West Virginia economic development leaders told a U.S. Senate panel Wednesday that federal funds are critical to meet the state’s future needs.
Mike Graney, executive director of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, testified that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has helped the state weather the loss of coal jobs.
The EDA has awarded $220 million to fund projects in West Virginia since 2018, he told members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Those funds have supported water and sewer improvements and building rehabilitation.
Graney said EDA funds will continue to help the state move forward in a changing energy economy.
“West Virginia has been an energy state and will continue to be by adopting an all-of-the-above strategy,” he said. “And we will likely need U.S. EDA assistance as new methods of energy generation are put in operation.”
The EDA, part of the Commerce Department, requires reauthorization from Congress.