FY 2019 Update Regional Development Plan Region III – Boone, Clay, Kanawha & Putnam Counties
Prepared by:
Regional Intergovernmental Council 315 D Street South Charleston, WV 25303
September 2019
FY 2019 RDP
Table of Contents
Page
I. Introduction and Purpose 3
II. The Regional Planning and Development Council Organization 4
III. Situation Assessment: The Area and Its Economy 30
Boone County 41 Clay County 54 Kanawha County 64 Putnam County 87
IV. Economic Resilience 101
V. References 102
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I. Introduction and Purpose of the Regional Development Plan (RDP)
The FY 2019 Regional Development Plan (RDP) update serves as a report on various topics, including the Regional Intergovernmental Council structure and programs and a description of the area and its economy.
1. Description of recent trends in the regional economy. 2. Description of progress over the past year. 3. Updated Regional Development Program for this fiscal year.
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II. The Regional Planning and Development Council Organization
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Within the Regional Council
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE Boone County Commission Eddie Hendricks Clay County Commission Connie Kinder Kanawha County Commission W. Kent Carper Putnam County Commission Andy Skidmore Town of Bancroft Donna McKneely Town of Belle David Fletcher Town of Buffalo Conrad Cain Town of Cedar Grove James B. Hudnall City of Charleston Amy Shuler Goodwin Town of Chesapeake Jack Lavender Town of Clay Josh Shamblin Town of Clendenin Kay Summers Town of Danville Mark McClure City of Dunbar William E. Cunningham Town of East Bank Charles A. Blair, II Town of Eleanor Cam Clendenin Town of Glasgow Donald Fannin Town of Handley Essie Ford, Jr. City of Hurricane Scott Edwards City of Madison Sonny Howell Town of Marmet Jay Snodgrass City of Nitro Dave Casebolt Town of Poca William Jones Town of Pratt Eric Holcomb City of St. Albans Scott James City of South Charleston Frank Mullens Town of Sylvester Harvey Ferrell Town of Whitesville Fred V. Harless, Jr. City of Winfield Randy Barrett Boone County Citizens Representative Kris Mitchell Clay County Citizens Representative Barry McCune Kanawha County Citizens Representative John Luoni Putnam County Citizens Representative Mark A. Stolle, Jr. City of Charleston Citizens Representative Lawrence J. Malone RIC Minority Representative Oree Banks RIC Minority Representative Coston Davis, Jr. Private Sector Representative (Education) Heather Raines, BridgeValley CTC Private Sector Representative Joy Underwood, Coal River Inn Private Sector Representative (Workforce Development) S.K. Miller, Verizon Mid-Atlantic (Retired) Private Sector Representative (Labor) Todd Mullins, Kanawha Valley Labor Council Private Sector Representative (Chamber of Commerce) Jeri Adkins, Charleston Area Alliance Private Sector Representative (WVDOH) Brian Carr, WV Department of Transportation Private Sector Representative (KVRTA) Doug Hartley, KVRTA Private Sector Representative Damron Bradshaw, Bradshaw Consulting Services Private Sector Representative Eric Sharp, Labor Employees Coop. Trust Private Sector Representative Trina D. Sweeney, WV State University Private Sector Representative D. Anne Cavalier, Cavalier Business Development Private Sector Representative Lee Roberts, Tornado Products
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RIC Staff
Executive Director Colt Sandoro
Deputy Executive Director Amy Talbert
Administrative Assistant Joanna Keller
Planning Director Kara Greathouse
Transportation Planner Kelsey Tucker
Transportation Planner Samuel Richardson
Project Administrator SoJuana Ellis
Project Coordinator Terry Martin
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RIC Officers
Chairman D. Anne Cavalier Private Sector Representative
1st Vice-Chairman William E. Cunningham Mayor, City of Dunbar
2nd Vice-Chairman Jay Snodgrass Mayor, City of Marmet
3rd Vice-Chairman S. K. Miller Private Sector Representative
Treasurer & Secretary Damron Bradshaw Private Sector Representative
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Mission, Structure and Programs
Mission
The Boone-Clay-Kanawha-Putnam Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC) was established in 1970 as a voluntary association of local governments. In 1971, it was designated by then Governor Arch Moore as West Virginia Region III, one of eleven such councils in West Virginia. RIC is committed to promoting economic, environmental, educational, cultural and recreational growth in Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam Counties.
RIC’s policy board is comprised primarily of representatives of 25 municipal and four county governments in the Region. The board acts as a forum for discussing mutual problems and dealing with issues that transcend political boundaries. The RIC staff works for all 29 units of government by assisting with multijurisdictional issues.
The general purpose of the Council as stated in its by-laws is as follows:
“The Council is organized and shall be operated as a cooperative organization of local governments for the promotion of public health, safety and welfare by providing improved public services and facilities, advancing the business prosperity and economic welfare and achieving a satisfactory level of living for the citizens of the area served by the Council.”
Structures
The Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC) was formally organized in November 1971. RIC’s policy board has 48 members representing 29 local governments and 19 community representatives. The municipalities in this region are as follows:
Bancroft Belle Buffalo Cedar Grove Charleston Chesapeake Clay Clendenin Danville Dunbar East Bank Eleanor Glasgow Handley Hurricane Madison Marmet Nitro Poca Pratt St. Albans South Charleston Sylvester Whitesville Winfield
Each political unit, including the 25 municipalities and 4 counties, through its Chief elected official, has one vote on all council business. The 19 community representatives also have one vote each.
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The West Virginia State Legislature is divided into two houses: the Senate and the House of Delegates. Although the Senate and House members do not directly participate in the official business of RIC, a discussion of our Region’s representation is pertinent since legislature policies influence the direction of RIC activities. Seventeen state senatorial districts elect two representatives to serve four-year terms. Forty state delegate districts are so designated, electing 100 delegates for two-year terms. The following districts are included in RIC’s region:
Twenty-Ninth District Clay Thirteenth & Fourteenth Districts Putnam Eighteenth & Nineteenth Districts Boone Thirtieth, Thirty-First & Thirty-Second Districts Kanawha
Congressionally, Region 3 falls into two districts: Second District (Clay, Kanawha and Putnam) and the Third District (Boone).
The local contribution is based on a Council-adopted formula which uses assessed valuation and population to calculate each government’s share. Council activities are directed by the members at large and each member has one vote in Council deliberations. Council hopes in FY 2019 to accomplish the following work products:
1) Prioritize Goals and Objectives 2) Continue Technical Assistance 3) Continue Local Planning Assistance Program 4) Continue Transportation Planning and Management Activities.
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Programs
The RIC staff keeps current on opportunities and funding sources to promote the goals of the local communities. The staff identifies grant and loan programs for individual projects and prepares applications for these funds, as well as providing technical assistance in the areas of comprehensive planning, transportation, annexation, incorporation and community and economic development.
Many of these functions can be closely attributed to the role of the classical planning agency. Council staff has, over the years, assisted in the preparation of zoning and other land use control ordinances, drafted city and town codes, advised on annexation and incorporation efforts, as well as undertaken directed surveys and studies on areas of concern to the community.
Since its designation by the Governor as “Section 134” Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in 1973, the Regional Intergovernmental Council has been responsible for the coordination, review, programming and implementation of transportation and transit planning activities in Kanawha and Putnam counties. Transportation planning is accomplished through the use of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding. Funding is coordinated through the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Planning.
RIC’s transportation staff addresses a number of modes of transportation: highways, mass transit, air, rail, water, bikeways/pedestrians, and specialized transportation of the elderly and handicapped. Historically, RIC has placed the greatest emphasis on highways, mass transit and specialized transportation. Transportation needs and projects are identified and addressed via RIC’s Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
The Council continues to emphasize expansion and improvement of the region’s infrastructure. Projects in this category are detailed in the functional Categories/Prioritized Goals section.
As the designated Economic Development District (EDD) for the region, RIC is responsible for conducting the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process, which results in economic strategies and projects for the region.
Several mechanisms allow for citizen participation in the planning process: the composition of the RIC Board of Directors, the committee structure, the RIC newsletter, public hearings and extensive communications with local planning and development agencies.
The Council is composed of 29 local chief elected officials of the Region (four county commissioners and 25 mayors), as well as 19 citizen representatives selected to provide equitable representation from various jurisdictions and constituencies, including the private sector, labor, education, workforce development, and chambers of commerce.
To receive advice and assistance from interested persons, RIC has established a number of advisory committees. These committees each address a particular area of concern and serve to broaden Council’s viewpoint and to strengthen the decision-making process. One such committee is the RIC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee. The CEDS is charged with the monitoring and implementation of the CEDS activities.
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An important part of RIC’s public information process is its newsletters (3 published yearly) and annual report, with a circulation of approximately 250. The publications keep a representative cross- section of our Region informed of the Council’s goals, objectives and activities. RIC also uses email to communicate with RIC members and other agencies and organizations.
The public hearing format can be an effective source of citizen communication. Transportation and community development agencies require public hearings on many projects. Besides public hearings sponsored by local governments in their normal financial decision-making process, each of the several local governments submitting project applications in the HUD-SCBG program must conduct two public hearings.
Another major avenue of citizen participation is the networking between RIC and other area agencies. These agencies (such as city/county planning bodies, Workforce Investment Boards, transportation agencies, local development corporations, etc.) share an interest in community development activities. These agencies have their own goals, objectives, and channels of public participation; and daily association among these groups increases the flow of citizen input.
Improvements in computer and internet technology have afforded new opportunities to communicate with the public. RIC posts documents and other information, including public meetings notices on its website (www.wvregion3.org). RIC has also conducted citizen surveys via the internet.
RIC also serves as a Census Affiliate Data Center and a Business and Industry Data Center, maintaining and distributing demographic and economic data on a request basis. It also acts as a “clearinghouse” for State Intergovernmental Review, allowing local governments and affected agencies the opportunity to be aware of, and comment on, federal funding applications of other entities.
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PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
Region III goals have remained constant in recent years; objectives and strategies to accomplish these goals have changed little. A listing of functional categories in order of their importance, and the accomplishments toward the respective goals, are detailed on the following pages. Emphasis on water, sewer, and solid waste; economic development; and transportation goals are evident. The work program of the Council reflects the regional goals and demands of our local governments as well as the dictates of the federal funding units. Council activities can be categorized into three broad areas: local technical assistance, economic and community development, and transportation.
Local Technical Assistance
The Council’s staff was involved in various stages of projects, including;
• Provided grant administration to nine or more local governments having HUD, EPA, USDA, and ARC grants, as well as state agency grants. This is an important service offered by RIC to keep local governments in compliance with federal regulations and audits.
• Disseminated information on State and Federal development programs to all local governments in the RIC region. Worked with local officials in developing projects.
• Served on various committees and boards, including the Putnam County Transportation Committee, CCR Regional Broadband Committee, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Economic Development Committee, the Kanawha Coal Reliant Communities Group, the Community Reinvestment Act Committee, the WV Association of Regional Planning and Development Councils, and the WV Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
• Assisted communities and others by providing GIS mapping and other technical services. Provided information regarding various government programs and advised communities in dealing with various technical and administrative issues.
• Assisted the City of Madison, the Town of Sylvester and the Boone County Commission by providing technical assistance to develop outdoor recreation projects to be considered for Department of Interior Land and Water Conservation Grants.
• Assist the Boone Raleigh Public Service District in re-evaluating their water and sanitary sewer system and reconfiguring their District Board.
• Provided census and other data to communities and others.
• Assisted local water providers in development source-water assessment and protection plans.
• Assisted communities in Boone and Clay counties with initiating Broadband Cooperatives and applying for needed funding.
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Community and Economic Development
• RIC administered a number of infrastructure projects, including Boone County PSD Sewer Project; Boone County Morrisvale/Cameo Waterline Extension Project; Boone County Prenter II Waterline Extension: Clay County Pack Fork and Independence Road Waterline Extension Project; Town of Clay Blue Knob Waterline Extension; Putnam County Manila Ridge Waterline Extension; and Belle Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
• RIC is assisting in the development of additional infrastructure projects, including: Nitro Regional Wastewater Treatment Improvements; the Boone County/Madison Sewer Rehabilitation Project; the Kanawha PSD Sewer Extension Project, the Clay County Big Otter Nebo Waterline and Interconnection Project, and the Cedar Grove Sewer Project. RIC also assisted with funding requests for a number of other projects, some of which are pending.
• RIC also continued to administer a U.S. EDA planning grant to TechConnect WV.
• RIC prepared three (3) newsletters and one annual report.
• Attended and participated in Madison City Improvements public meeting.
• Attended the WV Association of Regional Planning and Development Councils Annual Conference.
• Assisted Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone in developing an application for a technology center broadband grant from ARC.
• Completed three HUD Small Cities Block Grant Applications
• Participated in numerous trainings on the POWER+ Program and the Broadband Infrastructure Program through the WV Broadband Committee.
• Assisted TechConnect WV with an EDA economic adjustment application for their new TxWrx and WV BEST projects.
Private Development
• Completed and submitted FY 2019 – 2023 CEDS.
• Provided information on Region III to consultants, market analysts and private businesses to promote economic development.
• Provided information for an EDA grant for TechConnect WV.
• Assisted the WV Tech Park with developing a continuation application for the Green Mining Model Business Plan project
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• RIC has assisted the State with broadband development efforts, including reviewing applications for technical assistance grants and preparing a regional broadband strategic plan.
Transportation
Metropolitan Transportation Plan
During FY 2018, RIC transportation planning staff, in partnership with Kimley-Horn, Inc., completed the update to RIC's Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for Kanawha and Putnam counties. The Kanawha Putnam 2045 Regional Transportation Plan is a multi-modal transportation plan that forecasts demographic, traffic and funding levels to plan for future transportation needs. During FY 2019, RIC began work on studies identified in the MTP and grant applications for priority projects.
Clean Air Act
During FY 2019, RIC transportation planning staff continued to follow developments related to transportation-related requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. RIC is designated as a maintenance area for both 8-hour ozone and particulate matter (PM 2.5) pollutants. RIC maintains a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which are both in conformity with the State Implementation Plan under the Clean Air Act. In development of the MTP and TIP and any subsequent amendments, RIC has followed interagency consultation procedures in conjunction with the WVDEP’s Conformity SIP submittal.
Transportation Database/Geographic Information System (GIS)
RIC continued to expand the capabilities of its Geographic Information System with the acquisition of additional GIS data and hardware. RIC continues to employ GIS in most of its transportation planning activities, and to provide mapping and technical assistance for other GIS activities as well as for RIC members and other local public agencies requests.
RIC has adapted Census 2010 data for use in our geographic database and has also distributed this data as requested. The Regional Council also produced several maps for the following agencies and organizations: Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority, City of South Charleston, Town of Clay and others.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Initiatives
RIC has reinstated the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee to conduct an update to the Kanawha – Putnam Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. This plan was completed during FY 2019 and examined bicycle and pedestrian conditions in Kanawha and Putnam counties and made recommendations for improvements. In the later part of FY 2019 RIC began to seek grant funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects in RIC’s four county region.
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Census Management Planning
RIC continues to maintain its census library of printed and digital data materials. It responded to census requests from officials, agencies and the public, as part of its Affiliate Data Center program. During FY 2019 RIC assisted the U.S. Census Bureau with the Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP), in preparation for the 2020 Census.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
During the course of the year, RIC updated the TIP quarterly, consistent with WVDOT’s quarterly Statewide TIP schedule.
Transit Planning
RIC has worked with the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KVRTA) on the annual KVRTA route-level service analysis. RIC also assisted KVRTA with public outreach meetings and market surveys.
REGIONAL PLANNING PROCESS
To receive advice and assistance from interested persons, RIC established advisory committees to address particular areas of concern. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) committee monitors and implements activities and is active in the CEDS process. The CEDS is also subject to public review.
Transportation and community development agencies require public hearings on many projects. Besides public hearings sponsored by local governments in their normal financial decision-making process, each of the several local governments submitting project applications in the HUD- CDBG program must conduct two public hearings.
Annually, RIC staff initiates correspondence by requesting the formal submission to its office of known projects in the formative stages. Frequent contact during the year with officials throughout the Region ensures the project list is current and up to date. The projects are then listed in functional areas.
These areas are prioritized in order of importance relative to the Region’s emphasis on development:
1. water/sewer 2. economic development 3. transportation 4. community development 5. housing
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After the projects are grouped by functional category, they are prioritized within each category according to the process outlined below: RIC determines a project’s priority rating using the following ten criteria:
1. conformity to regional goals, objectives and development priorities 2. multiple regional needs 3. number of persons benefiting 4. job creation potential/unemployment 5. job retention potential 6. benefit to low and moderate-income persons 7. funding commitment (local, private, state, federal) 8. utilizes existing public facilities or enhances existing programs 9. adds a needed public facility 10. applicant’s past performance
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Water Projects:
ID Project Name County Sponsor Project Cost NO. Boone County Boone $800,000 Right Fork Waterline Extension PSD 1 To provide water service to approximately 10 residents in Boone County from the end of the Morrisvale Cameo waterline extension to the county line. Boone County Boone $2,150,000 Prenter Phase II Waterline Extension PSD 2 To provide potable water to the residents of Prenter proper, approximately 50 families, which currently have untested well water and mining has changed the water table.
Harrison Widen Waterline Extension Clay Clay County PSD $7,000,000 3 To provide water service to approximately 100 residences from Triplett Ridge to Nicholas County.
Clay County PSD Big Otter Nebo Waterline Clay Clay County PSD $5,300,000 To provide potable water to the 100 households near Interstate 79. This project has been developed for 4 over 20 years with the inability of the Town of Clay to supply the necessary capacity of water to the residents. The Town of Clay completed their new plant in 2013 which doubled their volume and storage. The treatment plant can only be successful if additional customers are added in the near future.
Moorefield (Ossie Road) Waterline Extension Clay Clay County PSD $1,500,000 5 This is an additional waterline extension in the northern part of Clay County that will be served by the new Town of Clay Treatment facility and the expanded storage and pressure of the Clay County Interconnection project. Clay Roane PSD Elkhurst Waterline Clay Clay Roane PSD $4,000,000 Extension 6 To provide potable water along the Elk River from the current Clay Roane plant to the new Hartland Bridge (Route 16) This project serves many residences and camps on both sides of the Elk River and opens valuable land development for economic development.
Town of Clay Water Tank replacement Clay Town of Clay $975,000 7 To replace two tanks, one of which was built in the late 1960's and is failing.
Kanawha County Kanawha $2,547,000 Leatherwood Waterline Extension Commission 8 To provide potable water to the residences of Leatherwood Road near Clendenin by a Public-Private Partnership with West Virginia American Water Company Kanawha County Kanawha $670,000 Coalburg Waterline Extension Commission 9 To provide potable water to the Coalburg area where pre-1977 mining has affected the quality and quantity of wells in the area. This project is being reviewed by the WV DEP AML for funding.
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Kanawha County Kanawha $4,100,000 Mahon/Paint Creek Waterline Extension Commission 10 To provide potable water to the Mahon/Paint Creek area where pre-1977 mining has affected the quality and quantity of wells in the area. This project is being reviewed by the WV DEP AML for funding. This project will also serve the rest stop on the WV Turnpike.
Putnam County Putnam $2,000,000 Fisher Ridge Waterline Extension Commission 11 To provide potable water service to the 28 residents of Fisher Ridge Putnam County.
Putnam County Putnam $2,300,000 Phase II Jim Bee Ridge Waterline Extension Commission 12 To provide potable water service to the residents of the Phase II area of Jim Bee Ridge to the Jackson County line in Putnam County.
SEWER PROJECTS:
Boone County Boone $4,300,000 WWTP Upgrade and Line Rehabilitation PSD 13 To upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Danville and rehabilitate the lines in West Madison for increased inflow and infiltration.
Town of Glasgow WWTP Upgrade Kanawha Town of Glasgow $500,000 14 To upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Glasgow by adding a clearwell and an additional pump and housing to the system. Boone County Boone $5,000,000 Foster Phase 1 Sanitary Sewer Extension PSD 15 To provide sanitary sewer to Route 3, Rock Creek, for the 68 residents to the Southern Community and Technical Collage. Boone County Boone $5,500,000 Foster Phase 2 Sanitary Sewer Extension PSD 16 To provide sanitary sewer to Route 3, Rock Creek, from Southern Community and Technical College to the mouth of Foster Hollow serving approximately 75 customers. Boone County Boone $6,500,000 Foster Phase 3 Sanitary Sewer Extension PSD 17 To provide sanitary sewer to Route 3, Rock Creek, from the mouth of Foster Hollow along the route serving approximately 100 customers. Boone Raleigh PSD Wastewater Treatment Plant Boone Raleigh and line improvements Boone $5,000,000 18 PSD To upgrade the treatment plant, lift stations and lines within the system.
Kanawha County Kanawha $875,000 Eden's Fork Sewer Line Extension Commission 19 To construct a line extension that serves between 10 and 20 residences with sewer service to be connected to the Charleston Sanitary Board collection system.
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Greater St. Albans Phase III Sewer Greater St. Kanawha $16,000,000 Extension Albans PSD 20 To construct the sewer line extension that connects Brown's Creek, Volpe Road and areas toward Tornado which would connect to the main GSAPSD line and be treated by the City of St Albans WWTP. Sissonville PSD various Sewer Line Kanawha Sissonville PSD $8,178,006 21 Extension To provide sewer line extensions and upgrades throughout the system to be treated at the SPSD WWTP. Greater St. Albans Phase IV Sewer Greater St. Kanawha $8,000,000 Extension Albans PSD 22 To provide sanitary sewer service to the community of Tornado, and areas along Smith Creek in the Tornado area.
City of Nitro Blake's Creek Sewer Extension Kanawha City of Nitro $3,468,000 23 To provide sewer service to the unserved residences in the Blake's Creek and Ridenour Lake area of Nitro. City of Nitro Pocatalico River Sewer Putnam City of Nitro $1,500,000 24 Extension To provide sewer service to the unserved residences in the Pocatalico River area of Nitro.
Putnam PSD Hollywood Dr Sewer Extension Putnam Putnam PSD $3,000,000 25 To provide sewer service to the residents of Hollywood Drive in Putnam County. Putnam PSD Frasier's Bottom Sewer Putnam Putnam PSD $3,000,000 26 Extension To provide sewer service to the unserved areas of Fraziers Bottom.
Putnam PSD Upgrade of North Putnam Plant Putnam Putnam PSD $2,150,000 27 To upgrade the North Putnam WWTP.
Lens Creek Sewer Extension Phase I Kanawha Kanawha PSD $7,875,000 28 To provide service to approximately 220 residences along Route 94 (Lens Creek Road) from Marmet to the Boone County Line, to be transported thru Chesapeake to the Chelyan facility. To be Town of Clay Sanitary Sewer Improvements Clay Town of Clay 29 determined To rehabilitate the wastewater treatment plant that is failing.
Lens Creek Sewer Extension Phase II Kanawha Kanawha PSD $4,700,000 30 To provide service to approximately 230 residences along Route 94 (Lens Creek Road) from Marmet to the Boone County Line, to be collected at the Marmet WWTP.
Winfield Treatment Plant Replacement Putnam Town of Winfield $8,000,000 31 To replace an outdated lagoon treatment system with a state-of-the-art plant to serve the growing population of Winfield and the surrounding areas.
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Boone County Boone Unknown Rock Creek Industrial Park Sewer Extension PSD 32 To provide sanitary sewer to the Rock Creek Industrial Park, formerly Hobet Surface Mine.
Upper Witcher Creek Sewer Extension Kanawha Kanawha PSD $2,100,000 33 To provide sewer service to approximately 120 residents along Upper Witcher Creek Road, to be served by the Kanawha PSD Wastewater Treatment Plant in Chelyan.
Community Facilities
Marmet Sidewalk Project Kanawha Town of Marmet $301,000 34 To provide sidewalks and sidewalk upgrades throughout Marmet. Clay Streetscape Project Clay Town of Clay $200,000 35 To add to the streetscape design in the Town of Clay by increasing the design and implementation of the current streetscape. Clay County Clay Fire Station Rehabilitation Clay $241,000 36 Comm To purchase and build a new fire station in Clay.
St Albans Spot Slum and Blight Kanawha City of St Albans $150,000 37 To promote certain buildings to be demolished in the community and new uses for the vacant land be identified. Street Paving on Second Avenue Kanawha City of Nitro $78,000 38 To provide funds to repave Second Avenue in the City of Nitro.
Orchard Manor Bridge Replacement Kanawha City of Charleston $600,000 39 To replace the bridge to a low housing area in the City of Charleston.
South Hills Streetscape Kanawha City of Charleston $750,000 40 To add charm and flair to the business district along Bridge Road, an eclectic area of the city. CASE Project for Arts and Science Center Kanawha City of Charleston Unknown 41 To update the streetscape at the Clay Center at Leon Sullivan Way.
Capitol Street Streetscape Kanawha City of Charleston $80,000 42 To update the streetscape in the heart of Charleston.
Sidewalk and Street Paving Project Kanawha City of Dunbar $398,614 43 To provide funding for street paving and sidewalk repair to the main Thorofare’s of the City.
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10th Street Streetscape Kanawha City of Dunbar $252,153 44 To provide a streetscape to the entrance of the City of Dunbar from South Charleston via the Dunbar Toll Bridge. Safe Route to Schools - Sidewalk Project Kanawha City of Dunbar $130,000 45 To provide sidewalks as part of the safe route to schools Department of Transportation grant program.
Handicapped Accessibility - City Hall Putnam Town of Eleanor $16,000 46 To provide access to the Historic Red House building that is also the seat of government for the Town of Eleanor. City of Community Center on Morris Drive Kanawha $4,000,000 47 Montgomery To construct a Community Center along Morris Drive in Kanawha County for the residents of the area. Town of Kanawha $84,000 Handicapped Access and Elevator - City Hall Clendenin 48 To construct an elevator to the town council chambers on the second floor of Town Hall. The stairs are very steep.
Economic Development Initiatives
To Be Kanawha WV HEPC West Virginia Regional Technology Park Determined 49 To promote continued development and utilization of the WVRTP as a research and business park. Currently the Park is home to two community colleges, Matric Research Facility, TechConnectWV, Chemical Alliance Zone and a number of private companies.
Martin Peterbilt Park Putnam Putnam PSD $1,275,000 50 To provide sanitary sewer to the area known as the Martin Peterbilt property and to upgrade the lift station to accommodate the added flow.
WV 601 (Jefferson Road) Improvements Kanawha WV DOT $55,000,000 51 This project would widen the highway to five lanes from McCorkle Avenue to US 119 (Corridor G), construct a connector road from RHL Blvd. at Trace Fork Shopping Center to Jefferson Road and construct a flyover bridge over CSX mainline tracks and Kanawha Terrace.
Slack Plaza Renovations Kanawha Charleston $8,000,000 52 To expand the outdoor experience from Capitol Street to Court Street including the Charleston Transit Mall, home of the Kanawha Valley Regional Transit Authority major destination. This plaza is the gateway to the Charleston Town Center, the major retail mall in downtown Charleston. Shell Building at Putnam County Park Putnam PCDA $2,000,000 53 To develop a spec building that will serve either for rental or sale to increase jobs and increase the vitality of the local economy.
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To Be Kanawha WV HEPC ChemCeption Business Incubator Determined 54 To define an Incubator specifically designed for the chemical industry that will foster new concepts in the Chemical Industry.
Smith Street Streetscape Kanawha WV DOT $1,700,000 55 This streetscape is a welcome entrance to the East End neighborhood which is home to the City's Historical District.
Innovation Adoption and Transfer To Be Kanawha WV HEPC Consortium Determined 56 To establish a consortium to deal with the innovation of new and expanding businesses that are developed in the business park and the area.
New US 35 Alignment in Putnam County Putnam WV DOT $98,400,000
57 This project would construct a four-lane median-divided highway between the Lower Buffalo Bridge (CR 869) to the Mason County line. This continuation of the improvements to US Route 35 would spur economic development along the roadway and increase the movement of goods to market. It would also reduce the number of fatal accidents along the two lane stretch of the current Route 35. Civic Center Renovations Kanawha Charleston $80,000,000 58 To provide either an upgrade or partial construction of a new facility. The current center is dated and needs to be improved and areas added at the request of conferences that utilize the facility.
Clay County Industrial Park Clay CAEZ $5,000,000
59 To develop a commercial / industrial park and spec building that will serve either for rental or sale to increase jobs and increase the vitality of the local economy. Clay County has lost much of its tax base and ancillary businesses because of the closure of Fola (Consolidation) Coal. The area needs to see a revitalization of their job base to sustain their economy.
Inland River Port at Eleanor, WV Putnam PCDA $4,000,000
60 To develop a public river port near the Winfield lock and dam system. This port would move and store products from the Ohio and Kanawha rivers to the new U. S. Route 35 which begins in Teays Valley and continues northwesterly into Central and Northwestern Ohio. It would also connect to Interstate 64 and I- 77/79 to access most of the northeast. To Be Kanawha CAA Kanawha County Industrial Park Determined 61 To determine a location and develop an industrial park. The Land Task Force has identified a few possible sites and are evaluating the scope and cost of site development.
Leon Sullivan Way Streetscape Kanawha WV DOT $500,000
62 To provide a streetscape entrance to downtown Charleston featuring the Clay Center, the Appalachian Power Park, the Capitol Market and the Charleston General Hospital. This entrance from Interstate 64 should be enhanced as a destination for area hotels and downtown living. This project includes Washington and Smith Streets.
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Highway from Clay to Summersville Clay CAEZ $220,000,000
63 This project would provide a better alternative to travel between Clay and Summersville by using post mining land donated by Fola Coal and contracting the coal company to provide a two-lane highway across their permitted areas. This would also provide new opportunities for sites for new businesses, schools, housing and possible industrial parks. Dinner Theater and Shopping in Saint Kanawha St Albans $2,000,000 Albans 64 To develop a dinner theater in the downtown area of St Albans that will help tourism and establish an anchor for its Arts Center in Saint Albans. To Be Kanawha Charleston Charleston Riverfront Development Determined 65 Promote the Kanawha Boulevard Area as a premier location for a riverscape area for businesses to locate. This will consist of residential, retail and commercial locations along the Kanawha Boulevard from Haddad Riverfront Park to the Elk River.
Improvements to US 60 in Kanawha County Kanawha WV DOT $31,300,000
66 This project would widen to a four-lane divided facility from the Admiral TJ Lopez Bridge (Chelyan Bridge) to CR 81 (Kellys Creek Road). This widening of US Route 60 would enhance the ability for business to grow and prosper in the Upper Kanawha Valley, an area affected by the loss of coal and coal-related employment. To Be Kanawha South Chas WV Sports Hall of Fame Determined 67 To determine the location and design of a sports center dedicated to West Virginia Athletes. Third Street Underpass Improvements in Kanawha St Albans $9,600,000 Saint Albans, WV 68 To widen the existing railroad underpass to three lanes and improve vertical clearance. This will open the City of St Albans to a free-flowing access to the main section of the city. There are many commercial and retail sites available for expansion in the city core.
West Washington Streetscape Kanawha WV DOT $5,000,000
69 To provide a gateway entrance that will assist in the appeal of the West Side and help the West Side Main Street Association attract new businesses and assist current companies to expand. This complex street scape should be separated into six phases and would provide construction jobs and attract investment.
To Be Kanawha WV HEPC Projects for WV Biosciences Association Determined 70 Any project that envisions biosciences that create jobs and helps the local economy.
To Be All Workforce Coal Related Job Retraining Determined 71 To develop retraining or assist new businesses that will diversify the coal related economy.
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Water and Sewer Projects to To Be All Any Utility Industrial/Commercial Parks Determined 72 Any project that will assist commercial or industrial businesses compete in the local, regional and global markets. Hobet Residential, Industrial & Commercial Boone Unknown $100,000,000 Complex 73 To develop the Hobet surface mine to a residential, commercial and industrial facility that would be self- contained in Southern West Virginia. Thousands of acres of developable land waiting for visions. Clay, Central West Virginia Trails Group Roane, CAEZ $500,000 74 Braxton To develop a walking, riding and biking trail network much like the successful Hatfield and McCoy trail system. Putnam, Cabell, Wayne, Advantage Valley $370,000 Advantage Valley Site Identification Project Lincoln, 75 Kanawha and Clay To develop 5 sites and marketing for future companies for industrial development to begin. Kanawha, Region 3, Region Fayette, $500,000 Upper Kanawha Valley Gateway Project 4 76 and Clay To develop a Gateway Project from the Upper Kanawha Valley to the natural beauty to the New River Gorge in Fayette County. 40 TechConnectWV $500,000 REV-UP West Virginia counties 77 To assist start-up companies much like the two previous programs (STARTUP and SCALEUP).
Economic Development Planning Initiatives
Technical Assistance to Innovative 78 Kanawha TechConnectWV $500,000 Businesses
79 Central West Virginia Trails Group Clay CAEZ $100,000
Putnam, 80 Advantage Valley $100,000 Advantage Valley Site Identification Project Kanawha
81 Hobet Properties Boone BCEDA $200,000 Nitro Brownfields Redevelopment Assessment 82 Putnam PCDA $200,000
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Boone, Logan, 83 Coalfields Development Project Mingo, $250,000 Wyoming, Lincoln Planning Grant for Development of New 84 Clay CAEZ $315,000 Highway in Clay County Coonskin Park Bridge Economic 85 Kanawha CAA $500,000 Development Planning Grant
Broadband Projects
Clay County Broadband Implementation County 86 Clay $1,815,000 Grant Commission
87 CCR Regional Broadband Planning Grant Clay CCR Group $125,000
Town of Whitesville or 88 Boone $30,000 Whiteville Connectivity Project unformed non- profit Storm Sewer Projects: Town of Buffalo Storm sewer Project Along Putnam Town of Buffalo $800,000 89 Timms Street To provide storm sewers to 25 families along Timms Street and adjoining streets. Madison Storm Drainage Project Boone City of Madison $500,000 90 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall. Town of Storm Sewer Project Along Railroad Kanawha $250,000 91 Chesapeake To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Boundary Street Storm Sewer Kanawha City of Nitro $250,000 92 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
85th and 98th Street Storm Sewers Kanawha Town of Marmet $641,000 93 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Chesterfield Avenue Storm Sewer Kanawha City of Charleston $300,000
94 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
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Mountain Road Drainage Project Kanawha City of Charleston $128,000 95 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
North Charleston Storm Sewer Project Kanawha City of Charleston $98,000 96 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Garrison Avenue Flood Drainage Kanawha City of Charleston Unknown 97 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Parson's Court/5th Avenue Flood Drainage Kanawha Charleston $50,000 98 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Municipal Storm Sewers Kanawha Town of Glasgow $550,000 99 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Putnam County Teays Valley Storm Water Improvements Putnam $18,000,000 100 Planning To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Winfield Stormwater Improvements Putnam Town of Winfield $2,000,000 101 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Millard and Linda Avenue Storm Sewers Putnam City of Hurricane $115,000 102 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Eleanor Storm Sewers Putnam Town of Eleanor $500,000 103 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall. Buffalo Phase II Storm Sewer Project Putnam Town of Buffalo $496,300 104 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
Long-term Stormwater Control - MS4 Kanawha City of St Albans $500,000 105
To provide a plan to alleviate storm drainage in all areas of the City of St. Albans. Flood Control along Curtiss, Monmouth, Kanawha City of St Albans $7,000,000 Walnut and Kanawha Terrace 106 To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
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Recreation Projects:
Clay County Improvements to Community Pool Clay $100,000 107 Commission To upgrade the Clay County Pool and bathrooms.
Clay County Livestock and Multi-use Pavilion Clay $355,000 108 Commission To build a multipurpose build that will house all facets of the park.
Pool Filtration Replacement System Kanawha Town of Glasgow $38,600 109 To replace the filtration system at the community pool.
Community Center Kanawha St Albans $1,500,000 110 To build a community center for the youth of the City of St Albans.
Riverfront Park, Boat Ramp and Picnic Town of Cedar Kanawha $210,000 111 Shelter Grove To develop a boat ramp and picnic area near the community park and playground in Cedar Grove.
Playground Equipment Putnam Town of Poca $13,446 112 To provide playground equipment to various park areas. Establish a Groundwork Trust Kanawha City of Charleston $175,000 113 Establish funding for a Groundwork Trust for the City of Charleston.
Gateway Greenspace Kanawha City of Charleston $1,727,000 114 Any project that will assist commercial or industrial businesses compete in the local, regional and global markets.
Putnam County Parks Playground Putnam County Putnam $110,000 115 Equipment Parks To add playground equipment to various parks in Putnam County.
South Hurricane Recreation Area Putnam City of Hurricane $325,000 116 To add to the park system for the City of Hurricane. Putnam County Wetlands Park near Putnam Industrial Park Putnam Development $500,000 Authority 117 To add a wetlands park at the Putnam Industrial Park in Fraziers Bottom.
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Town of Danville Walking Path and Bridge Wellness Trail Boone $875,000 118 & Madison
To construct a bridge and extend a walking trail to connect to the current Madison Wellness Trail. City of Marina along Kanawha River Kanawha $4,000,000 119 Montgomery To develop a marina along the Kanawha River for the Upper Kanawha Valley. City of South Riverscape Park and Boat Launch Kanawha $6,000,000 120 Charleston To provide a boat launch and park under the 1-64 Bridge in South Charleston. Sylvester Pavilion Park Boone Sylvester $200,000 121 To make improvements to the Sylvester Park, previously the Sylvester Elementary site. Madison Trailhead and Canoe Livery Boone Madison $100,000 122 To provide a canoe launch and trailhead at the former Haddad Swimming Pool. Boone County Boone $120,000 Splash Park at Waterways Comm 123 To provide a splash park at waterways for the residents.
Historic Preservation Projects:
Restoration of City Hall Kanawha City of Charleston $100,000 124 Restoration of City Hall.
Buffalo Academy Rehabilitation Putnam Town of Buffalo $100,000 125 To rehabilitate the Buffalo Academy which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Housing Projects:
Elderly and Handicapped Housing Units Kanawha City of St Albans $2,000,000 126 To provide additional units for the elderly and handicapped residents of St Albans.
Planning Projects: City-Wide Storm Drainage Improvement Kanawha City of St Albans $44,000 127 Study To conduct a city-wide storm drainage improvement study for the City of St Albans.
Comprehensive Storm Water Evaluation Kanawha City of Charleston $700,000 128 Any project that will assist commercial or industrial businesses compete in the local, regional and global markets.
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Unification of 3 East End Plans - GIS Project Kanawha City of Charleston $60,000 129 Any project that will assist commercial or industrial businesses compete in the local, regional and global markets.
CSO and Asset Management Plan of Town Town of Cedar Kanawha $100,000 Grove 130 Sewer To provide a CSO and Asset Management Plan for Cedar Grove to develop plans for a sanitary sewer upgrade. Putnam County Putnam $50,000 Buffalo Region Zoning Ordinance Study Planning 131 Identify zoning ordinances and study their effects on the region.
Putnam County Putnam $50,000 Buffalo Region Drainage Improvement Study Planning 132
Conduct a study of the drainage improvement for the Town of Buffalo.
Putnam County Recreational Trails Master Putnam County Putnam $50,000 133 Plan Parks Conduct a Master Trail Plan for the Putnam County Parks and Recreation.
Note: Acronyms Boone County Economic Development Authority BCEDA Charleston Area Alliance CAA Central Appalachia Enterprise Zone CAEZ Putnam County Development Authority PCDA WV Department of Transportation WV DOT WV WV Higher Education Policy Commission HEPC
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III. Situation Assessment: The Area and Its Economy
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The Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC) serves local governments within the four-county region of Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam counties. One of 11 regional planning and development councils located within the state of West Virginia and designated as Region III, RIC provides an array of services which support economic development, planning and inter- governmental cooperation. Region III features a mix of high-tech manufacturing and value-laden businesses as well as rich, mining based working lands.
The interstate highway system that serves Region III includes I-64, I-77 and I-79. This interstate system has largely been responsible for Region III’s growth as a major distribution center. The river, rail, air, and highway network has been a stimulus to all sectors of the economy and allows Region III ease of trade with all other areas in the nation. Appalachian Corridor G connects southern West Virginia (Boone-Logan) with the Interstates in Charleston.
Region III has not escaped the impact of the recent economic downturn and is affected by the changing national and global economy. Like much of West Virginia, the area is blessed with rich natural resources and the advantages, such as proximity to eastern markets. The primary challenge for the future is to use these advantages to develop and sustain a robust economy. Region III, along with the rest of the State of West Virginia, continues to experience the negative impact of the once thriving, coal industry. Despite the difficult and extenuating circumstances, economic activity has developed in Region III as described in the following components of the report.
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In July 2018, Governor Justice presented Yeager Airport with a check for $3 million in state matching funds that is being used to leverage $30 million in federal construction funds for improvements at Yeager Airport.
The Airport held a ground-breaking ceremony on October 24, 2018 for a $4.1 million road expansion project that was completed in the general aviation area of the airport. They received a $3.7 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program used for the road expansion, including utility duct banks. Extending the access road allows the airport to access and develop a 25-acre business park and provide the 130th Airlift Wing with a second secure access route to and from the Air National Guard base. This infrastructure project opened land at Yeager Airport for the Marshall University flight school and aviation education center which will include a 10,000-square foot classroom that should be ready for students in 2021. Yeager Airport is also receiving $1.4 million dollars through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program to be used for security enhancements. The security enhancements will include new cameras, perimeter security that includes fencing and access control improvements, and an additional police vehicle.
Planned Marshall University Aviation Education Center and Flight School at Yeager Airport
Yeager Airport also received a $3.5 million discretionary grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to fund a solar energy project. More than 1,800 solar modules are being installed on top of one of the airport parking garages. The solar modules will generate enough power to supply both parking garages. A second and third phase solar installation is also being planned. If
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FY 2019 RDP phase two and phase three components are completed as planned, the solar power they generate will be metered into the power grid, with the airport receiving enough credit for the energy it contributes to cover the $250,000 annual cost for power. This would lead to Yeager Airport becoming the first airport in the nation to supply its own power needs.
In addition, Yeager Airport is also getting two new restaurants and a gift shop. Faber Coe and Gregg Inc. has started $300,000 worth of renovations. The Java Moon restaurant will be placed in the pre-security area of the airport and will hopefully attract people from downtown and the surrounding community. The second restaurant will be called The Junction Charleston and will be in the post-security area of the airport.
Yeager Airport is critical to the area economy with an annual economic impact of $174,662,309, adding 1,876 full time equivalent jobs and 425,000 passengers served annually. The new development at Yeager Airport will lead to additional job creation and future investment opportunities.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia announced on March 14, 2019 that Toyota is investing $111 million in the Buffalo, WV plant. The investment will bring 123 new jobs to the facility and includes a building expansion and equipment to double capacity of hybrid transaxles from 120,000 units to 240,000 annually. According to Leah Curry, President of Toyota Manufacturing West Virginia, doubling the production of hybrid transaxles in West Virginia solidifies the Buffalo plant’s role in producing next generation engines and transmissions that will drive the future of Toyota’s advanced mobility technology. This new investment builds on the $115.3 million expansion announcement at the plant in 2017. Overall, the Buffalo plant now represents a $1.4 billion investment and is directly responsible for 1,600 good-paying jobs.
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The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand reopening on October 19, 2018 for the $100 million renovation and expansion project that began in June 2015. Along with receiving massive upgrades, the arena also received a new name that was more fitting for the facility that is an arena for large entertainment events and a modern, state-of- the-art convention and meeting facility designed to service the meeting industry. The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center has a completely redesigned entrance and lobby, expanded and additional meeting space with high ceilings and a new ballroom. Other interior upgrades include new carpet, tile and granite countertops; a catering kitchen, digital way-finding stations, functional public spaces, a refurbished exhibit space, loading docks and Wi-Fi access. The touch-screen way finding stations present guests with a map of the facility and a list of what is happening at each location. All twenty-five meeting rooms have state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and a digital screen outside of the door displaying which group has the room reserved, which is interconnected with the facility’s booking software. The new catering kitchen is four times the size of the old kitchen and there was 25,000 square feet added to the ballroom, which can now seat up to 1,400 people. There is also an outdoor space for cocktail parties and artwork. The facility is now completely computer controlled for functions like lighting, heating and air conditioning along with lighting and sound system upgrades added to the coliseum. The renovation and expansion project were financed through a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and a half-percent sales tax and will help attract more conventions to the city and bring in more tourism and economic growth to the region.
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The West Virginia Regional Technology Park (WVRTP) in South Charleston continues to add tenants to its massive grounds. The WVRTP is a multi-tenant facility with a commitment to innovation, technological advancement and education. The WVRTP is an ideal location for technology-based companies interested in expansion, new businesses requiring research and laboratory space, and technology-based and research-oriented educational institutions. The West Virginia Regional Technology Park is the ideal location to transform an abstract idea into a completed, market-ready project. Starting with conveniently located office space and the capacity for state-of-the-art laboratory space, new concepts, technologies or systems can be created and refined. Through utilization of available scale-up pilot plants, continued research and testing can be conducted on-site. The WVRTP’s ability to provide small-scale manufacturing capabilities allows for production that is both cost and time efficient. The opportunity to seamlessly transition from bench-top to production in one location increases the likelihood of success for both startups and established companies.
The State of West Virginia accepted the park as a gift from The Dow Chemical Company and December 15, 2018, marked the eighth anniversary of the park. The WVRTP has a rich history of innovation and is home to more than 30,000 patented discoveries, valued at approximately $18 billion. Spanning 258 acres with existing infrastructure comprised of 950,000 square feet of laboratories, chemical pilot plant facilities, engineering and data processing capabilities, the WVRTP enables companies to share and benefit from an established environment of discovery, innovation and success.
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BridgeValley Community and Technical College is also located at the WVRTP and grants more than 20 Associate in Applied Science Degrees, one Associate in Science Degree, one Associate in Arts Degree, 17 Certificate of Applied Science Degrees, and twelve Skill Sets. To meet the expressed need for nurses in the region, the college also began an Associate Degree program for nursing.
BridgeValley Community and Technical College is the recipient of a $749,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, matching a previous POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for a total of $1.5 million to develop a training center that will administer programs to meet the needs of the community impacted by the declining use of coal. The funds are awarded through the Economic Development Administration’s Assistance to Coal Communities program. The funding will be used to establish the Workforce Construction, Telecommunication and Energy Training Center in Montgomery and along with BridgeValley’s Advanced Technology Center in South Charleston, to support BridgeValley’s Horizonal Directional Drilling, expanded Utility Line Service, Heavy Equipment, Commercial Driver’s License, Data and Fiber Cabling, expanded Gas Measurements and HVAC, Building Automation and Energy Management programs. The new training center will provide job-based skills training in various trades based on the needs of the industry in this region. The Workforce Construction, Telecommunication and Energy Training Center is expected to train and place more than 200 trainees within the first three years of operation, and up to 1,836 trainees in the first nine years.
Development of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails system will begin progressing soon. The Ivy Branch trail system located within 20 miles of Charleston, off of U.S. 119 is expected to reopen in the summer of 2020, thanks to a $1.3 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternative and Recreation Trail program and a $1.5 million grant from the WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands for the Ivy Branch Off Road Park Phase II project. This project will include construction of cabins, master planning and development of a river access site on the Coal River. An added benefit to reopening the Ivy Branch Trail will be the creation of a put-in point for kayaks and canoes on the Little Coal River. The Ivy Branch trail system is expected to be far more than just a place to go trail riding, it is expected to be a recreational playground. A $120,000 grant from the Transportation Alternative and Recreational Trails fund was also awarded to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails to identify sites and begin building 100 miles of new trail in Boone County.
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Low energy prices and declining coal production have hurt the economy in West Virginia. The steady decline in coal production has been followed by the closing of many mines within the region resulting in a significant amount of job layoffs. The region continues to be negatively impacted by the downward trend of the coal industry. Innovative and entrepreneurial ideas are what economists are saying could bring the state of West Virginia some form of relief and ultimately, growth. The POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) is comprised of multiple agencies and continues its’ primary focus on assisting regions and
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FY 2019 RDP communities that have been directly impacted by coal-related losses. Federal resources are obtained to help these affected areas to promote economic re-growth, enhance diversity, and accentuate alternative job training in hopes of developing opportunities for reemployment. Since 2015, ARC has awarded $148 million through the POWER Initiative to help coal-impacted communities in 312 Appalachian counties diversify and grow their economies. These 185 project investments are projected to create or retain almost 17,500 jobs, create or improve more than 7,200 businesses, leverage an additional $772 million in investment, and prepare thousands of workers and students with globally competitive skills and opportunities in the Region's manufacturing, technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and other emerging sectors.
2019 POWER Grant Award Summaries:
$1,020,556 ARC grant to the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition in Charleston, WV, for the Geographic Food and Agriculture Systems Development project. The project will provide coordination, capacity building, training, and technical assistance to enable farmers, food businesses, and community members to determine and execute agribusiness priorities. This will result in increased food production and access to previously unreachable markets, thereby creating greater economic diversity for areas that have been heavily impacted by the decline in coal production. The project will deploy seed capital, in the form of mini grants, to attract private dollars and execute larger-scale projects that strengthen the local food system. The West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition will strengthen the local food supply chain, increase market opportunities for local growers, including more than 75 food-related entrepreneurs, and attract private investment in five foodsheds that span seventeen coal-impacted counties of West Virginia. Additional funding for the project is provided by the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
$1,000,000 ARC grant to the WV Community Development Hub (The Hub) in Charleston, WV, for the Mountain State Capital: Filling the Critical Venture Capital Gap in West Virginia project. The project will support the development of a new venture capital (VC) fund to support high- growth startups in Central Appalachia. The fund will be a partnership between The Hub and Mountain State Capital (MSC). It seeks to boost entrepreneurial activities and grow capital investment by supporting the creation of the first seed-stage venture capital investment fund serving West Virginia and Central Appalachia. MSC will fill a critical gap in the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing coaching, technical assistance support, and VC investment funds to business startups. MSC and The Hub, as a community-driven institutional investor, will target West Virginia- based startups during the first phase of the investment cycle. All revenue generated by the initial investment will be directed to a dedicated technical assistance fund to support community development across West Virginia, with particular priority given to coal-impacted rural communities. The success of these business startups will then provide long term investment return to MSC and The Hub and enable the expansion of their technical assistance grants to support community development, entrepreneurial learning, and business development products across the state.
$100,000 ARC grant to the Center for Rural Health Development in Hurricane, WV, for the Creating a More Vibrant Economy for Coal-Impacted Counties in West Virginia project. The project will provide technical assistance for the development of a Community Health Improvement
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Plan in each of five targeted distressed West Virginia counties (Calhoun, Logan, McDowell, Roane, and Webster). Each plan will be developed by a cross-sector partnership involving government agencies, private businesses, education, economic development organizations, health care organizations, and residents in each county. The project will build capacity through a model of change that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The project aims to create a culture of health which will help prevent future opioid use and help stymie expansion of the current opioid crisis. Financial partners include the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the Logan Healthcare Foundation, and the Sisters of Health Foundation.
$80,691 ARC grant to the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) in Washington, D.C., for Benefit U: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Financial, Health Insurance, and Retirement Solutions. Targeting five distressed counties in West Virginia (Boone, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming), WISER will develop Benefit U to serve as a virtual human relations department for entrepreneurs, self-employed workers, independent contractors, and other workers without access to benefits resources. Benefit U will include paycheck guidance, income tax assistance programs, health insurance navigators, emergency and long-term savings advice, and financial education and retirement planning tools.
$79,270 ARC grant to the Marshall University Research Corporation, in Huntington, WV for the Craft Beer and Spirit Trail project. The project will conduct an economic impact study of the emerging craft beer and spirits industry in central and western West Virginia counties (Cabell, Kanawha, Putnam, and Roane). The study will identify emerging strengths, existing leakages, and new business and employment opportunities to guide local economic development leaders. Project activities will include asset mapping, leakage monitoring, and guidance to establish a road map for building local efforts into a cohesive regional program for the craft beer and spirits trail. Key partners include the WV Department of Tourism, Putnam County Economic Development Authority, Huntington Area Development Corporation, Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Charleston Area Alliance.
$59,500 ARC grant to the New River Gorge Trail Alliance (NRGTA) in Fayetteville, WV, for the Linking Trails and Communities to Spawn Economic Growth and Wellness: Expanding the Southern West Virginia Bike Trail Network project. The project will guide the expansion of the current regional trail network to add five counties: Kanawha, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Webster. Key partners include the Rails to Trails Conservancy, WV Division of Highways, Region 4 Planning and Development Council, and the National Park Service. The project will support community engagement for trail towns, trail vision mapping, capacity building for local trail organizations, and trail mapping, which includes rail corridor and road inventory, rail and trail assessment, and trail feasibility efforts. The trail planning documents will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for communities to transform an unused railroad corridor or other areas into a dynamic multi-use trail and will produce trail town toolkits to benefit all eight counties along the trail.
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Demographics
The information in the table below displays the civilian labor force, total employment, total unemployment and percentages of unemployment rates for each of Region III’s four counties. According to WorkForce West Virginia as of June 2019, the State of West Virginia had an overall unemployment rate of 4.8 percent.
Civilian Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment
Civilian Labor Force Total Employment Total Unemployment Unemployment Rate
County June 2019 June 2018 June 2019 June 2018 June 2019 June 2018 June 2019 June 2018
Boone 7,640 7,880 7,210 7,380 440 500 5.7% 6.3%
Clay 3,160 3,220 2,940 2,980 220 240 7.0% 7.5%
Kanawha 84,200 86,330 80,400 81,970 3,800 4,360 4.5% 5.1%
Putnam 26,420 26,300 25,210 24,930 1,210 1,370 4.6% 5.2% Information in table obtained from WorkForce West Virginia
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BOONE COUNTY
Walhonde Water Trail
Drawdy Falls in Peytona
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Boone County was formed in 1847 from portions of Kanawha, Cabell, and Logan Counties. The County was named after Daniel Boone, a noted hunter and explorer, who made his home in the Great Kanawha Valley from 1788 to 1795. Located in southwestern West Virginia, Boone County borders Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Wyoming and Raleigh Counties. Madison is the county seat, with three other municipalities of Danville, Whitesville and Sylvester, nearby. The Madison/Danville area of Boone County is approximately 37 miles south of Charleston. The county area is 503 square miles and lies in the Appalachian Plateau. Most of the area is divided by streams and water courses, which give the region the appearance of an endless formation of hills and contrasting valleys.
Distance to Major Cities from Madison
Atlanta………………………………………………………………………… 517 miles Chicago………………………………………………………………………… 512 miles Cincinnati……………………………………………………………………… 222 miles Cleveland……………………………………………………………………… 281 miles Columbus……………………………………………………………………… 241 miles Lexington……………………………………………………………………… 181 miles New York……………………………………………………………………… 560 miles Pittsburgh……………………………………………………………………… 257 miles Washington, DC……………………………………………………………..… 391 miles
TRANSPORTATION
Highways One U.S. and two state highways serve Boone County. Providing service to Madison and Danville is U. S. 119 (Corridor G) which connects with Charleston, West Virginia and the State of Pennsylvania to the northeast; and with Logan and Williamson, West Virginia and the State of Kentucky to the south.
Public Transportation Tri-River Transit in Hamlin, Lincoln County, provides limited local transit service in Boone County. Routes include Clothier to Madison and Wharton to Madison.
The Boone County community organization provides various transportation services for senior services.
Rail Service The CSX system supplies freight service to the communities in Boone County.
Air Service The nearest commercial airport is Yeager Airport at Charleston, with a distance of 37 miles.
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UTILITIES
Water Boone County Public Service District supplies water to Madison and Danville, as well as other portions of Boone County. Much of the water in Boone County is supplied by West Virginia American Water through a public-private partnership.
Electric American Electric Power (AEP) provides electric power throughout Boone County.
Gas and Other Natural gas is supplied by Ashford Gas, Southern Public Service District, Pennzoil and Hope Natural Gas, Inc. Coal, fuel oil and propane are readily available from local suppliers.
Broadband Mapping of Broadband Fixed Wireline Speeds in Boone County as of December 2017:
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The following “Quality of Life” facts exist in Boone County:
• Low crime rate • County-wide 911 service and ambulance service • 8 fully equipped volunteer fire departments • Two National Blue-Ribbon Schools • Three WV Schools of Excellence • Hatfield-McCoy Trail Visitors’ Center • Fully staffed hospital in Madison • Nursing and Rehabilitation Center • Housing Complexes for Seniors and the Elderly • Public libraries in Madison, Whitesville, Wharton and Racine • Public Transportation • 8 Community and Recreational Centers • Waterways Park • County and Municipal Parks and Pools • Fishing and Hunting Facilities • National Mine Disasters Memorial • National Historic District at Nellis • Coal Heritage Museum in Madison • County Courthouse on National Register of Historic Places • Annual Festivals in Madison, Danville, Whitesville & Sylvester • Miles of beautiful, scenic trails for outdoor, recreational use • Four-lane Highway Access • Thirty-minute drive to State Capitol • Rail and Motor Carrier Freight Service • 3-Mile Walking Trail in Madison to Promote Wellness
ECONOMY
Boone County is an area that has relied and thrived primarily on coal production and continues to struggle after the closure of several mines in the area. Boone County is diversifying with job opportunities being created outside of the coal industry. The completion of Appalachian Corridor G through Boone County promotes residential and commercial development.
Tourism also brings business opportunities to Boone County. The county’s 70-mile section of the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trails offer outdoor recreational opportunities to off-road enthusiasts, including ATV riders and motorcyclists.
Despite these initiatives, the Boone County economy is still heavily dependent on the coal industry. Thus, it is vulnerable to cyclical changes in the price and demand for coal. Unfortunately, the downturn of coal has highlighted the need to identify new opportunities for economic growth.
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In addition to struggling with the loss of coal jobs, Boone County is also facing an opioid epidemic that is costing the economy an estimated $206.5 million a year. According to a report by the American Enterprise Institute this is the highest per-capita burden of any county in the United States.
The unemployment rate has dropped from 6.3% in June 2018 to 5.7% in June 2019.
Big Coal River Outpost Opens in Rumble
The Big Coal River Outpost is a new business that Jeff and Samantha Petry opened in Rumble that will help to boost tourism in the area. They provide a ‘grab and go’ kayak rental services for the Coal River Watershed and Walhonde Water Trail. They offer a variety of styles of kayaks based on the paddlers needs. All rentals include paddle, lifejacket and a quick demo on paddling techniques and things to look for on the water. They also offer a shuttle service for groups of people who want to enjoy the river together.
Stevenson LLC, Day Habilitation and Pre-Vocational Facility Opens
Stevenson LLC is a day habilitation and pre- vocational center that serves clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Boone and surrounding counties. Their mission to provide the best, least restrictive, most effective and economical person-centered services to individuals and families. The 5,000-square-foot facility located on Main Street includes multiple classrooms, a library, fitness room, arts and crafts room and a computer lab.
Madison VFD receives grant of more than $500K
The Madison Volunteer Fire Department received a $519,534 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. The funding comes through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs and will assist the fire department with the purchase of equipment.
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FY 2019 RDP
Rusted Roots Salon Opens in Danville
Rusted Roots, a full-service salon owned by Shelbee Thompson is now opened for business in downtown Danville. The salon is located at 646 Phipps Avenue in a renovated building with beautiful antique hardwood floors and partially exposed brick walls. In the beginning, Rusted Roots will be doing hair and makeup, but plans to expand their services to include nails, facials, massages and tanning. Salon owner Shelbee Thompson attended Paul Mitchell Beauty School in Lexington and will be using only organic products in the salon.
Taco Bell in Danville
The official groundbreaking was in early April 2019 at the former Appalachian Tire site located on Smoot Avenue. In addition to the new Taco Bell creating jobs for the Danville area, it will also bring in traffic from U.S. 119 that will help local businesses. Little General, which owns a string of over 100 convenience stores across West Virginia will own and operate the restaurant as an independent franchisee with an expected grand opening date by the end of 2019.
Little Coal River Camping & Kayaking Little Coal River Camping & Kayaking in Julian held their ribbon cutting ceremony on April 22, 2019. Owner Dain Bender hopes the new business will help feed the blossoming tourism interests in Boone County. The new business has tent camping, full camper hookups, concessions, kayak rentals, shuttle bus rides for kayak rentals along with bathroom and shower facilities. Little Coal River Camping & Kayaking is located north of Danville on Route 119.
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FY 2019 RDP
Danville-Madison Pedestrian Bridge
Construction on the Danville-Madison Pedestrian Bridge began in December of 2018. The new pedestrian bridge will connect Riverside Drive and the Madison City Park with Park Avenue in Danville and become part of the popular Madison-Danville Wellness Trail. Individuals in Danville and Madison will be able to walk from one part of town to the other without worrying about traffic or trains. The bridge will be ADA compliant and provide a safe and direct route for pedestrians between business districts, schools and restaurants. The pedestrian bridge will increase the walkability score in the Madison/Danville area and will support efforts to promote personal fitness and provide an alternative to automobile travel.
Top Ten Employers in Boone County
1. Boone County Board of Education
2. Blackhawk Mining, LLC, Inc.
3. Alpha Natural Resources Co.
4. Boone Memorial Hospital, Inc.
5. Panhandle Support Services, Inc.
6. Boone County Commission
7. Hillcrest Health Care Center, LLC
8. Black Oak Mining, LLC
9. Loved Ones In-Home Care, LLC
10. Kroger
Source: Workforce WV, March 2019
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Boone County - People Quick Facts Boone United States Census Bureau County
Population, 2018 estimate 21,951
Population, 2017 estimate 22,349
Population, 2010 (April 1) estimates base 24,625
Population, percent change - April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018 -10.9%
Population, percent change - April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 -9.3%
Population, Census April 1, 2010 24,629
High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2013-2017 79.1%
Bachelor's degree or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2013-2017 7.9%
Veterans, 2013-2017 1,369
Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16+, 2013-2017 32.9
Households, 2013-2017 9,298
Persons per household, 2013-2017 2.49
Per capita income in past 12 months (2017 dollars), 2013-2017 $20,992
Median household income (in 2017 dollars), 2013-2017 $37,955
Persons in poverty, percent 21.4%
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Boone County Community Profiles
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Town of Danville
Location
The Town of Danville is located along Route 3 and Corridor G in Boone County. It is bounded in the east by the City of Madison and bisected by the Coal River.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 691 residents compared to 550 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 55 to 59 year and 85 and over age groups (each 8.2%). Children of school age make up 11.6% of the population while seniors account for 31.3% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Danville is 53.6.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 36 5.3% 5-9 30 4.3% 10-14 28 4.1% 15-19 22 3.2% 20-24 32 4.6% 25-29 33 4.8% 30-34 40 5.8% 35-39 31 4.5% 40-44 26 3.8% 45-49 31 4.5% 50-54 53 7.7% 55-59 57 8.2% 60-64_____55 8.0% 65-69_____47___6.8% 70-74_____30___4.3% 75-79_____39___5.6% 80-84_____44___6.4% 85+ 57 8.2%
According to the 2010 census data, 22.2% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 35,000 while the per capita income is $18,321.
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City of Madison
Location
The City of Madison is located along Route 3 and Route 85 in Boone County and is bordered by the City of Danville to the west. The City is bisected by the Coal River and is the County seat.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 3,076 residents, compared to 2,677 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 55 to 59-year age group. (8.8%) Children of school age make up 17.4% of the population while seniors account for 33.4% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Madison is 42.1.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 184 6.0% 5-9 164 5.3% 10-14 199 6.5% 15-19 171 5.6% 20-24 173 5.6% 25-29 159 5.2% 30-34 184 6.0% 35-39 217 7.1% 40-44 195 6.3% 45-49 198 6.4% 50-54 246 8.0% 55-59 271 8.8% 60-64_____ 223 7.2% 65-69_____ 132__ 4.3% 70-74_____ 127 4.1% 75-79_____ 85___2.8% 80-84_____ 85___2.8% 85+ 63 2.0%
According to the 2010 census data, 8.3% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 56,349 while the per capita income is $ 24,480.
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FY 2019 RDP
Town of Sylvester
Location
The Town of Sylvester is located along Route 3 in the southeastern area of Boone County. It borders the Coal River and the Town of Whitesville.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 160 residents, compared to 195 residents in 2000. The largest population segments include people in the 30-34-year age group and the 60-64-year age group (both 8.8%) Children of school age make up 18.1% of the population while seniors account for 23.1% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Sylvester is 42.0.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 10 6.3% 5-9 8 5.0% 10-14 12 7.5% 15-19 9 5.6% 20-24 9 5.6% 25-29 8 5.0% 30-34 13 8.1% 35-39 6 3.8% 40-44 9 5.6% 45-49 10 6.3% 50-54 8 5.0% 55-59 8 5.0% 60-64_____13 8.1% 65-69_____ 7__ 4.4% 70-74_____ 8___5.0% 75-79_____ 9__ 5.6% 80-84_____ 9___5.6% 85+ 4 2.5%
According to the 2010 census data 26.4% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $40,356 while the per capita income is $15,302.
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Town of Whitesville
Location
Town of Whitesville is located in the southeastern most area of Boone County on Route 3 near the Raleigh County line. It is bordered on the west by Sylvester and is approximately 30 miles from Madison, the county seat.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased slightly from the previous decennial census. The town has 514 residents, a small decrease from 520 residents in 2000. The largest population segments include people in the 0 to 4 age group and the 30-34 age groups (each with 8.2% of population). Children of school age make up 15.5% of the population, while seniors account for 18.5% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Whitesville is 42.5.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 42 8.2% 5-9 31 6.1% 10-14 22 4.3% 15-19 26 5.1% 20-29 31 6.0% 30-34 42 8.2% 35-39 19 3.7% 40-44 35 6.8% 45-49 31 6.0% 50-54 39 7.6% 55-59 36 7.0% 60-64 38 7.4% 65-69 28 5.4% 70-74 22 4.3% 75-79 20 3.9% 80-84 18 3.5% 85+ 7 1.4%
According to the 2010 census data, 29.6% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 36,500 while the per capita income is $18,837.
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CLAY COUNTY
Buffalo Creek
Historic Clay County Courthouse
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Clay County was formed in 1858 from parts of Braxton, Kanawha and Nicholas counties. Named in honor of Henry Clay, a Kentucky statesman, Clay County is located in central West Virginia. The county area is 346.61 square miles and the 2010 census shows a population of 9,386. Most of the county has an elevation of 1,000 feet or greater above sea level. The county seat is the Town of Clay, located 42 miles from Charleston, West Virginia.
Distance to Major Cities from Clay
Atlanta………………………………………………………………………… 511 miles Chicago………………………………………………………………………… 589 miles Cincinnati……………………………………………………………………… 301 miles Cleveland……………………………………………………………………… 294 miles Columbus……………………………………………………………………… 205 miles Lexington……………………………………………………………………… 222 miles New York……………………………………………………………………… 509 miles Pittsburgh……………………………………………………………………… 204 miles Washington, DC……………………………………………………………..… 336 miles
TRANSPORTATION
Highways Clay County is served by I-79, which provides service from Charleston, WV to Erie, PA and State Routes 36, 16 and 4.
Public Transportation Specialized Transportation, primarily for the elderly, is provided by the Clay County Development Corporation.
Rail Service Clay County currently has no operating rail lines.
Bus Service No public bus service is available.
Air Service Service to Clay County is provided by Yeager Airport, located 10 minutes from downtown Charleston and about an hour from Clay.
UTILITIES
Water Water is provided by The Town of Clay, Clay County Public Service District, Clay-Roane Public Service District, and Queen Shoals Public Service District.
Electric Elk Power, American Electric Power (AEP) and Allegheny Power provide electrical power to the area.
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Gas and Other Mountaineer Gas is the major provider. Coal, fuel oil and propane are readily available from local suppliers.
Broadband Mapping of Broadband Fixed Wireline Speeds in Clay County as of December 2017:
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The following “Quality of Life” facts exist in Clay County:
• Low crime rate • Two county-wide ambulance services • Fully equipped volunteer fire department • One national Blue-Ribbon school • Public Library • Primary Health Care Center • Nursing and Rehabilitation Center • Clay County Wellness Center • Annually held events include the Golden Delicious Apple Festival, the July 4th celebration, and Agricultural Fair. • County and Municipal Park and Pool • 28-acre park near Maysel • Fishing, swimming and canoeing is available on the Elk River • J. G. Bradley Campground • Buffalo and Gauley Creek Scenic Railroad • Within 1 hour of State Capitol
ECONOMY
Clay County is the poorest county in the region with a median household income in 2017 of $34,242. It is designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission as “distressed”. Economic challenges include its relative inaccessibility and lack of developable land. Over half of workers living in Clay County commute outside the county to work. In 2017, health care and social assistance was the largest employment sector, with the largest single employer being the Clay County Board of Education.
Clay County is included in a federally designated Enterprise Community, named the Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone of West Virginia (CAEZ), and as such, is entitled to increased state and federal grant assistance. In the application for funding as a Rural Empowerment Zone, the following five areas of need are highlighted: 1) Economic Development; 2) Education; 3) Housing; 4) Health and 5) Emergency Services.
As a result of CAEZ, improvements in the education system have occurred: pre-school programs are in place at elementary schools and a program in Clay County High School teaches students to build houses.
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FY 2019 RDP
Rail Trail Planned Along Elk River and Buffalo Creek
Governor Jim Justice announced on May 8, 2019 that the state plans to build a major rail trail along the Elk River and Buffalo Creek. The state plans to utilize 72 miles of existing rail lines in Clay and Kanawha counties and either repurpose the tracts for recreational purposes or convert them into trails for walking, hiking, biking and other activities. The planned trail network has the potential to become the second longest rail trail east of the Mississippi and is hoped to attract tourists from all over the country and help boost the local economy. The 72-mile system would be divided into two sections. The Elk River Trail will extent across 54 miles and run next to the Elk River starting in Clendenin and ending south of Duck on the border for Braxton County. The Elk River Trail will be perfect for hiking and biking and will also provide access to boating, fishing and kayaking opportunities on the Elk River. The Buffalo Creek Trail will branch from the Elk River Trail and run 18 miles along Buffalo Creek, starting near the Town of Clay and ending at Widen. The Buffalo Creek section will offer a walking and biking trail. The state hopes to have portions of the new rail trail open and running by the summer of 2020.
Buffalo Creek Rail Rides Pedal-Train Excursion A new pedal-train excursion that runs along the Buffalo Creek and into the mountains is attracting tourists to Clay County. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and can be made by four-seat pedal carts or towed by a small motorized speeder. The Buffalo Creek Rail Rides have hosted visitors form 27 different states and several different countries as they ride along the scenic landscape and historic sites. Five stops are scheduled on the route and highlights include the remnants of a train wreck, 70- foot Devil’s Sawmill Falls and the pre-railroad Adair Cemetery dating from the 1800’s. Rail fans are also interested in the cut-stone bridges and Pittsburgh-sourced ironwork. Excursions are conducted at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
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Community Development Block Grant for Broadband Development
Clay, Calhoun and Roane counties received a $125,000 Community Development Block Grant to develop a broadband feasibility and business plan for their counties. This planning project promotes a regional approach to provide a roadmap for broadband throughout the three counties. The CCR Regional Broadband Development Committee was formed and is working tirelessly to bring high speed internet services to the region.
Clay Recycling Now Open
Clay Recycling, which is owned and operated by WT Bevins opened this past summer at 276 Procious Maysel Road in Maysel. Clay Recycling is the only recycling location in Clay County. Some of the items that they except for recycling are stainless, radiators, brass, batteries, aluminum, copper, miscellaneous items such as die cast, magnesium and electronic motors. Clay Recycling also provides a roll-off container for the public to drop off any unwanted ferrous metals and appliances.
Clay County Receives School Violence Prevention Program Grant
The Clay County Commission, in partnership with Clay County Schools received a School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) grant award in the amount of $207,933. This grant award will make numerous security measures possible for Clay County Schools. The grant will provide funds for training local law enforcement officers in the prevention of, and response to school violence. In addition, once law enforcement officers receive training, they will then provide training to teachers and students in the prevention of school violence. Security measures throughout the county’s six schools will also be increased by items such as handheld metal detectors, new surveillance cameras, updated keyless entry systems, and classroom call systems funded through the grant.
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Top 10 Employers in Clay County
1. Clay County Board of Education
2. Clay County Development Corporation
3. Clay Health Care Center, LLC
4. Community Care of West Virginia, Inc.
5. Goulds Electric Motor Repair, Inc.
6. Clay County Commission
7. Advantage Home Care, LLC
8. Gino’s/Tudors Biscuit World
9. Pierson Lumber Company
10. West Virginia Department of Highways
Source: Workforce WV, March 2019
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Clay County - People Quick Facts United States Census Bureau Clay County Population, July 1, 2018 estimate 8,632 Population, July 1, 2017 estimate 8,764 Population, percent change - April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018 -8.0% Population, percent change - April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 -6.6% Population estimates base, April 1, 2010, 2010 9,384 High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2013-2017 74.5% Bachelor's degree or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2013-2017 9.0% Veterans, 2013-2017 502 Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16+, 2013-2017 45.1 Housing units, 2017 4,629 Owner-occupied housing rate, 2013-2017 81.4% Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2013-2017 $79,100 Households, 2013-2017 3,365 Persons per household, 2013-2017 2.62 Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2017 dollars), 2013-2017 $16,229 Median household income, 2013-2017 $34,242 Persons in poverty, percent 27.3%
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Clay County Community Profile
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Town of Clay
Location
The Town of Clay is the only municipality in Clay County, West Virginia. It is located along Route 16 and the Elk River.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 491 residents, a decrease from the number of residents in 2000 (593). The largest population segments include people in the 35 to 39 year and 45-54 age groups (7.3% each of population). Children of school age make up 18.1% of the population while seniors account for 17.0% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Clay is 38.8 in 2010.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 31 6.3% 5-9 29 5.9% 10-14 26 5.3% 15-19 34 6.9% 20-24 34 6.9% 25-29 32 6.5% 30-34 30 6.1% 35-39 36 7.3% 40-44 29 5.9% 45-54 36 7.3% 50-54 34 6.9% 55-59 27 5.5% 60-64 30 6.1% 65-69 26 5.3% 70-74 17 3.5% 75-79 15 3.1% 80-84 17 3.5% 85+ 8 1.6%
According to the 2010 census data, 28.8% of the population lives below the national poverty level. The median household income is $21,484 while the per capita income is $17,472.
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KANAWHA COUNTY
Clay Center for the Arts and Science
Downtown Charleston
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Kanawha County combines the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains with the developmental potential provided by a major river system and mild climate. It is the largest county in the region with a population estimate of 180,454 in 2018. The Kanawha River Valley provides much of the flat land used for development in the area. In addition, the Elk River and Coal River serve Kanawha County. In Charleston, the Kanawha River lies at 600 feet above sea level. Kanawha County has 913 square miles. The area’s geographical location and surrounding mountains insulate it from tornadoes and hurricanes.
Distance to Major Cities from Charleston
Atlanta………………………………………………………………………… 504 miles Chicago………………………………………………………………………… 541 miles Cincinnati……………………………………………………………………… 200 miles Cleveland……………………………………………………………………… 252 miles Columbus……………………………………………………………………… 167 miles Lexington……………………………………………………………………… 178 miles New York……………………………………………………………………… 530 miles Pittsburgh……………………………………………………………………… 227 miles Washington, DC……………………………………………………………..… 361 miles
TRANSPORTATION
Highways Three major interstates serve the Kanawha Valley: I-64, I-79 and I-77.
Public Transportation The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KVRTA) serves Kanawha County and portions of Fayette and Putnam Counties. KVRTA operates a network of 20 fixed routes oriented around the commercial center of Charleston.
Rail Service Rail freight service is supplied by CSX, on the southern side of the Kanawha River, and Norfolk- Southern on the northern side of Kanawha River.
Amtrak offers limited service several times a week.
Air Service Yeager Airport in Charleston offers competitive airfares to destinations throughout the world and nonstop flights to ten major cities. The airport is a short drive from downtown Charleston and only a few minutes from the intersection of three major interstates. Yeager Airport serves as a U.S. Customs Port of Entry and has 4 major airlines: American, United, Delta, and Spirit.
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UTILITIES
Water West Virginia American Water provides water through most of Kanawha County. There are also a number of municipal providers and PSD’s.
Electric American Electric Power (AEP) provides electrical power throughout Kanawha County.
Gas and Other Natural gas is supplied by Mountaineer Gas. Coal, fuel oil and propane are readily available from local suppliers.
Broadband Mapping of Broadband Fixed Wireline Speeds in Kanawha County as of December 2017:
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ECONOMY
Population has shrunk in the Kanawha Valley for nearly 25 years. In the 1960 census, Charleston had 86,000 in population and Kanawha County 253,000. Today, the capital city is slipping below 50,000 and the county below 181,000. The reason for the Kanawha Valley’s decreasing numbers, is due to loss of jobs. Chemical plants automated, glass plants closed, and coal mining jobs saw a steady decline. However, there are successes in the county, South Charleston’s Gestamp provides over 400 good paying jobs and the South Charleston Technology Park and Mid-Atlantic Technology Research and Innovation Center have been successful.
Major industries in Kanawha County include healthcare and social services, retail trade and public administration. There are 4,880 businesses in Kanawha County, representing more employment opportunities than any county in West Virginia.
There are fourteen (14) municipalities in Kanawha County: They are: Belle, Cedar Grove, Charleston, Chesapeake, Clendenin, Dunbar, East Bank, Glasgow, Handley, Marmet, Nitro, Pratt, St. Albans and South Charleston.
Infor Opens Location in Charleston
Infor, a global technology company, opened a new office on the 6th floor of Laidley Tower in Charleston. The Charleston operation runs cloud applications for local, state and federal government agencies and government contractors supporting these agencies. Infor anticipates that it will hire 100 technical employees for specialized positions and support services, the office will expand as Infor adds additional customers. Infor is also partnering with Marshall University and West Virginia State University to build a pipeline of skilled talent that is trained in software engineering, cloud operations and support services related to Infor products.
Coal River Coffee Company Opens in St. Albans
The Coal River Coffee Company located at 64 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans held its grand opening in August 2018. They offer a full espresso bar that provides an array of beverage choices, including sugar-free options. They also offer tea from Larkin Tea Company out of West Virginia as well as Italian sodas. Food options include gluten-free and dairy-free items, with breakfast and lunch options available. The shop also displays work from local artists and hosts open mic nights for local performers.
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Kanawha County Public Library Renovations and Expansion
The Kanawha County Public Library is moving ahead with plans to renovate and expand the downtown library. The renovations and expansion will allow the library to provide a more efficient service while also serving as more of a community center. The new library will include 80,000 square feet of space: 60,000 square feet fully renovated and 20,000 square feet of expanded space that is made up of two new additions. The renovations also include a proposed third floor covered walkway above Quarrier Street that will take patrons from the Summers Street Parking Garage to the library, which will address the current lack of parking available at the library. The new library will also include 10,000 square feet of children’s activity space, which is more than double the current space available. More public space for the community will also be available which will include reading areas, study rooms and flexible meeting space for groups as large as 200. The newly renovated library will also include a café and a craft room. The Kanawha County Public Library is seeking funding through federal tax credit programs but has secured most of its funding through private donations. The entire project is estimated to cost around $27 million with construction expected to begin this year.
Shawnee Park Multi-Sports Complex Opens in Dunbar
The Shawnee Park Multi-Sports Complex opened to the public in July 2018. The sports complex is a $10.2 million project and includes six turf soccer and lacrosse fields, four baseball and softball fields, a basketball court and a new community building. The sports complex hosts local and regional youth sports tournaments which will bring in money from outside the area and will help spur local economic development and increase tourism in the Kanawha Valley. The economic impact from the complex is estimated to be around $40 million dollars a year for the Kanawha Valley.
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Buzz Foods to Add Slaughterhouse and Livestock Processing Facility
Buzz Foods plans to expand its operations in Charleston through the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Pilot Program to include a new slaughterhouse and livestock processing facility. The new facility is expected to be nearly 10,000 square-feet and cost about $2 million. Construction will begin this summer and is expected to be completed by next winter. The new top-of-the line slaughterhouse is expected to provide between 25-30 full-time jobs. Adding slaughter and value-added processing activities to the companies already existing business will create new selling opportunities for local livestock producers as well as help the local meat industry meet consumer demand. This AML Pilot project will provide a way for the livestock to be processed locally, West Virginia produces world- class beef, pork, and lamb, but much of the value is lost when the animals are shipped away to be processed. The new facility will help create vital opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs while helping to diversify the local economy.
Park Place Commercial Center in South Charleston
Work is moving along to develop the Park Place Commercial Center located across from Riverwalk Plaza on MacCorkle Avenue in South Charleston. Totaling over 400,000 square feet of space, Park Place will be home to large anchor stores, retail outlets, and restaurants. Park Place will be an economic boost to South Charleston and the surrounding areas. The West Virginia Legislature and Development Office approved this location as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District called The South Charleston Park Place Economic Opportunity Development District. This TIF District could result in more than $350 million in public and privately funded economic development projects including a new community center, an educational complex at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park and an access road to The Shops at Trace Fork shopping center. The total project should take about 3 years and is expected to be complete in 2022.
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Café Appalachia Community Restaurant Opens in South Charleston
Café Appalachia, located at 206 D Street in South Charleston, is a farm-to-table, buffet-style restaurant with suggested-donation pricing. The café also has a coffee shop and offers espressos, cappuccinos, frappuccinos and infused iced teas. Those unable to pay for their meal may donate an hour of their time doing small chores in the café or garden as compensation. Most of the food served at Café Appalachia is grown in their own urban garden and everything is as locally sourced as possible. The café also serves as an employment training program for individuals in long-term substance abuse recovery. Participants receive training in areas such as agriculture, culinary, barista service food handling and event planning.
Top 10 Employers in Kanawha County
1. Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc.
2. Kanawha County Board of Education
3. Thomas Health Systems
4. West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
5. Blackhawk Mining, LLC
6. Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.
7. West Virginia Department of Highways
8. Kroger
9. United States Postal Service
10. City of Charleston
Source: Workforce WV, March 2019
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Kanawha County - People Quick Facts Kanawha United States Census Bureau County Population, 2018 estimate 180,454 Population, 2017 estimate 183,293 Population, 2010 (April 1) estimates base 193,051 Population, percent change - April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018 -6.5% Population, percent change - April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 -5.1% Population, Census, April 1, 2010 193,063 High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2013-2017 88.3% Bachelor's degree or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2013-2017 25.3% Veterans, 2013-2017 13,939 Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16+, 2013-2017 20.9 Households, 2013-2017 80,267 Persons per household, 2012-2016 2.28 Per capita income in past 12 months (2017 dollars), 2013-2017 $28,201 Median household income, 2013-2017 $46,859 Persons in poverty, percent 18.1%
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Kanawha County Community Profiles
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Town of Belle
Location
Town of Belle is located along the scenic Kanawha River, adjacent to the Marmet Locks and Dam, maintained by the United States Corps of Engineers. It is located in the Upper Kanawha Valley Enterprise Community.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population increased from the previous decennial census by one to 1,260 residents. The largest population segment includes people in the 55 to 59 year of age group (7.5% of the population). School age children make up 17.3% of the population while senior citizens account for almost 18.8% of the Town’s residents. The median age of the residents of Belle is 43.1.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 64 5.1% 5-9 70 5.6% 10-14 77 6.1% 15-19 70 5.6% 20-24 68 5.4% 25-29 74 5.9% 30-34 85 6.7% 35-44 72 5.7% 45-49 83 6.6% 50-54 92 7.3% 55-59 95 7.5% 60-64 91 7.2% 65-69 74 5.9% 70-74 55 4.4% 75-79 42 3.3% 80-84 37 2.9% 85+ 29 2.3%
According to the 2010 census data, 12.0% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 35,395 while the per capita income is $ 24,335.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 73
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Cedar Grove
Location
Town of Cedar Grove is located on the banks of the Kanawha River on U. S Route 60. The Town is bordered by the Town of Glasgow to the west.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census of 862 residents to 997 residents. The largest population segment includes people in the 10 to 14 year of age group (78 – 7.8%). School age children make up 20.3% of the population while senior citizens account for 15.8% of the Town’s residents. The median age of residents is 39.4.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 74 7.4% 5-9 64 6.4% 10-14 78 7.8% 15-19 61 6.1% 20-24 42 4.2% 25-29 61 6.1% 30-34 63 6.3% 35-39 65 6.5% 40-44 61 6.1% 45-49 70 7.0% 50-54 75 7.5% 55-59 70 7.0% 60-64 55 5.5% 65-69 44 4.4% 70-74 45 4.5% 75-79 21 2.1% 80-84 25 2.5% 85+ 23 2.3%
According to the 2010 census data, 19.7% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $30,179 while the per capita income is $ 15,414.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 74
FY 2019 RDP
City of Charleston
Location
The City of Charleston is located along the Kanawha River with three Interstates (I-64, I-77 and I-79) for access. It is also the start of Corridor G (an Appalachian Highway) that travels south to the coalfield counties. Charleston is both the county seat of government and the State Capital. It is bounded to the west by South Charleston and Dunbar and to the east by Marmet.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased from the previous decennial census. The City has 51,400 residents, down from 53,200 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 50 to 54 year (8.2%) of age group. Children of school age make up 17.0% of the population while seniors account for 16.1% of the City’s population. The median age of the residents of Charleston is 41.7 in 2010.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 2,970 5.8% 5-9 2,912 5.7% 10-14 2,689 5.2% 15-19 3,111 6.1% 20-24 3,259 6.3% 25-29 3,354 6.5% 30-34 3,301 6.4% 35-39 3,095 6.0% 40-44 3,084 6.0% 45-49 3,583 7.0% 50-54 4,237 8.2% 55-59 4,142 8.1% 60-64 3,369 6.6% 65-69 2,307 4.5% 70-74 1,782 3.5% 75-79 1,406 2.7% 80-84 1,394 2.7% 85+ 1,405 2.7%
According to the 2010 census data, 11.67% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 46,004 while the per capita income is $ 35,191.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 75
FY 2019 RDP
City of Chesapeake
Location
City of Chesapeake is located on the banks of the Kanawha River on Route 60. The City is adjacent to the City of Marmet. It is located in the Upper Kanawha Valley Enterprise Community.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased from the previous decennial census. The City has 1,554 residents, down from 1,643 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 55 to 59 year of age group. Children of school age make up for 20.2% of the population, while the seniors account for 17.3% of the City’s population. The median age of Chesapeake’s residents is 43.5 in 2010.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 82 5.3% 5-9 74 7.4% 10-14 108 6.9% 15-19 91 5.9% 20-24 81 5.2% 25-29 77 5.0% 30-34 82 5.3% 35-39 114 7.3% 40-44 93 6.0% 45-49 98 6.3% 50-54 118 7.6% 55-59 140 9.0% 60-64 125 8.0% 65-69 75 4.8% 70-74 50 3.2% 75-79 52 3.3% 80-84 56 3.6% 85+ 38 2.4%
According to the 2010 census data, 12.9% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 37,321 while the per capita income is $ 19,331.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 76
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Clendenin
Location
Town of Clendenin is located on the banks of the Elk River on Route 119. The Town is located in the northern most section of Kanawha and is accessible from I-79.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 1,227 residents, an increase from 1,116 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 50 to 54 year of age group (8.1%). Children of school age make up 18.9% of the population, while seniors account for 18.7% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Clendenin is 43.5 in 2010.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 63 5.1% 5-9 71 5.8% 10-14 88 7.2% 15-19 72 5.9% 20-24 55 4.5% 25-29 52 4.2% 30-34 79 6.4% 35-39 73 5.9% 40-44 89 7.3% 45-49 93 7.6% 50-54 100 8.1% 55-59 80 6.4% 60-64 83 6.8% 65-69 57 4.6% 70-74 44 3.6% 75-79 45 3.7% 80-84 50 4.1% 85+ 33 2.7%
According to the 2010 census data, 16.9% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 38,229 while the per capita income is $ 17,068.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 77
FY 2019 RDP
City of Dunbar
Location
City of Dunbar is located in the metropolitan district of Kanawha County. City of Dunbar is bordered on the Kanawha River. It is located across from South Charleston and borders Charleston to its east.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased from the previous decennial census. The city has 7,907 residents, compared to 8,154 residents in 2000. The largest population segments include people in the 45 to 54-year group and the 25-29 year of age group. Each represents 7.9% of the City’s population. Children of school age make up 15.8% of the population while seniors account for 20% of the population. The median age of Dunbar residents is 43.2.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 449 5.5% 5-9 393 4.8% 10-14 396 4.9% 15-19 497 6.1% 20-24 597 7.1% 25-29 626 7.9% 30-34 512 6.5% 35-39 448 5.7% 40-44 456 5.6% 45-49 476 6.0% 50-54 606 7.9% 55-59 617 7.8% 60-64 499 6.3% 65-69 365 4.6% 70-74 285 3.6% 75-79 318 4.0% 80-84 311 3.9% 85+ 310 3.9%
According to the 2010 census data, 13.6% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 43,988, while the per capita income is $ 23,900.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 78
FY 2019 RDP
Town of East Bank
Location
The Town of East Bank is located along Route 61 in the Upper Kanawha Valley Enterprise Community. The Town is situated along the Kanawha River.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 959 residents, compared to 933 residents in 2000. The largest population segments include people in the 55 to 59 and 60 to 64 year of age groups. (each 9.1% of the population). Children of school age make up 19.1% of the population while seniors account for 16.7% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of East Bank is 45.2.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 41 4.3% 5-9 51 5.3% 10-14 70 7.3% 15-19 62 6.5% 20-24 48 5.0% 25-29 47 4.9% 30-34 56 5.8% 35-39 41 5.9% 40-44 51 5.3% 45-49 63 6.6% 50-54 86 9.0% 55-59 87 9.1% 60-64 87 9.1% 65-69 49 5.1% 70-74 35 3.6% 75-79 33 3.4% 80-84 18 1.9% 85+ 26 2.7%
According to the 2010 census data, 9.7% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 45,978 while the per capita income is $ 18,916.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 79
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Glasgow
Location
The Town of Glasgow is located on the banks of the Kanawha River on U. S Route 60. The Town is bordered by the Town of Cedar Grove to the east.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 905 residents, compared to 783 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 60 to 64 year of age group (7.5%). School age children make up 15.5% of the population while senior citizens account for 26.9% of the Town’s residents. The median age of Glasgow residents is 47.7.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 42 4.6% 5-9 49 5.4% 10-14 47 5.2% 15-19 44 4.9% 20-24 33 3.6% 25-29 41 4.4% 30-34 58 6.4% 35-39 66 7.3% 40-44 47 5.2% 45-49 47 5.2% 50-54 54 6.0% 55-59 65 7.2% 60-64 68 7.5% 65-69 55 6.1% 70-74 51 5.6% 75-79 32 3.5% 80-84 52 5.7% 85+ 54 6.0%
According to the 2010 census data, 7.4% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 34,896 while the per capita income is $18,946.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 80
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Handley
Location
The Town of Handley is located along Rt. 61 in the Upper Kanawha Valley of Kanawha County. The Town of Handley is bordered on the Kanawha River. It is located to the north by Montgomery and Pratt to the south.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased slightly from the previous decennial census. The town has 349 residents, compared to 362 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes the 5 to 9 year of age group (9.5%), with the 40 to 44-year age group following at 8.3% of the population. Children of school age make up 27% of the population while the seniors account for 17.7% of the town’s population. The median age is 36.3.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 24 6.9% 5-9 33 9.5% 10-14 22 6.3% 15-19 15 4.3% 20-24 21 6.0% 25-29 27 7.7% 30-34 27 7.7% 35-39 14 6.6% 40-44 29 8.3% 45-49 17 4.9% 50-54 14 4.0% 55-59 24 6.9% 60-64 18 5.2% 65-69 16 4.6% 70-74 13 3.7% 75-79 13 3.7% 80-84 13 3.7% 85+ 7 2.0%
According to the 2010 census data, 13.8% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 32,500 while the per capita income is $ 20,177.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 81
FY 2019 RDP
City of Marmet
Location
City of Marmet is located in the eastern part of Kanawha County. City of Marmet is bordered on the Kanawha River. It is located across from the Army Corp of Engineer Marmet Locks.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased from the previous decennial census. The city has 1,503 residents, compared to 1,693 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 50 to 54 year of age group. Children of school age make up 17.5% of the population while the senior citizens account for 23.1% of the city’s population. The median age is 46.2.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 61 4.1% 5-9 76 5.1% 10-14 97 6.5% 15-19 89 5.9% 20-24 94 6.3% 25-29 53 3.5% 30-34 79 5.3% 35-39 75 5.0% 40-44 102 6.8% 45-49 105 7.0% 50-54 135 9.0% 55-59 111 7.4% 60-64 79 5.3% 65-69 67 4.5% 70-74 89 5.4% 75-79 69 4.6% 80-84 50 5.3% 85+ 72 4.8%
According to the 2000 census data, 9.2% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 35,612 while the per capita income is $ 19,521.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 82
FY 2019 RDP
City of Nitro
Location
City of Nitro is located in western most part of Kanawha County and the eastern most area of Putnam County. It is located on the south side of the Kanawha River and is across from the City of St. Albans.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The City has 7,178 residents compared to 6,853 residents in 2000. The largest population segment is the 25 to 29 year of age group (7.9% of population). A close second is the 55 to 59 year of age group with 7.7% of the population. Children of school age make up 16.5% of the population while seniors account for 17.3% of the City’s population. The median age is 40.5.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 442 6.2% 5-9 392 5.5% 10-14 385 5.4% 15-19 386 5.6% 20-24 378 5.3% 25-29 570 7.9% 30-34 508 7.1% 35-39 481 6.7% 40-44 397 5.5% 45-49 477 6.6% 50-54 495 6.9% 55-59 550 7.7% 60-64 466 6.5% 65-69 345 4.8% 70-74 293 4.1% 75-79 238 3.3% 80-84 204 2.8% 85+ 165 2.3%
According to the 2010 census data, 6.3% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 42,102 while the per capita income is $ 22,559.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 83
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Pratt
Location
The Town of Pratt is located along Route 61 in the Upper Kanawha Valley Enterprise Community. It is bordered by the Town of East Bank and Handley. It is situated along the Kanawha River.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 602 residents, compared to 551 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 50 to 54 year (8.6%) of age group. Children of school age make up 17.6% of the population while seniors account for 18.6% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Pratt is 41.3.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 35 5.8% 5-9 37 6.1% 10-14 36 6.0% 15-19 33 5.5% 20-24 38 6.3% 25-29 35 5.8% 30-34 41 6.8% 35-39 44 7.3% 40-44 24 4.0% 45-49 40 6.6% 50-54 52 8.6% 55-59 35 5.8% 60-64 40 6.6% 65-69 32 5.3% 70-74 26 4.3% 75-79 24 4.0% 80-84 12 2.0% 85+ 18 3.0%
According to the 2010 census data, 12.0% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 50,750 while the per capita income is $19,957.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 84
FY 2019 RDP
City of St. Albans
Location
The City of St. Albans is located in the metropolitan district of Kanawha County. The City of St. Albans is bordered on the Kanawha River. It is located across from Nitro and borders Jefferson to its east and Amandaville (unincorporated) on its west.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased slightly from the previous decennial census. The city has 11,044 residents, compared to 11,567 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 55 to 59 year (7.9%) of age group. Children of school age make up 15.8% of the population while seniors account for 20.7% of the city’s population. The median age of the residents of St. Albans is 45.0.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 597 5.4% 5-9 599 5.4% 10-14 598 5.4% 15-19 550 5.0% 20-24 529 4.8% 25-29 699 6.3% 30-34 683 6.2% 35-39 635 5.7% 40-44 630 5.7% 45-49 736 6.7% 50-54 859 7.8% 55-59 872 7.9% 60-64 777 7.0% 65-69 559 5.1% 70-74 489 4.4% 75-79 483 4.4% 80-84 399 3.6% 85+ 350 3.2%
According to the 2010 census data, 3.2% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 44,323 while the per capita income is $ 24,717.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 85
FY 2019 RDP
City of South Charleston
Location
The City of South Charleston is located in the metropolitan district of Kanawha County. The City of South Charleston is bordered on the Kanawha River. It is located across from Dunbar and borders Charleston to its east and Jefferson on its west.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased slightly from the previous decennial census. The city has 13,450 residents, compared to 13,390 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 50 to 54 year (8.1%) of age group. Children of school age make up 16.6% of the population while seniors account for 17.5% of the city’s population. The median age of the residents of South Charleston is 42.3.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 789 5.9% 5-9 813 6.0% 10-14 768 5.7% 15-19 662 4.9% 20-24 654 5.4% 25-29 912 6.8% 30-34 937 7.0% 35-39 802 6.0% 40-44 788 5.9% 45-49 926 6.9% 50-54 1,090 8.1% 55-59 1,051 7.8% 60-64 895 6.7% 65-69 602 4.5% 70-74 569 4.2% 75-79 474 3.5% 80-84 384 2.9% 85+ 326 _ 2.4%
According to the 2010 census data, 7.9% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 43,008 while the per capita income is $ 26,311.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 86
FY 2019 RDP
PUTNAM COUNTY
Winfield Locks and Dam
Valley Park Conference Center
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 87
FY 2019 RDP
Putnam County lies within the Allegheny Plateau. The Kanawha River Valley bisects Putnam County from southeast to northwest and provides much of the flat land used for development in the area. The County is located between West Virginia’s two largest cities – Charleston and Huntington. There are six (6) municipalities in Putnam County, they are listed as follows: Bancroft, Buffalo, Eleanor, Hurricane, Poca and Winfield. Also, a portion of Nitro is located in Putnam County.
Distance to Major Cities from Winfield
Atlanta…………………………………………………………………. 534 miles Chicago………………………………………………………………… 469 miles Cincinnati………………………………………………………………... 180 miles Cleveland………………………………………………………………… 275 miles Columbus………………………………………………………………… 200 miles Lexington………………………………………………………………… 170 miles New York………………………………………………………………… 570 miles Pittsburgh…………………………………………………………………. 257 miles Washington, DC………………………………………………………….. 365 miles
TRANSPORTATION
Highways Putnam County is served by Interstate 64, which provides service from St. Louis MO to Richmond, VA, by US Routes 35 and 60 & WV Routes 34 and 62.
Public Transportation Bus Service is provided by KVRTA through a small portion of Putnam County through Nitro Marketplace. Taxi service is available through Teays Valley Taxi.
Rail Service Freight service is provided by CSX and Northern Southern. Amtrak service traverses the County, but the nearest stations are in Huntington and Charleston.
Air Service Air service in Putnam County is provided by Yeager Airport, located in downtown Charleston.
UTILITIES
Water Water is provided to Putnam County residents by American Water, Putnam PSD and the City of Hurricane.
Electric American Electric Power (AEP) provides electricity.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 88
FY 2019 RDP
Gas and Other Natural gas is provided by Mountaineer Gas. Coal, fuel oil and propane are readily available from local suppliers.
Broadband Mapping of Broadband Fixed Wireline Speeds in Putnam County as of December 2017:
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 89
FY 2019 RDP
ECONOMY
Putnam County is the fastest economically growing county in the region. Putnam County has the advantage of being located between Charleston and Huntington and connected by interstate highway to both cities. Putnam County is endowed with a relatively large amount of flat developable land, both in the Teays Valley area and in the Kanawha River Valley. The widening of U.S. 35 from I-64 to Buffalo (including a new I-64 interchange) has boosted economic development potential.
Teays Valley is mostly a mix of residential, retail and service development. Additional industrial, retail and service establishments can be found in the following industrial and business parks:
• Eleanor Industrial Park, Eleanor • Par Industrial Park, Nitro • HUB Industrial Park, Nitro • Rock Branch Industrial Park, Poca • Putnam Business Park, Fraziers Bottom • Teays Valley Industrial Park, Scott Depot
American Electric Power Expanding in Hurricane
American Electric Power (AEP) is expanding in Hurricane. AEP is in the process of building a transmission service center near the Hurricane interstate exit. The transmission center will bring more than 130 jobs to Hurricane and will also give AEP room to expand in the future. The new facility will be 85,00 square feet with a project cost of $27 million. Construction is scheduled to be finished in 2020.
Old Mill Bakery Now Open in Hurricane
Old Mill Bakery owned by Lynn Bright opened for business in December on Morris Court in downtown Hurricane. The bakery serves made-from- scratch brownies, cookie hybrid brookies, cow chip cookies, peanut butter pie, cinnamon rolls, breads and more. They also accept custom orders for cakes and have a party room that they rent out. The Old Mill bakery also contains a small historical museum of Hurricane. Along with expanding the museum, Ms. Bright also plans to offer community- oriented events and classes at the Old Mill Bakery
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 90
FY 2019 RDP
New Dual Hotel Under Construction in Teays Valley
Construction is underway on a dual Choice Hotel brand just off Interstate 64 at the Teays Valley exit. Sleep Inn will offer the amenities that short-term guests need, while the Main-Stay Suites will cater to extended-stay guests. Combined both hotels will offer 74 rooms and are expected to bring 20 to 25 new jobs to the area. Franchise owner Harding Hospitality hopes this development will continue to bring even more restaurants and tourism to the Teays Valley area.
Courtyard Cakeries & Restaurant Opens at Valley Park
Courtyard Cakeries & Restaurant is a new bakery and restaurant located in the commons at Valley Park in Hurricane. In their bakery they have an assortment of handcrafted baked goods, ice cream, milkshakes and chocolate covered fruit. The restaurant is open daily with a menu that includes salads, sandwiches and hamburgers, with feature dinner specials served on Friday and Saturday nights. They also host parties, cater events and do custom orders for weddings, showers and meetings.
The Center on Main Street Hurricane
The Center is a multicultural and multifaceted art, music and gaming location that opened in January on Main Street in Hurricane. Geno DeMay opened The Center to provide a community space for instruction, interaction and entertainment. The Center offers full-year memberships for $12 or monthly memberships for $2. Visitors can browse and shop at no charge but must have a membership to attend special events. The Center also maintains its own YouTube channel where members can submit ideas for shows and produce them. Regular activities already taking place at The Center include Friday Night Magic, Saturday Pokémon and Family Game Day with Pinewood Derby drag racing. The facility hosts birthday parties and has a kitchen with snacks and drinks available. A stage is also being developed to host musicians, DJ’s, dances and performers.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 91
FY 2019 RDP
Top 10 Employers in Putnam County
1. Putnam County Board of Education
2. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc.
3. Appalachian Power Company
4. Manpower of West Virginia, Inc.
5. Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc.
6. Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.
7. Apex Pipeline Services, Inc.
8. Nitro Electric Company, Inc.
9. Brand Energy Services, LLC
10. Putnam County Commission
Source: Workforce WV, March 2019
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 92
FY 2019 RDP
Putnam County - People Quick Facts Putnam United States Census Bureau County
Population, 2018 estimate 56,682 Population, 2017 estimate 56,792 Population, 2010 (April 1) estimates base 55,508 Population, percent change - April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018 2.1% Population, percent change - April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 2.3% Population, 2010 55,486 High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2013-2017 91.9% Bachelor's degree or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2013-2017 24.9% Veterans, 2013-2017 4,093 Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16+, 2013-2017 24.7 Housing units, 2017 24,249 Owner-occupied housing rate, 2013-2017 81.3% Households, 2013-2017 21,734 Persons per household, 2013-2017 2.59 Per capita income in past 12 months (2017 dollars), 2013-2017 $30,690 Median household income, 2013-2017 $59,113 Persons in poverty, percent 10.4%
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 93
FY 2019 RDP
Putnam County Community Profiles
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 94
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Bancroft
Location
The Town of Bancroft is located along Route 62 and the Kanawha River in Putnam County. The nearest municipalities are Poca to the east and Winfield and Eleanor to the West.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 587 residents compared to 367 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 50 to 54 year (9.4%) of age group. Children of school age make up 17.3% of the population while seniors account for 15.4% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Bancroft is 43.8.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 33 5.6% 5-9 36 6.1% 10-14 39 6.6% 15-19 27 4.6% 20-24 18 4.9% 25-29 27 4.6% 30-34 28 4.8% 35-39 38 6.5% 40-44 40 6.8% 45-49 44 7.5% 50-54 55 9.4% 55-59 46 7.8% 60-64 51 8.7% 65-69 35 6.0% 70-74 25 4.3% 75-79 12 2.0% 80-84 14 2.4% 85+ 4 0.7%
According to the 2010 census data, 2.7% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 51,012 while the per capita is $ 30,197.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 95
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Buffalo
Location
The Town of Buffalo is located along Route 62 and the Kanawha River in Putnam County. The nearest municipalities are Eleanor to the east and Mason County to the West.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 1,236 residents, compared to 1,171 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 45 to 49 year (8.3%) of age group. Children of school age make up 17.7% of the population while seniors account for 17.6% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Buffalo is 42.8.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 63 5.1% 5-9 75 6.1% 10-14 78 6.3% 15-19 66 5.3% 20-24 78 6.3% 25-29 57 4.6% 30-34 82 6.6% 35-39 84 6.8% 40-44 80 6.5% 45-49 102 8.3% 50-54 83 6.7% 55-59 85 6.9% 60-64 84 6.8% 65-69 76 6.1% 70-74 56 4.5% 75-79 35 2.8% 80-84 33 2.7% 85+ 15 1.5%
According to the 2010 census data, 9.5% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 45,000 while the per capita income is $ 22,558.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 96
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Eleanor
Location
The Town of Eleanor is located along Route 62 in Putnam County approximately 3 miles from Winfield, the county seat. The Town is situated along the Kanawha River.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 1,518 residents, compared to 1,345 residents in 2000. The largest population segments include people in the 30 to 34 year (7.1%) and 40 to 44-year age groups. Children of school age make up 17.3% of the population while seniors account for 19.40% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Eleanor is 41.9.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 99 6.5% 5-9 106 7.0% 10-14 85 5.6% 15-19 72 4.7% 20-24 65 4.3% 25-29 87 5.7% 30-34 108 7.1% 35-39 95 6.3% 40-44 108 7.1% 45-49 97 6.4% 50-54 104 6.9% 55-59 101 6.7% 60-64 98 6.5% 65-69 97 6.4% 70-74 74 4.9% 75-79 48 3.2% 80-84 44 2.9% 85+ 30 2.0%
According to the 2010 census data, 14.6% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 37,865 while the per capita income is $ 20,920.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 97
FY 2019 RDP
City of Hurricane
Location
The City of Hurricane is located along Interstate 64 and is bordered on the east by Teays Valley and close to the Cabell County Line on the west. It is bordered by Route 60 to the south.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The City has 6,284 residents compared to 5,222 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 5 to 9 year of age group. (7.9%) A second large grouping is those between 45 and 49 (7.4%). Senior citizens are outnumbered by children up through elementary school age. The seniors account for 10% of the City’s population. The median age for residents of Hurricane is 38.1
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 406 6.5% 5-9 498 7.9% 10-14 438 7.0% 15-19 396 6.3% 20-24 298 4.7% 25-29 375 6.0% 30-34 454 7.2% 35-39 459 7.3% 40-44 440 7.0% 45-49 465 7.4% 50-54 418 6.7% 55-59 409 6.5% 60-64 380 6.0% 65-69 261 4.2% 70-74 223 3.5% 75-79 142 2.3% 80-84 134 2.1% 85+ 88 1.4%
According to the 2010 census data, 2.3% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 56,861 while the per capita income is $ 25,933.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 98
FY 2019 RDP
Town of Poca
Location
Town of Poca is located in the eastern part of Putnam County. Town of Poca is bordered by the Kanawha River. It is located across from the AEP John Amos Power Plant and is a residential neighborhood for both Putnam and Kanawha Counties.
Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has decreased from the previous decennial census. The town has 974 residents, compared to 1,013 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 60 to 64 year of age group (8.8%). Children of school age account for 18.9% of the population, while the seniors make up 18.9% of the town’s population. The median age of Poca residents is 42.9.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 50 5.1% 5-9 59 6.1% 10-14 63 6.5% 15-19 61 6.3% 20-24 47 4.8% 25-29 47 4.8% 30-34 56 5.7% 35-39 66 6.8% 40-44 68 7.0% 45-49 71 7.3% 50-54 51 5.2% 55-59 65 6.7% 60-64 86 8.8% 65-69 61 6.3% 70-74 42 4.3% 75-79 39 4.0% 80-84 29 3.0% 85+ 13 1.3%
According to the 2010 census data, 4.1% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 57,212 while the per capita income is $ 29,887.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 99
FY 2019 RDP
City of Winfield
Location
The City of Winfield is the county seat of Putnam County and is located at the Route 34 and Route 35 split. It is bordered by the Kanawha River.
The Population
According to the 2010 census, the population has increased from the previous decennial census. The Town has 2,301 residents compared to 1,858 residents in 2000. The largest population segment includes people in the 10 to 14-year age group (9.1% of population). Falling closely behind is the 45 to 49-year age group with 8.7% of the population. Children of school age make up 21.8% of the population while seniors account for 11.2% of the Town’s population. The median age of the residents of Winfield is 40.2.
PERSONS PERCENTAGE 0-4 138 6.0% 5-9 151 6.6% 10-14 209 9.1% 15-19 141 6.1% 20-24 109 4.7% 25-29 126 5.5% 30-34 130 5.6% 35-39 140 6.1% 40-44 185 8.0% 45-49 200 8.7% 50-54 189 8.2% 55-59 179 7.8% 60-64 145 6.3% 65-69 91 4.0% 70-74 74 3.2% 75-79 35 1.5% 80-84 31 1.3% 85+ 28 1.2%
According to the 2010 census data, 4.3% of families live below the national poverty level. The median household income is $ 52,174 while the per capita income is $ 24,434.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 100
FY 2019 RDP
IV. Economic Resilience
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the Regional Intergovernmental Council, a four-county planning and development council, consider economic prosperity is linked to an area’s ability to prevent, withstand and quickly recover from major disruptions to its economic base. Establishing economic resilience in a local or regional economy requires the ability to anticipate risk, evaluate how that risk can impact key economic assets, and build a responsive capacity. Often, the shocks/disruptions to the economic base of an area or region are manifested in these ways:
• Downturns or other significant events on the coal industry which impact demand for locally produced goods and consumer spending.
• Downturns in coal related industries that constitute a critical component of the region’s economic activity.
• Other external shocks such as the June 23, 2016 flood that decimated Clendenin and Clay County areas.
This is no more apparent than the downturn in the coal industry in our region. The Regional Intergovernmental Councils Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy begins to build the capacity for economic resilience. The members of this committee often become the focal point for post-incident coordination, information dissemination, responding to external inquiries, and the lead grant administrator for local, state and federally funded recovery initiatives.
In building economic resilience, it is critical that this organization consider its role in the pre-incident and post-incident environment to include proactive and responsive initiatives.
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 101
FY 2019 RDP
V. References
Boone County Development Authority Charleston Gazette-Mail Clay County Free Press Coal Valley News Herald-Dispatch Putnam County Development Authority STATS America TechConnectWV United States Census Bureau West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council West Virginia Division of Culture and History West Virginia Public Broadcasting Workforce WV WV MetroNews
Regional Intergovernmental Council – Region III 102