CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey today celebrated the work of his administration to establish fundamental policies to drive economic growth in the Mountain State. In his first year in office, Governor Morrisey introduced legislation to cut red tape, reform permitting, and attract new businesses while leading the state’s efforts to secure historic investments to support broadband expansion and rural healthcare.
“Economic development is a huge focus for this administration, and we made great strides to cut red tape, eliminate waste and redundancies, and focus on the speed at which businesses and workers can make West Virginia their new home,” said Governor Morrisey.
Governor Morrisey’s executive order to establish an economic “Backyard Brawl” set the tone for his administration on day one. From there, Morrisey’s legislative package laid a foundation for the state to begin competing with neighboring states, with the Governor touting the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act, the One-Stop Permitting Portal, and the Certified Microgrids and Data Center legislation.
The legislation shepherded by Governor Morrisey, along with an aggressive focus on West Virginia’s energy resources, led to more than $4 billion in private sector investment in a span of a few months, bringing more than 4,200 jobs. The “50 by 50” initiative to increase West Virginia’s baseload generation capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050, announced by Morrisey in September, played a major role in spurring these investments.
“Already, we’ve announced more than $4 billion in investments from the energy industry, with a 1.2 gigawatt gas-fired power plant from First Energy and a 625 megawatt plant from Blackstone, Kindle Energy, and GE Vernova,” added Governor Morrisey. “I know West Virginia can rise to the occasion and meet the energy needs of our nation.
Governor Morrisey also put an emphasis on water and sewer infrastructure with more than $74 million in grants and low interest loans to fund water and sewer infrastructure projects in 21 counties.
“Another major priority when it comes to infrastructure is our water and sewer systems in the state,” added Governor Morrisey. “These announcements don’t always make the headlines, but are a critical part of our growth.”
Finally, Governor Morrisey touted the state’s plans for widespread broadband expansion and rural healthcare transformation, both aimed at increasing the standard of living for Mountain State citizens and further attract jobs and business investment. West Virginia was recently approved for nearly $546 million to bring high-speed internet access to more than 73,000 sites in all 55 counties, and expects at least $500 million over the next five years to focus on increasing healthcare outcomes and affordability in the state’s rural areas.
“A healthier population means higher workforce participation. Stronger communities. Less strain on our healthcare system. And longer, more fulfilling lives for our citizens,” said Governor Morrisey. “President Trump and his administration gave us the chance to transform the way we look at rural health, and my administration jumped at the opportunity.”
