AGP Executive Report

Wastewater Upgrades: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $7.3 million wastewater system improvement for Fort Gay, including an extended aeration treatment plant, with $3.1M from the Appalachian Regional Commission, $2.5M from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and $1.7M from the state water development fund. Clean Water Financing: Morrisey also backed $4.43 million to modernize Moundsville’s wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, aiming to cut storm-driven sewage spills into local waterways. Road Safety for Wildlife: Officials in Bluefield urged residents to report dead animals on roadways, citing collision rates far higher than the national average. Local Business Fraud Case: A West Virginia construction company is accused of defrauding Dunbar residents after collecting $51,000 for a kitchen job that never started, with charges filed against the owners. Workforce & Business Climate: The West Virginia Chamber flagged the state’s dead-last workforce participation rate, saying the gap is hurting businesses and the economy. Energy & Grid Planning: A presentation is set for Wednesday on strategies to fight the proposed Valley North high-voltage transmission line, which opponents say would mainly serve data centers elsewhere. Manufacturing Spotlight: The West Virginia Manufacturers Association narrowed its “Coolest Thing Made in WV” contest to five finalists, including aluminum parts tied to Artemis 2 and a 3D-printed critter maker. Energy Storage Investment: Form Energy closed a $270 million credit facility to scale up iron-air battery manufacturing at its Weirton, WV plant. Community Tourism Push: West Virginia’s new tourism secretary says the next goal is turning first-time visitors into repeat travelers and spreading tourism benefits statewide.

Nuclear Pipeline: West Virginia signed a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to pursue a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, joining other finalist states as the state aims to build an end-to-end nuclear fuel-cycle ecosystem. Aviation Readiness: The 130th Airlift Wing ran split-site operations during Operation Northern Vigilance, testing Agile Combat Employment by keeping command in Charleston while deploying C-130J-30 aircraft and support across locations under simulated drone threats. Workforce & Training: Pierpont Community & Technical College will break ground Sept. 30 on an Aviation Maintenance Technology facility at the West Virginia AeroTech Park to expand capacity and link students directly with aerospace employers. Data Center Fight: West Virginia’s debate over data centers is heating up, with critics warning tax breaks and utility impacts could outweigh local benefits, while residents and organizers push back on new projects. Energy & Bills: A West Virginia-related energy story highlights how utility rate changes and broader heating-cost pressures can hit household budgets, keeping reliability and affordability front and center. Public Health & Industry: A coal-country report spotlights surging black lung cases and the long appeals delays that can stall benefits for miners. Community & Industry Culture: The West Virginia Fiber Festival showcased local wool production and hands-on education, reflecting the state’s growing maker and small-farm economy.

Nuclear Energy: West Virginia and the U.S. Department of Energy signed a 7-page memorandum outlining a path toward a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, positioning the state as a finalist and laying out roles for a full nuclear fuel-cycle “industrial ecosystem” even as key details like location and partners are still undefined. Aviation Training: The 130th Airlift Wing ran Agile Combat Employment split-site operations during Operation Northern Vigilance, pairing forward activity in Michigan with command and control from Charleston. Workforce & Education: Pierpont C&TC will break ground Sept. 30 on an Aviation Maintenance Technology facility at the West Virginia AeroTech Park, expanding capacity and linking students directly with major aerospace employers. Public Safety & Health: A Marion County rescue squad reunion marks 50 years since volunteer EMS roots, while a coal miner’s black-lung benefits fight highlights how long appeals can drag on as cases surge. Community & Environment: Residents in eastern Kanawha County plan a community meeting on a controversial “advanced recycling” plant, with opponents arguing it’s rebranded incineration. Energy Costs: National gas prices rose again as crude stayed near $100 a barrel, keeping pressure on household budgets and regional industry.

Black Lung Crisis: US coalminers are pleading for black-lung benefits as cases surge to a near 50-year high, with long federal appeals delays dragging families out for years. STEM & Assistive Tech: West Virginia Virtual Academy eighth-grader Kianoosh Nawai is a national finalist after building a low-cost 3D-printed bionic hand designed to restore movement for people with disabilities. AI Data Centers & Power: Nscale, an Nvidia-backed AI cloud infrastructure firm, filed for a US IPO targeting up to a $35B valuation, underscoring how fast the data-center buildout is accelerating. Local Impact & Community Pushback: West Virginia residents are organizing against data center expansion in Mason County, saying projects moved forward without local notice and challenging the state’s “high-impact” approvals. Workforce & Education: Gov. Morrisey announced a $15M federal grant to expand WV READY Educational Opportunity Centers statewide, aiming to boost adult training and credentials. Energy Costs & Agriculture: Diesel spikes are hitting West Virginia’s broader economy too—farmers elsewhere report $8+ diesel forcing cutbacks and raising pressure on grocery prices. Flood Emergency: Mason County declared a 30-day state of emergency after severe flooding and a dangerous riverbank landslide threatened infrastructure and rail service. Transportation Safety: A fatal I-79 South crash in Elkview closed lanes for hours, with investigations ongoing.

Data Centers & Local Control: West Virginia lawmakers and regulators are facing fresh pushback over how data centers are rolling out, including a Capitol protest by Mason County residents who say they weren’t properly notified as state certification moves projects forward under House Bill 2014. Energy & Power Costs: National gas prices climbed again as crude stayed above $100 a barrel, with the U.S. average regular price now around $4.44. Flood Response: Gov. Morrisey declared a 30-day state of emergency in Mason County after severe flooding and erosion, with crews also responding to a dangerous Ohio River bank landslide near Point Pleasant. Workforce & Education: Morrisey announced a $15 million federal grant to expand WV READY Educational Opportunity Centers statewide, aiming to boost adult training and career credentials. AI Finance: Nscale filed for an IPO in New York, with its West Virginia campus tied to a major Anthropic deal for AI compute capacity. Public Safety: A fatal crash closed I-79 South in Elkview for hours early Saturday, with investigations ongoing.

Flood Response: Gov. Morrisey declared a 30-day state of emergency for Mason County after severe flooding and a dangerous Ohio Riverbank landslide threatened infrastructure and forced rescues. Community & Environment: Opponents of a controversial “advanced recycling” plant in eastern Kanawha County plan a public meeting in Belle, arguing the project is effectively plastic incineration despite its “clean” branding. Workforce & Education: Morrisey announced a record $15 million federal Educational Opportunity Centers grant to expand adult education and career training through WV READY EOC across all 55 counties and nine community/technical colleges. Energy & Industry: Nscale filed for an IPO in New York as it ramps AI data center capacity tied to a major Anthropic deal, with West Virginia’s Monarch campus powered by an on-site microgrid. Public Health & Safety: CDC reports a rise in measles cases nationwide, while USDA prepares additional oral rabies vaccine drops after increased animal cases and human exposures. Infrastructure Updates: Westover began the process to transfer its sanitary sewer system to the Morgantown Utility Board, and Putnam County’s retooled Buffalo Bridge interchange reopened to traffic.

Data Centers & AI Buildout: Nscale filed for an IPO after a multibillion-dollar Anthropic deal that will supply about 460 megawatts of AI computing capacity at its West Virginia “Monarch” campus, with an expansion path to 8GW+ and thousands of GPUs already deployed. Power & Transmission: A public hearing in Virginia on the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) drew opposition and calls for alternatives as the 107.5-mile, 500-kV line would run through parts of West Virginia and beyond. Energy Transition & Jobs: Frontieras North America advanced coal-to-fuels commercialization with its FASForm(TM) push, including an ~$850 million Mason County facility aimed at major construction and permanent employment. Workforce & Education: Gov. Morrisey announced a record $15 million federal grant to expand West Virginia’s Educational Opportunity Centers, with $3 million annually for five years across all 55 counties via the state’s community and technical colleges. Water Infrastructure: Westover began the process to transfer its sanitary sewer system to the Morgantown Utility Board, while Kanawha County moved an Olcott waterline extension project toward bidding to bring clean water to 110 homes. Public Health & Safety: A federal study found emergency radio coverage in Pendleton County can be improved without breaking protections tied to the National Radio Quiet Zone. Healthcare Cybersecurity: A proposed class action targets Grafton City Hospital and Monongalia Health System over an email compromise and delayed patient notification. Manufacturing & Consumer Impact: Federal data showed industrial production flat in August and manufacturing output down 0.3%, while a pork antitrust settlement highlights how pricing disputes can ripple into grocery costs.

Energy & Rates: West Virginia lawmakers and regulators are weighing a fight over “public interest” reforms at PJM, as AEP and FirstEnergy push back while ratepayers already face some of the nation’s highest power bills tied to coal reliability and costly plant upgrades. Power Policy: The EPA’s rollback of Biden-era power plant carbon rules is drawing fresh debate in West Virginia, with supporters arguing it cuts red tape and backs coal and gas, while critics warn it could raise long-term risks for grid reliability and costs. Water Infrastructure: After nearly a decade, Kanawha County’s Olcott Waterline Extension cleared its final PSC hurdle and is headed to competitive bids in October, bringing public water to about 110 rural homes. Mining Education: Bluefield State named mining veteran Keith Sigmon director of its Mining Engineering Technology program, aiming to strengthen the pipeline for mine operations and safety. Community & Business: Cabell Huntington Hospital reported an FDA inspection in August with “No Action Indicated,” while Fayette County’s PSD sale to West Virginia American Water moves forward amid ongoing sewage and water-quality concerns. Flood Response: Gov. Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Mason County after severe flooding and erosion threatened rail infrastructure. Scholarships: WVU Tech launched the Golden Scholars program with a $1.8 million gift to support 13 students annually from southern West Virginia counties starting Fall 2027.

Energy & Industry Policy: West Virginia lawmakers and energy advocates are weighing in as the Trump EPA moves to roll back Biden-era power plant carbon limits, with Sen. Chris Rose backing “free and fair” coal-and-gas markets and arguing dispatch and grid reform are needed. Power Reliability & Regulation: The West Virginia Public Service Commission will hold a Sept. 28 hearing on proposed electric-generating capacity rules tied to the 2025 Power Generation and Consumption Act, as utilities say coal and gas must stay available to meet rising demand from data centers. Water & Infrastructure: Morgantown’s Morgans Run water extension is set to begin in January after council approval and grant funding, while a sinkhole near the Parkersburg Correctional Center damaged a road and forced a local event venue to cancel bookings. Workforce & Education: WVU Tech launched its Golden Scholars program with a $1.8M gift to support 13 students annually from southern WV counties starting Fall 2027. Health & Business: Organon sued Mylan over a proposed generic tapinarof cream, and PracticeLink opened Fall 2026 First Practice Fund applications for medical trainees. Community & Public Safety: A Parkersburg RAP session brought together behavioral health and justice stakeholders to map gaps and push treatment-first pathways.

EPA Power-Plant Rollback: West Virginia leaders are praising the Trump EPA’s move to repeal most 2024 carbon rules for coal- and gas-fired power plants, while clean-air advocates warn it could worsen local air quality and health impacts. Energy Reliability & Coal Plants: State lawmakers and regulators are also weighing how to keep aging coal units running to provide base-load power for PJM, amid concerns about throttling and rapid cycling. PFAS Legal Pressure: Two Wood County residents filed a federal class action against Chemours over alleged PFAS releases from a Washington Works landfill, while North Carolina and local governments reached a $590 million PFAS settlement with Chemours, DuPont and Corteva. Data Centers Debate: A West Virginia opinion piece challenges pro–data center talking points, arguing the governor’s plan lacks real guardrails and that communities are still left in the dark. Food & Consumer Safety: Walmart-linked Ricky Joy sour candy bottles are recalled nationwide over a choking hazard after reports of the rolling ball detaching. Meat Processing Expansion: USDA launched a “Stand-Up Program” to help more states start or expand meat inspection programs, aiming to boost local processing capacity. Business & Workforce: West Virginia’s Centurion Awards honored long-running legacy businesses, highlighting durable manufacturing and local enterprise.

EPA Power-Plant Rollback: West Virginia leaders praised the EPA’s final repeal of 2024 greenhouse-gas rules for coal- and gas-fired power plants, while clean-air advocates warned it could worsen local pollution and health impacts. Flood Recovery & FEMA Uncertainty: Testimony before lawmakers highlighted growing concern that FEMA’s role may shrink under agency upheaval, pushing West Virginia to plan for more of the flood-recovery burden. Transportation/Construction: Bidding opened for Phase I of the I-79 Exit 155 Chaplin Hill Gateway project in Monongalia County, with bridge replacement expected to start in spring 2027 and future interchange and flyover work queued up. Water Infrastructure Funding: WVU and Marshall’s Grant Resource Center will help communities chase grants under Gov. Morrisey’s Clean, Clear Water Strategy, aimed at speeding reviews and supporting small water systems. Utilities Deal: The PSC approved the sale of three Fayette County utilities to West Virginia American Water, with rate increases planned and a transfer tied to an injunction resolution. Meat Processing Expansion: USDA launched a Stand-Up Program offering up to $50 million to help more states start or expand state meat inspection programs. Food Supply/Ag: USDA reported a big week-to-week drop in broiler sets, with placements still ahead of 2025. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy price checks showed mixed movement across counties, including low regular gas in Barbour ($3.48) and diesel lows in Putnam ($5.29) and Marshall ($4.97). Privacy/Consumer Data: A judge ordered Radaris and related domains transferred in a privacy fight over people-search data. Local Community Work: United Way’s annual Day of Caring drew 1,200 volunteers for repairs and upgrades across multiple West Virginia counties.

Energy & Grid Policy: West Virginia lawmakers heard that data centers could help improve water quality and infrastructure, even as residents in the southern coalfields worry about water access for new power and data center plans. Manufacturing Jobs: Kibar Americas reopened the former Novelis aluminum plant in Fairmont, restarting production of aluminum products and targeting up to 150 jobs. Education & Workforce: WVU Tech launched the Golden Scholars program, funded by Larry and Lisa Pack, covering remaining tuition, housing and meals for high-achieving students from 13 southern counties starting fall 2027. Transportation & Construction: Charleston’s DOT says more paving, high-friction treatments, and updated signing are coming around the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge rehab, with work progressing on schedule. Environmental Reality Check: Autumn olive—once planted for wildlife and mine reclamation—has now been labeled invasive in parts of Appalachia, with long-running conservation efforts turning into ecological problems. Healthcare Innovation: States are using Rural Health Transformation dollars to back rural health startups, blending federal funding with a Silicon Valley-style push for tech-driven care. Business & Compliance: A federal appeals court ruled the DOE overstepped emergency powers to keep a Michigan coal plant running, narrowing how broadly the government can extend fossil operations. Local Community: The Tygart Valley United Way’s Day of Action drew 260+ volunteers for dozens of regional projects.

Education & Workforce Pipeline: WVU Tech launched the “Golden Scholars” program, funded by State Treasurer Larry Pack and his wife Lisa, covering remaining tuition, housing and meal costs for high-achieving students from 13 southern West Virginia counties starting fall 2027. Higher Ed Expansion: WVU Board of Governors approved early design work for a new Health Sciences Center education building, targeting modern simulation and collaborative spaces, with construction planned to finish by July 2029. Manufacturing Jobs: Kibar Americas reopened its Fairmont aluminum plant, restarting production after a year-plus closure and aiming for up to 150 initial jobs. Energy Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised the Trump EPA’s repeal of greenhouse gas limits on coal and natural gas power plants, framing it as a win for reliable, affordable energy. AI Power Costs: A bipartisan House bill would require data centers to pay the full cost of electricity generation and grid upgrades instead of shifting bills to utility customers. Local Infrastructure & Growth: Greenbrier County schools celebrated major facility investments, and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park opened a new 100-site Slabtown Campground. Public Safety & Compliance: FMCSA emergency action swept in entry-level CDL training providers, ordering affected schools to stop operations. Environment & Health: North Carolina and chemical companies reached a $455M PFAS settlement—another reminder of long-running “forever chemicals” pressure on water systems.

Energy Policy Shake-Up: The Trump administration moved to repeal most Biden-era greenhouse gas rules for coal and natural gas power plants, with EPA leaders saying the change could cut compliance costs by hundreds of billions and boost reliability—while West Virginia’s Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito praised the rollback as a win for affordability and jobs. Water Infrastructure Funding: West Virginia lawmakers heard concerns about shrinking federal support for water system upgrades even as the state pushes its “Clean, Clear Water Strategy,” with officials pointing to declining EPA revolving fund support and the need for more outside dollars. Manufacturing & Reshoring: West Virginia Manufacturers Association and ReshoreWV are urging in-state sourcing, aiming to help companies replace foreign imports with goods made locally. Aluminum Jobs Return: Kibar Americas reopened the former Novelis aluminum plant in Fairmont, restarting production and targeting up to 150 initial jobs. Local Industry Watch: Wood County commissioners heard updates on manufacturing prospects, including PowerFlo’s planned expansion and site-readiness grants. Healthcare Access Tech: WVU Medicine partnered with Latent to speed pharmacy authorizations and improve throughput. Community & Workforce: Bridgeport approved a light-usage policy to help youth sports leagues save thousands, and WVU outlined new “Strategic Compass” priorities including applied AI, engineering, and environmental energy programs. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest Fayette County E15 price at $3.49 for the week ending Sept. 5.

Energy & Environment: The EPA moved to repeal Biden-era greenhouse gas limits for coal and natural gas power plants, a rollback that could trigger a major legal fight and reshape how utilities plan for carbon rules. Manufacturing: Kibar Americas reopened the former Novelis aluminum plant in Fairmont, restarting coil and production with an initial 20–30 workers and potential growth as operations ramp. Local Economy: Wood County commissioners heard an economic development update, including nine active manufacturing prospects and a PowerFlo expansion plan that adds 120 jobs at a former facility. Education & Workforce: WVU launched the STEAM Innovation Alliance, a $2.6 million effort aimed at helping 15,000 middle and high school students turn ideas into real business or community solutions. Agriculture & Community: UTIA announced a fellowship program to build future animal science professionals through hands-on research, Extension, and mentoring. Public Health/Health Policy: Guardant Health said its Shield colorectal cancer blood test will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported Mason County’s lowest midgrade price at $4.08 for the week ending Sept. 5.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, will get $500 refunds tied to Biden-era Obamacare “user fees” that allegedly drove up premiums. Nuclear Ambitions: West Virginia is in the running for a federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey pitching it as a major boost for the state’s nuclear and manufacturing future. Power Grid & Transmission: West Virginia regulators’ staff recommended denying the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission project, citing diligence and landowner-notification problems; evidentiary hearings are set to start Oct. 26. Mining Safety & Black Lung: The Mark Hurt Law Firm, now an official UMWA partner, is backing miners’ concerns about MSHA enforcement consistency and silica dust standards tied to black lung. AI, Data Centers & PFAS: A ChemSec warning links AI-driven chip demand and data-center cooling to a planned surge in PFAS production, pointing to Chemours expansion in Fayetteville and Parkersburg. Construction Outlook: Contractors Association of West Virginia CEO Jason Pizatella says recent energy and tech announcements could spark a “golden age” for building and hiring. Disaster Aid: Upshur residents may qualify for D-SNAP after July 21 flooding, with applications running Sept. 21–25. Energy Costs Watch: Gas prices in West Virginia show mixed weekly lows and averages, while national diesel hits record highs—pressuring freight and everyday goods.