AGP Executive Report

Corridor H Boost: Gov. Jim Morrisey joined officials to open an 11-mile, four-lane stretch of Corridor H from Kerens toward Parsons, with 112 miles now in service and nearly $2B invested so far. Water & Utilities Oversight: The WV Public Service Commission issued an order to compel Williamson Water District to provide documentation tied to a rate complaint from Mountain Water District. Consumer Protection: WV AG Consumer Protection flagged May’s top scams—Medicare, phishing/computer scams, robo calls, traffic-ticket texts, and sweepstakes/winnings—plus tips like spoof-aware phone checks and avoiding gift cards. STEM Pipeline: WVU Tech received another Health Sciences and Technology Academy grant to run free STEM/health camps for 10th graders. Workforce Rules: West Virginia is among states easing child labor protections, allowing longer hours in youth apprenticeships and relaxed hazardous-work rules. Public Safety/Justice: A Bridgeport woman, Christina Nolte, got a one-year federal prison sentence for falsifying VA disability records and using the fraud to discharge $242,528 in student loans. Energy Storage Deal: Ore Energy signed a 1GWh iron-air battery agreement with a Dutch utility, targeting long-duration storage needs. Local Leadership: Oglebay Park Resort’s Lindsey Scripture was named to The State Journal’s “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” for brand and guest-experience upgrades.

West Virginia Courts: The state Supreme Court adopted a “gross disproportionality” limit in construction damage cases and tightened rules on when insurers can deny coverage, reshaping risk for contractors, insurers, and public employers. Data Centers & Power: A Tucker County data center and gas power project is at the center of a dispute over whether it should seek state certification, as lawmakers and agencies weigh impacts on infrastructure and rates. State Efficiency: West Virginia DOT says it’s acting on a BDO audit that flagged more than $50 million in potential savings, alongside broader government efficiency efforts. Healthcare Workforce: WVU medical students are using a new podcast to spotlight rural physician careers and the health disparities driving training needs in West Virginia. Tourism & Community: Oglebay Park Resort’s Lindsey Scripture earned a “Generation Next” 40 Under 40 nod for rebranding and guest experience work. Agriculture & Biosecurity: West Virginia agriculture officials announced new interstate movement requirements after New World screwworm detections. Energy & Markets: A Cleveland Fed report says tariffs and uncertainty are pushing up some prices for businesses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

Data Center Oversight Clash: Tucker County officials and a developer behind the Ridgeline Facility are disputing whether the project should seek West Virginia state certification under the state’s high-impact data center framework. Local Cleanup & Infrastructure: Charleston is ramping up cleanup around Davis Park after winter damage and downtown utility work, with residents encouraged to report problem areas. Forest Access Repairs: The U.S. Forest Service is planning phased repairs to flood-damaged Monongahela National Forest roads serving the Cranberry and Williams River recreation areas, with temporary closures expected. Agriculture Biosecurity: West Virginia is among states responding to the New World screwworm reentry, with USDA and state agencies pushing entry permits and movement requirements to slow spread. Tourism & Community Events: West Virginia Day celebrations are underway statewide, including Beckley’s West Virginia Day Festival at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine with discounted tours and local vendors. Energy & Industry Context: A broader debate continues over how fast-tracked power and data center growth should be managed, including concerns about transparency and impacts on ratepayers.

Road & Recreation Access: The U.S. Forest Service is starting phased repairs to flood-damaged forest roads serving the Cranberry and Williams River recreation areas in the Monongahela National Forest, with temporary closures expected on Forest Road 76 (Cranberry) and Forest Road 86 (Williams River) starting late June/early July. Energy & Industry Watch: National gas prices slipped below $4 a gallon as summer travel ramps up, with demand rising and crude dynamics tied to expectations around Strait of Hormuz reopening. Historic Preservation & Tourism: Grave Creek Mound research highlights how the mound likely sat within a larger ceremonial earthwork landscape around Moundsville, even as farms and development have erased much of the original complex. Agriculture & Biosecurity: West Virginia Department of Agriculture announced interstate movement requirements after multiple New World Screwworm detections. Workforce & Education: Marshall University named its 40th Yeager Scholars cohort, selecting 10 students from WV, Ohio, and Kentucky for scholarships and mentorship. Local Culture & Community: Oglebay Park marked 100 years since Earl W. Oglebay’s gift with a new bronze statue unveiling, adding another draw for the Ohio Valley. Environment & Wildlife: Scientists say West Virginia’s darker skies are helping fireflies, even as light pollution continues to grow. State Identity & Events: West Virginia Day programming and celebrations continue across the state, including a Princeton Railroad Museum event and a governor proclamation recognizing June 20.

Energy & Grid Oversight: West Virginia lawmakers grilled proposed transmission projects tied to data center growth, questioning NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link and pushing for changes to the state’s data center district law. Food Industry & Consumer Safety: Fry Pie Factory recalled pepperoni rolls sold in Ohio and parts of West Virginia after undeclared milk allergens and improper refrigeration raised food-borne illness concerns. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The West Virginia Department of Agriculture issued interstate movement requirements after multiple New World Screwworm detections. Public Health & Manufacturing: Mars will launch dye-free M&M’s in August under the MAHA push, but blue and brown are being dropped because natural alternatives are too difficult and costly to replicate. Environment & Wildlife: Scientists say West Virginia’s darker skies are helping fireflies, even as light pollution continues to creep upward. Local Industry & Community Events: Leadership West Virginia’s outdoor-economy session highlighted the New River Gorge tourism engine, while West Virginia Day events in Princeton and Wheeling spotlight local culture and small-business momentum.

West Virginia Day: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a proclamation marking June 20, 2026 as West Virginia Day, celebrating the state’s 163-year legacy and its role in the Civil War era. Outdoor & Tourism Economy: Leadership West Virginia’s class spent time at Adventures on the Gorge near the New River Gorge Bridge, spotlighting the region’s outdoor recreation economy. Community Events: Wheeling’s free Jamboree City festival is set to turn downtown into a music destination for West Virginia Day, with nearly two dozen acts. Agriculture & Livestock Safety: The West Virginia Department of Agriculture issued new interstate movement requirements for warm-blooded animals entering from New World Screwworm detection areas, including permit steps ahead of travel. Food Industry Watch: Fry Pie Factory recalled pepperoni rolls sold in Ohio and parts of West Virginia due to undeclared milk allergen and improper refrigeration. Research & Higher Ed: WVU and Johns Hopkins launched a three-year research partnership with seed funding to spur joint projects in health, science and society. Local Water Quality: WVSU Extension rolled out a rain barrel initiative to help communities manage stormwater runoff.

West Virginia Day: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a proclamation marking June 20, 2026 as West Virginia Day, celebrating the state’s 163-year legacy and highlighting contributions across industry, agriculture, education, arts and culture. Higher Ed Research: WVU and Johns Hopkins University launched a three-year research partnership, with WVU putting in $2 million and JHU $5 million, offering seed grants up to $150,000 for joint projects in areas like neuroscience, substance use, mental health and environmental exposure. Workforce & Training Policy: A push to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is framed as a chance to build an “AI-ready” workforce system that helps people move between training and jobs faster. Food Manufacturing: A dsm-firmenich webinar preview says U.S. food makers are reformulating as natural color options gain traction amid tightening rules and consumer pressure. Community & Youth: Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy held a Charleston graduation for 71 cadets, with a focus on post-program paths like employment, enlistment or education. Local Government Finance: Marshall County raised concerns after a state clerical tax error could cost the county and schools millions in expected revenue.

West Virginia Day Events: Princeton Railroad Museum is bringing back West Virginia Day celebrations Saturday, with trolley rides to area museums and activities running 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local History & Education: WVU’s West Virginia Regional History Center hosted a “West Virginia at 250” panel tied to the “Mountaineers Are Always Free” theme, spotlighting the state’s Revolutionary-era roots through modern history. Energy & Infrastructure: West Virginia lawmakers and agencies continue facing pushback over data center impacts, including calls for more transparency and oversight as the state weighs how to handle power and water demands. Workforce & Industry Leadership: Concurrent Technologies Corp. named defense-industry veteran Christopher Hamilton as CEO, with a focus on technology transition and AI-driven operational change. Healthcare Costs: A KFF analysis says ACA Marketplace deductibles jumped 37% in 2026, hitting $3,786 on average as more people shifted to higher-deductible bronze plans. Weather & Safety: Storm systems moved through West Virginia Thursday with tornado warnings and flood watches, but most areas reported only minor damage and power outages.

Data Centers & Power Costs: West Virginia lawmakers grilled state regulators and utilities over how new transmission lines could drive higher electric bills as data center demand grows, with officials saying much of the rate control sits with federal regulators. Water Infrastructure: Weirton’s water board is moving ahead with a $4.34M Walnut Street line replacement, upgrading 3,500 feet of pipe to help prevent recurring breaks and conservation orders. Local Development Dispute: Morgantown’s East End Village redevelopment faces fresh legal trouble as a parcel owner alleges an improper transfer and threatens to halt construction and pursue records through discovery. Energy Storage Push: A new U.S. coalition is working to accelerate sodium-ion batteries as a cheaper, safer alternative to lithium for grid and data-center storage needs. Rural Community Support: Nexstar’s foundation awarded $5,000 grants to the Marion County Humane Society and a Kansas nonprofit supporting families after Type 1 diabetes diagnoses. Policy for Farmers & Gas Prices: The House passed year-round E-15 legislation while the Senate version gains momentum, aiming to boost ethanol demand and lower gas prices. Storm Aftermath: Severe weather swept through West Virginia with power outages and downed lines, but officials reported damage was generally limited. Healthcare Workforce: PracticeLink named recipients of its Spring 2026 First Practice Fund scholarships to support clinicians entering practice in underserved and rural areas.

Energy & Infrastructure: U.S. Rep. Riley Moore says about $10 million in 2027 federal appropriations will fund West Virginia waterline upgrades, including $1.4M for Moundsville and $1.04M to connect Hundred-Littleton PSD to Grandview-Doolin PSD. Power Grid Debate: Clarke County officials are urging residents to weigh in on a proposed 260-mile, 765-kV Valley North transmission line, warning it could bring major impacts without local benefits. Historic Downtown Investment: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito backs bipartisan legislation to expand the federal historic tax credit, aiming to make it easier to restore older buildings and spur redevelopment. Textiles & Workforce: Carol Miller toured a new PATTERN Textile Training and Manufacturing Center in Beckley, highlighting training and support to grow West Virginia’s sewing and custom textile production. Local Planning: Monongalia County set public hearings for rezoning along West Run Road into commercial space, with hearings scheduled for June 24 and July 1. Community & Events: The West Virginia Interstate Fair runs June 17-20 in Mineral Wells with nightly entertainment plus mud bogs, truck pulls, and family activities. Business Growth: WVU entrepreneurs behind Iconic Air say their emissions-tracking software has been acquired by ASUENE in Japan.

Data Centers & Grid Power: West Virginia lawmakers are pressing for changes to the state’s data center/microgrid district law after interim meetings highlighted concerns over transparency and local control, especially around proposed transmission projects tied to NextEra’s MARL. Environmental Cleanup: The EPA released a $4.44M plan to reduce exposure risks from PCBs at the Minden Superfund site in Fayette County, targeting contaminated soil and sediment. Construction & Growth: Brenton Point Capital Partners backed Merit Restorations, a contractor expanding mitigation and reconstruction services across Virginia, West Virginia and Texas. Workforce & Health: A WVU sleep medicine leader discussed new evidence-based hospital screening guidelines for obstructive sleep apnea, aiming to cut readmissions and improve inpatient outcomes. Food Industry Regulation: A new report says synthetic dyes remain in nearly 20% of U.S. packaged foods, with West Virginia among states that have moved to restrict them. Local Transportation Planning: Bluefield residents can weigh in on July 2 on proposed roundabouts and safety upgrades under the Safe Streets and Roads for All project. Business Leadership: Iconic Air, an energy-tech firm tied to WVU entrepreneurship, was acquired by an international sustainability AI company in Japan.

Data Centers & Local Control: West Virginia Democrats are pushing for more transparency and local control as data center development concerns grow, with Del. Evan Hansen calling out gaps in what developers share with communities. Grid & Transmission Fight: The West Virginia Freedom Caucus is formally opposing the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission project, arguing it could raise rates and use eminent domain to benefit corporations. Power Supply Scrutiny: A Reuters investigation highlights fast-tracked, off-grid natural gas power plants built to serve data centers, raising alarms about limited environmental review and public input. Energy Policy Leadership: Gov. Morrisey appointed Erin Hunter as West Virginia Insurance Commissioner, effective July 1, as the state continues reshaping its regulatory and workforce agenda. Workforce & Education: WVU and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation are rolling out hockey-themed STEM lessons for elementary classrooms, aiming to expand access in Appalachia. Community & Safety: State agencies are coordinating summer safety efforts, including boating enforcement during “Operation Dry Water.” Food & Health Policy: A new report says synthetic dyes show up in nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods, with West Virginia among states that have moved to restrict them.

Energy Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed HB 5381, setting a “50 by 50” goal to triple West Virginia’s electric-generating capacity from 16 to 50 gigawatts by 2050, with added grid cyber protections and a baseload-first approach. Critical Minerals: Morrisey also signed SB 648 to create a statewide framework for extracting strategic and critical minerals, pointing to acid mine drainage operations as a model for more efficient recovery. Coal & Power Projects: A federal push for coal plant modernization is in the spotlight nationally, while a separate DOE-backed effort is funding early work on a new West Virginia coal-based campus tied to carbon capture. Infrastructure: U.S. Rep. Riley Moore secured $1 million for engineering and design toward replacing Wheeling’s long-closed Market Street Bridge, with construction timelines extending into the next decade. Environmental Enforcement: WV DEP proposed disposal deadlines and penalties for a Huntington steel operator over radioactive dust handling and labeling failures. STEM in Schools: WVPEC and WVU’s STEAM Technical Assistance Center teamed with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation to bring hockey-themed STEM lessons to Eastwood Elementary and other under-resourced classrooms. Public Safety Tech: West Virginia State Police selected SmartSafety’s AccuraCSI to modernize statewide crime scene documentation and evidence management. Food & Health: New research and FDA-related moves on synthetic dyes show mixed progress, with West Virginia among states that have already tightened rules.

State Budget & Audits: West Virginia agencies are briefing lawmakers on audit findings that point to more than $168 million in potential savings, with the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, DOT, and Human Services among those covered. Local Infrastructure: Wheeling is moving to fix Northern Parkway after receiving $2 million in federal funds for a hazardous stretch built on a landfill that’s been settling and buckling. City Finance: Wheeling also approved a 2025-26 budget revision as the Fire and Police departments are projected to finish about $1.8 million over budget. Water & Sewer Work: Clarksburg’s Water Board outlined ongoing $85 million upgrades, including Pride Avenue and Gould Avenue road closures and temporary water interruptions tied to new mainline connections. Food Safety: Fry Pie Factory recalled pepperoni rolls sold in West Virginia and Ohio due to undeclared milk and improper storage temperatures. Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal generation, drawing criticism over subsidies for an uncompetitive industry. Industry & Jobs: Casella CEO Ned Coletta says the company’s growth includes a Mountain State Waste acquisition in West Virginia as it expands recycling and waste services in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Coal & Power Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal units, using Defense Production Act authority—drawing support from grid-reliability advocates and criticism as a subsidy for an uncompetitive industry. Energy Affordability: A new index flags West Virginia among states facing the biggest pressure from rising energy costs, with electricity bills climbing faster than incomes. Water Infrastructure in WV: Clarksburg’s Water Board laid out this week’s $85M water and sewer upgrades, including Pride Avenue and Gould Avenue road closures and temporary service interruptions. Workforce & Training: 24hourEDU says it received NMLS approval for online mortgage loan officer courses meeting West Virginia requirements. Food & Health: A national recall update highlights allergy risks in mac and cheese products, while another report notes synthetic dyes still show up in many packaged foods—prompting renewed state-by-state scrutiny. Community Feeding: Kanawha County Schools and partners are working to keep WV kids fed this summer as grocery prices and welfare changes strain families. Labor & Industry Culture: The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum is hosting an exhibit reception on black lung and silica dust, tying today’s safety fight to coalfield history.

Coal Power Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, using Defense Production Act authority—drawing support from grid-reliability advocates and criticism as an uncompetitive subsidy. Energy Infrastructure & Grid: NextEra is pressing West Virginia communities on the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link, a $1.1B, 500-kilovolt transmission project aimed at easing grid congestion across multiple counties. Water & Public Health: A new House hearing spotlighted ongoing drinking-water failures in McDowell County, with residents describing unsafe tap water and makeshift storage. Outdoor Access: The U.S. Forest Service will close a major access road to Dolly Sods Wilderness for repairs starting June 22, while keeping other routes open. Local Government & Trails: Wheeling City Council will consider budget revisions and a state grant agreement to connect sections of the Wheeling Heritage Trail. Food Safety: Alfredo sauce recall expanded to the highest risk level over possible salmonella contamination. Automotive Safety: Honda and Acura recalls 880,000+ vehicles for rear suspension corrosion tied to road salt. Workforce & Education: Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College names interim president Elizabeth Manuel, focusing on enrollment growth and workforce development. Community Industry: IBEW Local 317 hosted a Tri-State Take Kids Fishing Day at Beech Fork State Park, pairing trades values with youth outdoor skills.