U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $5.3 Million to Support Small Business Development and Expansion in West Virginia

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $5.3 million in the state of West Virginia to support locally-driven infrastructure, workforce development, and technical assistance strategies.

The EDA investments announced today are:

Greenbrier County Airport Authority, Lewisburg, will receive a $2.8 million grant for construction of a new hanger, water infrastructure upgrades, and land development to increase services and capacity. This EDA investment will be matched with $700,000 in local funds and is expected to create 83 jobs, retain 69 jobs, and generate $8 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

Marshall University Research Corporation, Huntington, will receive a $1 million grant to support expansion and redevelopment of the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center in South Charleston. This EDA investment will be matched with $258,425 in local funds and is expected to create 46 jobs, retain 30 jobs, and generate $31 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Moorefield, will receive a $799,926 grant to support development of a new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College. This EDA investment will be matched with $200,000 in local funds.
West Virginia University Research Corporation, Morgantown, will receive a $717,116 grant to support expansion of the Vantage Ventures Accelerator program, providing technical assistance to small, technology-based businesses. This EDA investment will be matched with $412,381 in local funds and is expected to create 111 jobs, retain 30 jobs, and generate $19 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is investing in communities across West Virginia and the entire country because we believe every American deserves a fair shot at economic success,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The awards announced today will support infrastructure improvements, workforce development efforts, and job creation for small businesses throughout West Virginia.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic development,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “These investments will bolster workforce development and job creation in West Virginia while helping to diversify the economy.”

“As the Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I have made it a priority to work with EDA to identify projects across our state that need support, and make investments into those possible,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito. “The awards announced today cover a variety of fields, from infrastructure and workforce development to manufacturing and small business support, that have the potential to create jobs and spur economic development across our state. I look forward to the positive impact these investments will make throughout West Virginia.”

“The Economic Development Administration continues to be a strong partner for bolstering West Virginia’s economy and this announcement is proof of that,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “These investments will create more good-paying jobs and spur economic opportunity throughout our entire state. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these investments, and I will continue fighting for resources that support economic growth and promote resiliency throughout the Mountain State.”

“I’m pleased to see federal economic development assistance invested in WVU and Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, said Representative Alex Mooney (WV-2). “This funding will support a new commercial driver’s license training program in Moorefield and the creation of hundreds of West Virginia jobs.”

The Greenbrier Airport project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Region 4 Planning and Development Council (R4PDC). EDA funds R4PDC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.