The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded grants for rural economic development projects in Lewisburg and Talcott.
Specifically, the Greenbrier County Health Alliance in Lewisburg will receive $50,000 for the development of the Local Foods Skill Center and Waste Not Produce Market. Funds from this grant award will be used to support personnel costs, supplies and contractual expenses. The project is expected to assist a minimum of three businesses/farmers and create sixteen jobs in this region.
The Greenbrier County Health Alliance began as a community engagement strategy that originated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Center for Rural and Community Health.
Also, Canaan Valley Institute in Talcott will receive $49,515 to develop a hydroponics system to train entrepreneurs and farmers in nontraditional growing methods known as hydroponics. The project will include training and contractual costs to install the hydroponics system, including equipment and costs to retrofit an existing structure for the hydroponics system. This project is expected to create three jobs for this region.
“I’m excited to see this investment in economic development projects throughout the state from the Department of Agriculture,” said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “From training programs for formerly incarcerated citizens and Veterans, to agriculture business development and expanding broadband coverage, these projects will have a direct impact on our West Virginia communities. I will continue advocating for this kind of investments as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.”
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., added, "West Virginia’s small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy. Entrepreneurs and small business owners take risks to create opportunity in their communities and help grow new industries in West Virginia. The USDA is a critical partner for these men and women, and this funding will help them succeed while also fostering the next generation of business owners."