to ensure that Coalfield's many resources and partnerships are being used most efficiently and effectively to maximize the region's potential to create sustainable, well-paying jobs, according to the release.
"This plan will identify opportunities and approaches for expanding and enhancing the successful workforce initiatives currently underway," the release stated. "According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or retain 260 jobs and spur $5 million in private investment. The project was made possible by regional planning efforts led by the Region 1 and Region 2 Economic Development Districts."