Lawmakers announce investments to boost economy and create jobs

On Sept. 13, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide $70,000 to the Region 4 Planning and Development Council and $70,000 to the Region 7 Planning and Development Commission. This funding will be used to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region. The Region 4 Planning and Development Council are comprised of Fayette, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas, and Webster counties. The Region 7 Planning and Development Commission are comprised of Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Randolph, Tucker, and Upshur counties.
“In order to boost our economy and improve the economic success in West Virginia, we must ensure that our public and private sectors are working together,” Manchin said. “This funding will help coordinate our resources efficiently to overcome our economic challenges, spur our economic growth and develop new opportunities across West Virginia.”
“I have worked closely with West Virginia’s economic development councils to advance opportunity and create new jobs throughout the state. During this period of economic hardship in West Virginia, we must continue looking for new ways to encourage investment and coordination in the private and public sectors. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I worked to secure this funding, which will help put us on a path toward long-term growth and prosperity,” said Capito.
EDA funding supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS). The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.