October 24, 2013

Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding to Boost Economy and Create Good-Paying Jobs Across West Virginia

Partnership planning funds will bring together public and private sectors to develop economic roadmap for state

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide $420,000 to regional development councils to help spur economic growth and create good-paying jobs across West Virginia. These EDA projects aim to strengthen West Virginia’s economy by bringing together the public and private sectors to establish strategies that will boost local and regional economies by overcoming challenges and focusing on job creation.   

 

“It is encouraging to see that our public and private sectors can work together to help boost our economy and improve the economic success in regions across West Virginia and this country,” Senator Manchin said. “These funds will help us coordinate our resources more efficiently and will put hardworking West Virginians back to work.”

 

“Our regional development and planning councils work tirelessly to create jobs for West Virginians and put in place initiatives to support our local economies,” said Rockefeller. “To execute their strategies for growth, it is essential they have the resources necessary to overcome the tough economic challenges our communities face. I’m glad to see this funding go toward an effort that invests directly in job opportunities and economic development that will benefit our state.”

 

“By leveraging Federal funding with local investments, we can create jobs in tough economic times while making the wisest use of scare resources,” said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has jurisdiction over the EDA.  “We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but rather connect some critical dots and sustain partnerships to ensure access to the assets, technical assistance, and training that can make all the difference for local leaders and entrepreneurs.”  

 

The following Regional Councils will each receive $60,000 from EDA to support economic development projects:

 

  • Bel-O-Mar Regional Council (Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel)

 

  • BCKP Regional Intergovernmental Council (Boone, Clay, Kanawha, and Putnam)

 

  • Region 1 Planning and Development Council (McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming)

 

  • Region 2 Planning and Development Council (Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, and Wayne)

 

  • Region 4 Planning and Development Council (Fayette, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas, and Webster)

 

  • Region 8 Planning and Development Council (Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, and Pendleton)

 

  • Region 6 Planning and Development Council (Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor)

 

 

###