Manchin, Capito Announce Funding for Remote Worker Study in Northern Panhandle

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced a $76,000 investment from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the Bel-O-Mar Regional Council. This funding will be used to conduct a feasibility study for remote employment to help prioritize development efforts to create jobs and private investment in Wheeling, West Virginia.

“Remote work is now the standard for many West Virginians and Americans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and West Virginia has the opportunity to be the permanent home for many remote workers while also opening our doors to more remote, good-paying jobs. I am pleased EDA is supporting a feasibility study of remote workers and employees in Ohio County, which will establish a plan to create and retain good-paying remote jobs in the state,” Senator Manchin said. “I look forward to seeing the impacts of this study, and I will continue to work with the EDA to find new, innovative ways to spur economic growth and create job opportunities in the Mountain State.”

“West Virginia and other states facing job losses due to the downturn in the coal industry are in need of new economic investment. This funding is welcome news for the Wheeling area, as it will support efforts to establish a plan that will create and retain high paying jobs, as well as attract private investment. West Virginia provides an incredible opportunity for the growing remote work landscape, and I am optimistic that this funding will help support revitalization and redevelopment in the northern panhandle,” Senator Capito said.