Boone, Clay, Kanawha Putnam Counties

Transcription

FY 2014 Update
Regional Development Plan
Region III – Boone, Clay, Kanawha
Putnam Counties
Prepared by:
Regional Intergovernmental Council
315 D Street
South Charleston, WV 25303
September, 2014
1
Table of Contents
Page
I.
Introduction and Purpose……………………………
3
II.
The Regional Planning and Development Council
Organization………….……………………………….
5
III.
A Situation Assessment: The Area and Its
Economy……………………………………….. 35
Regional News………………………………….. 36
Boone County…………………………………. 40
Clay County……………………………………. 52
Kanawha County………………………………. 59
Putnam County………………………………… 95
B.
IV.
Strategic Evaluation……………………………112
References……………………………………………………….118
2
I.
Introduction/Purpose of
The RDP
3
I.
Introduction and Purpose
The FY 2014 Regional Development Plan (RDP) 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.
4
II. The Regional Planning and
Development Council
Organization
5
COMMUNITY
REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL COUNCIL
MEMBERSHIP – JULY, 2014
REPRESENTATIVE
Boone County Commission
Mickey Brown
Clay County Commission
Kanawha County Commission
Putnam County Commission
Town of Bancroft
Town of Belle
Town of Buffalo
Town of Cedar Grove
City of Charleston
Town of Chesapeake
Town of Clay
Town of Clendenin
Town of Danville
City of Dunbar
Town of East Bank
Town of Eleanor
Town of Glasgow
Town of Handley
City of Hurricane
City of Madison
City of Marmet
City of Nitro
Town of Poca
Town of Pratt
City of St. Albans
City of South Charleston
Town of Sylvester
Town of Whitesville
Town of Winfield
Boone County Citizens Representative
Clay County Citizens Representative
Kanawha County Citizens Representative
Putnam County Citizens Representative
City of Charleston Citizens Representative
RIC Minority Representative
RIC Minority Representative
Private Sector Representative
Workforce Development Representative
Labor Representative
Jerry Linkinoggor
Henry Shores
Andy Skidmore
George Woodrum
Buck Chestnut
Gary Tucker
James Hudnall
Danny Jones
Damron Bradshaw
Ryan Clifton
Gary Bledsoe
Mark McClure
Terry Greenlee
Charles A. Blair, II
Walter F. Halstead
Charles Armstrong
Essie Ford, Jr.
Scott Edwards
Sonny Howell
Bill Pauley
Dave Casebolt
James Caruthers
Gary Fields
Dick Callaway
Frank Mullens
Manuel Arvon
Fred V. Harless, Jr.
Randy Barrett
Kris Richmond
David Pierson, Jr.
John Luoni
Joe Tyree
Dennis Strawn
Oree Banks
Coston Davis, Jr.
Lewis Payne, Payne Gallatin Mining Co.
Joy Underwood, Coal River Inn
S.K. Miller, Workforce Investment Board
Todd Mullins, Kanawha Valley Labor
Council
Jeri Adkins, Charleston Area Alliance
Eric Sharp, Labor Emp. Cooperative Trust
Jeff Boyd, Boyd Medical
Rebecca Prokity, Bridgemont Community
and Technical College
Trina Sweeney, WV State University
Doug Hartley, KVRTA
Elwood Penn, IV, WV Department of
Transportation
Lee Roberts, Tornado Products
Chamber of Commerce Representative
Labor Representative
Education Representative
Education Representative
KVRTA Representative
WVDOH Representative
6
RIC Officers
Chairman
Dick Callaway
Mayor, City of St. Albans
1st Vice-Chairman
Charles Armstrong
Mayor, Town of Glasgow
2nd Vice-Chairman
Jerry Linkinoggor
3rd Vice-Chairman
Buck Chestnut
Mayor, Town of Belle
Treasurer
Lewis Payne
Secretary
James Hudnall
Mayor, Town of Cedar Grove
7
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Mark Felton
EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANT
FINANCE
MANAGER
TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING MANGER
Joyce Rockwell
Chamese
Ruddock
Scott Ferry
PROJECT
ADMINISTRATOR
PROJECT
COORDINATOR
SoJuana Ellis
Terry Martin
SENIOR
PLANNER
TRANSPORTATION
ENGINEER
PLANNER
Kara
Greathouse
Masood Akhtar
Doug Rice
The staff is assigned to the four work program areas; Local Technical Assistance, Economic
Development, Community Development and Transportation.
Percentage of Work Program Areas
Loca Technical
Assistance
12%
Economic
Development
12%
Community
Development
17%
Transportation
59%
8
Mission, Structure and Programs
Mission
The Boone-Clay-Kanawha-Putnam (BCKP) 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 B-C-K-P Regional Intergovernmental Council is comprised of
Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam Counties and their 29 local
governments. The Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC) was
formally organized in November, 1971. The Council has 48 members
representing 29 local governments and 19 community
representatives.
The State of West Virginia is composed of 55 counties. The Regional
Intergovernmental Council includes four counties located
geographically in the western/central part of the State. The four
counties are Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam. Further, 25
municipalities are located in the four-county region.
Bancroft
Buffalo
Charleston
Belle
Cedar Grove
Chesapeake
9
Clay
Danville
East Bank
Glasgow
Hurricane
Marmet
Poca
St. Albans
Sylvester
Winfield
Clendenin
Dunbar
Eleanor
Handley
Madison
Nitro
Pratt
South Charleston
Whitesville
Each political unit, including the 25 municipalities and 4 counties,
through its Chief elected official, has one vote on all council business.
The State of West Virginia 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
Thirteenth & Fourteenth District
Eighteenth & Nineteenth
Thirtieth, Thirty-first & Thirty-second
Clay
Putnam
Boone
Kanawha
Congressionally, Region 3 falls into two districts: Second District (Clay,
Kanawha and Putnam) and 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 2013-2017 to
accomplish the following work products:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Prioritize Goals and Objectives
Continue Technical Assistance
Continue Local Planning Assistance Program
Continue Transportation Planning and Management
Activities.
10
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 and incorporation,
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.
11
The Council is composed of 29 local chief elected officials of the Region
(four county commissioners and 25 mayors), as well as 16 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.
An important part of RIC’s public information process is its newsletters (4
published yearly) and annual report, with a circulation of approximately
400. The publications keep a representative cross-section of our Region
informed of the Council’s goals, objectives and activities.
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, Area Agency on Aging, Resource Conservation and
Development Committees, 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.
12
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.
Region III goals have remained during the current fiscal year; 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 eight 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 RIC region. Worked with
local officials in developing projects.

Served on various committees and boards, including the Putnam
County Transportation Committee, the Kanawha Valley Local Port
Authority, and Community Reinvestment Act committee, the WV
Association of Regional Planning and Development Councils, and
WV Association of MPO’s.
13

Assisted communities and others by providing census and other data,
providing assistance with mapping and GIS 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 St. Albans, City of South Charleston and Kanawha
County in updating their Comprehensive Plans.

Provided census and other data to communities and others.

Conducted training session regarding FEMA flood mitigation grant
programs and the Community Rating System.

Co-sponsored a workshop on bicycle and pedestrian provisions of
MAP-21.

Assisted Town of Belle with an annexation study.

Participated in a field review of local flooding issues in St. Albans with
local state and federal officials.
Community and Economic Development

During FY 2014, RIC administered a number of infrastructure
projects, including: Boone County PSD, Low Gap to Big Ugly
Waterline Extension; Boone County PSD Mud River/Cox’s Fork
Waterline Extension; Clay-Roane PSD Waterline Extension; Handley
Sewer Rehabilitation Project; Pratt Sanitary Sewer Project; Belle
Sewer Rehabilitation Project; Winfield Sewer Project; Clay County
Pack Fork and Independence Road Waterline Extension; and Poca
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. RIC also acted as labor
compliance officer for Elk Valley PSD and the Dunbar Sanitary Board
and conducted labor interviews and verified certified payroll records.

RIC is assisting in the development of additional infrastructure
projects, including:
Nitro Regional Wastewater Treatment
Improvements; the Boone County Morrisvale Cameo Waterline
Extension; the Kanawha PSD Sewer Extension Project; Elk Valley PSD
Sewer Extension; the Clay County Pack Fork and Independence Road
Waterline Extension; the Clay County PSD Interconnection Project
and Dunbar Sewer Rehabilitation Project. RIC also assisted with
funding requests for a number of other projects, some of which are
pending.
14

RIC continued to provide administration for the Winfield Stormwater
project.

RIC completed a Regional Broadband Strategic Plan for the Region.
The regional plan will become part of a statewide broadband plan.

The RIC Staff assisted in the prioritization and selection of the second
round of Small Broadband Utilization Grants for the WV GIS State
Coordinator.

RIC is continuing its assistance to TechConnect WV in the
administration of a U.S. EDA planning grant to assist in the
advancement of an innovation economy in West Virginia, focused on
four technology sectors: advanced energy, chemicals and advanced
materials, biosciences and biometrics.

Staff completed two (2) applications for USDOT TIGER projects in the
region.
RIC completed their 5-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS) for the region. Also, completed the Regional Development Plan (RDP)
and submitted to the WV Development. RIC also completed one annual CEDS
Update.
Private Development

Completed and submitted annual CEDS Update.

Provided information on Region III to consultants, market analysts
and private businesses to promote economic development.

Provided information of an EDA grant for TechConnect WV.

RIC has assisted the State with broadband development efforts,
including reviewing applications for technical assistance grants and
preparing a regional broadband strategic plan.
Long-Range Planning
During FY 2014, RIC, along with its partner, Michael Baker, Jr., Inc., completed
work on the update to its Long-Range Transportation Plan for Kanawha and
Putnam counties. The work consisted of performing an analysis of existing
transportation conditions within the region, analyzing socioeconomic forecast
data and highway data through RIC’s travel demand model, identifying existing
and potential future highway system deficiencies and identifying proposed
transportation improvement projects over the next decade that would serve to
alleviate those deficiencies. Extensive public outreach was performed during
the course of this work in order to receive input from the general public, key
15
stakeholders and local officials. The plan was completed and adopted by the
RIC policy board in September 2013.
Clean Air Act
RIC has continued to follow developments related to requirements of the Clean
Air Act. RIC is designated as a maintenance area for the 8-hour ozone and a
non-attainment area for particulate matter (PM 2.5). RIC has a long-range
transportation plan and TIP, which are both in conformity with the State
Implementation Plan under the Clean Air Act. In development of the long-range
plan amendments and TIP, RIC has followed consultation procedures in
conjunction with 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. RIC continues to employ GIS in
most of its transportation planning activities, and to provide mapping for other
GIS activities as well as for RIC members and other agency 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
County Planning Commission, the City of St. Albans, the City of South
Charleston, and others.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Initiatives
From the list of recommended bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects in
the current RIC Long-Range Transportation Plan, RIC staff have prepared
CMAQ applications for submission to WVDOH for bicycle and pedestrian
improvements.
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.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
During the course of the year, RIC updated the TIP quarterly, consistent with
WVDOT’s quarterly Statewide TIP schedule. Upon completion of the new
metropolitan transportation plan, RIC prepared a new 4-year TIP.
Transit Planning
RIC worked with the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority
(KVRTA) to complete a five-year strategic plan for the transit agency. As part of
the plan development, current KVRTA service and ridership levels were
examined, which aided in developing forecasts for future transit needs in
16
Kanawha County. The plan also analyzed and identified future transit service
funding sources and made various recommendations for service changes. RIC
prepared its annual KVRTA route-level service analysis.
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 public hearing and planning process is explained in Section A.
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 keep the project
list current. 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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
water/sewer
economic development
transportation
community development
housing
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
conformity to regional goals, objectives and development
priorities
multiple regional needs
number of persons benefiting
job creation potential/unemployment
job retention potential
benefit to low and moderate income persons
funding commitment (local, private, state, federal)
utilizes existing public facilities or enhances existing
programs
adds a needed public facility
applicant’s past performance
17
Water Projects:
ID NO.
Project Name
Morrisvale Cameo Waterline Extension
1
$2,850,000
Boone
Clay
Clay Co. PSD
$5,000,000
Clay
Clay Co. PSD
$1,200,000
Clay
Clay Co. PSD
$2,500,000
Clay
Clay Co. PSD
$1,500,000
Clay
Cla Roane PSD
$4,000,000
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 River and opens valuable
land development for economic development.
Clay Roane PSD Tank and Booster Upgrade
9
Boone Co PSD
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 Extension
8
Boone
To provide potable water to the 100 households near Interstate 79. This project has been developed for
over 20 years with the inability of the Town of Clay to supply the necessary capacity of water to the
residents. The Town has completed their new plant in 2013 which double 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
7
$4,000,000
This project would make available additional flow and pressure to the northern area of Clay County.
Currently there is a bottleneck and insufficient storage to provide additional customers with needed water
for projects to be developed in the northern section of Clay County along Interstate 79 and beyond.
Clay County PSD Big Otter Nebo Waterline
6
Boone Co PSD
To provide potable water to the approximately 130 residences in the Independence and Pack Road area of
Clay County. These residents were cut out of the original project in 2006 and have been patiently waiting
for additional funding.
Clay County PSD Interconnection Project
5
Boone
Boone Raleigh
$4,000,000
PSD
To build a new water treatment facility along the Big Coal River. The current plant was built in 1935 and
some of the equipment cannot be replaced. The system is held together by dedicated operators. The plant
services over 600 residences in Whitesville, Sylvester and Seng Creek in Boone County.
Clay County PSD Phase II Waterline Extension
4
Project Cost
To provide potable water to the residents of Prenter proper, approximately 40 families, which currently
have untested well water and mining has changed the water table.
Boone Raleigh PSD Water Treatment Plant
3
Sponsor
To provide water service to approximately 170 residents in Boone and Lincoln County from Woodvale to
Morrisvale and the Cameo area that were affected by pre 1977 mining practices.
Prenter Phase II Waterline Extension
2
County
Clay
Clay Roane PSD
$919,000
This project replaces an antiquated 30,000 gallon tank that was constructed by volunteers in the 1980's
and has surpassed its useful life. The pump station feeding the tank is out dated and needs to be replaced.
The project serves 7 additional customers and improves the pressure to 15 other current residents.
18
Blue Knob Waterline Extension
10
Clay
Kanawha County
$2,547,000
Commission
To provide potable water to the residences of Leatherwood Road near Clendenin by a Public-Private
Partnership with West Virginia American Water Company
Kanawha
Kanawha County
$670,000
Commission
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.
Coalburg Waterline Extension
12
Kanawha
Kanawha County
$4,100,000
Commission
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.
Mahon/Paint Creek Waterline Extension
13
14
15
16
17
19
Kanawha
Putnam County
Commission
To provide potable water service to the residents of Poca River that is unserved at this time..
Poca River Road Waterline Extension
Putnam
Unknown
Putnam County
$3,500,000
Commission
To provide potable water service to the residents of Buff Creek and Trace Fork in Putnam County.
Buff Creek and Trace Fork Waterline Extension
Putnam
Putnam County
Commission
To provide potable water service to the residents of eastern Putnam County.
East Putnam Co. Waterline Extension
Putnam
Putnam County
Commission
To provide potable water service to the residents of Tacket's Branch in Putnam County.
Tackett's Branch Waterline Extension
Putnam
Unknown
Unknown
Putnam County
$2,300,000
Commission
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.
Phase II Jim Bee Ridge Waterline Extension
18
$3,000,000
This waterline project will serve up to 40 residences with potable water. This area, which is not in the
Town, was deemed to be served by the Clay County Commission as the logical provider since the Town
currently has service at the beginning of Blue Knob Road.
Leatherwood Waterline Extension
11
Town of Clay
Putnam
Putnam County
Commission
To provide potable water service to the residents of the Manila Ridge in Putnam County.
Manila Ridge Waterline Extension
Putnam
$1,776,000
SEWER PROJECTS:
Boone County
$4,300,000
PSD
To upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Danville and rehabilitate the lines in West Madison from
increased inflow and infiltration.
WWTP Upgrade and Line Rehabilitation
20
Town of Glasgow WWTP Upgrade
21
Boone
Kanawha
Town of Glasgow
$500,000
To upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Glasgow by adding a clearwell and additional pump and
housing to the system.
19
Kanawha County
$875,000
Commission
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.
Eden's Fork Sewer Line Extension
22
23
24
Kanawha
Greater St.
$6,000,000
Albans PSD
To construct the sewer line extension that connects Brown's Creek, Vlope Road and areas toward
Tornado, WV which would connect to the main GSAPSD line and be treated by the City of St Albans
WWTP.
Greater St. Albans Phase II Sewer Extension
Kanawha
Sissonville PSD various Sewer Line Extension
Kanawha
Sissonville PSD
$8,178,006
To provide sewer line extensions and upgrades throughout the system to be treated at the SPSD WWTP.
25
26
Greater St.
$8,000,000
Albans PSD
To provide sanitary Sewer Service to the community of Tornado, and areas along Smith Creek in the
Tornado area.
Greater St. Albans Phase III Sewer Extension
Kanawha
City of Nitro Blake's Creek Sewer Extension
Kanawha
City of Nitro
$3,468,000
To provide sewer service to the unserved residences in the Blake's Creek and Ridenour Lake area of Nitro.
27
City of Nitro Pocatalico River Sewer Extension
Putnam
City of Nitro
$1,500,000
To provide sewer service to the unserved residences in the Pocatalico River area of Nitro.
28
City of Nitro WWTP Upgrade
Putnam
City of Nitro
$8,300,000
To upgrade the Nitro WWTP and their lift stations to better serve the resident of Nitro.
29
Putnam PSD Hollywood Dr Sewer Extension
Putnam
Putnam PSD
$3,000,000
To provide sewer service to the residents of Hollywood Drive in Putnam County.
30
Putnam PSD Frasier's Bottom Sewer Extension
Putnam
Putnam PSD
$3,000,000
Putnam
Putnam PSD
$2,150,000
Kanawha
Kanawha PSD
$9,800,000
To provide sewer service to the unserved areas of Fraziers Bottom.
31
Putnam PSD Upgrade of North Putnam Plant
To upgrade the North Putnam WWTP.
Hernshaw/Lens Creek Sewer Extension
32
To provide service to approximately 450 residences along Route 94 (Lens Creek Road) from Marmet to
the Boone County Line, to be collected at the Marmet WWTP.
Upper Witcher Creek Sewer Extension
33
Kanawha
Kanawha PSD
$2,100,000
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
34
Kanawha
Town of Marmet
To provide sidewalks and sidewalk upgrades throughout the Town.
20
$301,000
Clay Streetscape Project
35
36
Clay
Town of Clay
$200,000
To add to the streetscape design in the Town by increasing the design and implementation of the current
streetscape.
Clay Fire Station Rehabilitation
Clay
Clay County
Commission
$241,000
Kanawha
City of St Albans
$150,000
To purchase and build a new fire station in Clay, WV
St Albans Spot Slum and Blight
37
38
To promote certain buildings 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
Kanawha
City of Charleston
$600,000
City of Charleston
$750,000
To provide funds to repave Second Avenue in the City.
39
Orchard Manor Bridge Replacement
To replace the bridge to a low housing area in the City of Charleston
40
South Hills Streetscape
Kanawha
To add charm and flair to the business district along Bridge Road, an eclectic area of the city.
41
42
CASE Project for Arts and Science Center
Kanawha
City of Charleston
Capitol Street Streetscape
Kanawha
City of Charleston
$80,000
Kanawha
City of Dunbar
$398,614
Unknown
To update the streetscape in the heart of Charleston.
43
Sidewalk and Streetpaving project
To provide funding for streetpaving and sidewalk repair to the main thorofares of the City.
44
10th Street Streetscape
Kanawha
City of Dunbar
$252,153
To provide a Streetscape to the entrance to the City from South Charleston via the Dunbar Toll Bridge.
45
Safe Route to Schools - sidewalk project
Kanawha
City of Dunbar
$130,000
To provide sidewalks as part of the safe route to schools Department of Transportation grant program.
Handicapped Accessibility - City Hall
46
47
Town of Eleanor
$16,000
To provide access to the Historic Red House building that is also the seat of government for the Town of
Eleanor.
City of
$4,000,000
Montgomery
To construct a Community Center along Morris Drive in Kanawha County for the residents of the area.
Community Center on Morris Drive
Kanawha
Town of
$84,000
Clendenin
To construct an elevator to the town council chambers on the second floor of Town Hall. The stairs are
very steep.
Handicapped Access and Elevator - City Hall
48
Putnam
Kanawha
21
Economic Development Initiatives
49
50
To Be
Determined
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 private companies.
West Virginia Regional Technology Park
Kanawha
WV HEPC
WV 601 (Jefferson Road) Improvements
Kanawha
WV DOT
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
51
Kanawha
To Be
Determined
WV HEPC
Kanawha
WV DOT
$1,700,000
Kanawha
To Be
Determined
WV HEPC
Putnam
WV DOT
$98,400,000
Kanawha
Charleston
$10,000,000
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
58
$2,000,000
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 Rt 35.
Civic Center Renovations
57
PCDA
Establish a consortium to deal with the innovation of new and expanding business that is developed in the
business park and the area.
New US 35 alignment in Putnam County
56
Putnam
This streetscape is a welcome entrance to the East End neighborhood which is home to the City's
Historical District and another entrance close to the Capitol Complex. This would assist the East End Main
Street Association to showcase the Capitol Market, the Charleston Furniture District and Laidley Field ,the
premier sports complex in the City. This includes Morris Street to Ruffner Avenue.
Innovation Adoption and Transfer Consortium
55
$8,000,000
To define an Incubator specifically designed for the chemical industry that will foster new concepts in the
chemical industry.
Smith Street Streetscape
54
Charleston
To develop a spec building that will serve either for rental or sale to increase jobs and increase the vitality
of the local economy.
ChemCeption Business Incubator
53
Kanawha
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.
Shell Building at Putnam County Park
52
$55,000,000
Clay
CAEZ
$5,000,000
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.
22
Black Commercial/Industrial Site
59
66
67
68
Kanawha
To Be
Determined
CAA
Kanawha
UKVEC
$1,000,000
Clay
CAEZ
$220,000,000
Kanawha
WV DOT
$500,000
Provide a streetscape entrance to part of the downtown of Charleston featuring the Clay Center, the
Appalachian Power Park and Charleston General Hospital. This entrance from Interstate 64 should be
enhanced as a destination for area hotels and downtown living. This project includes Washington to Smith
Street.
Dinner Theater and Shopping in Saint Albans
65
$4,000,000
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.
Leon Sullivan Way Streetscape
64
PCDA
The center at Chelyan has available land and requests for tenancy but no available area that would
support additional businesses in their incubator.
Highway from Clay to Summersville
63
Putnam
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
Medical/Mixed Use Incubator Annex
62
$250,000
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 I77/79 to access most of the Northeast
Kanawha County Industrial Park
61
BCEDA
To develop approximately 6 acres behind the Kroger Grocery store in Madison that could be retail,
commercial or industrial or even mixed use. This property is near one of Madison's premier housing
developments.
Inland River Port at Eleanor, WV
60
Boone
Kanawha
St Albans
$2,000,000
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
Determined
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.
Charleston Riverfront Development
Kanawha
Charleston
Improvements to US 60 in Kanawha County
Kanawha
WV DOT
$31,300,000
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
To determine the location and design of a sports center dedicated to West Virginia Athletes.
23
Third Street Underpass Improvements in Saint
Albans, WV
69
71
St Albans
$9,600,000
Widen the existing railroad underpass to three lanes and improve vertical clearance. This will open the City
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
70
Kanawha
Kanawha
WV DOT
$5,000,000
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.
Projects for WV Biosciences Association
Kanawha
To Be
Determined
WV HEPC
Any project that envisions biosciences that create jobs and helps the local economy.
72
Coal Related Job Retraining
All
To Be
Determined
Workforce
To develop retraining or assist new businesses that will diversify the coal related economy.
73
Water and Sewer Projects to
Industrial/Commercial Parks
All
To Be
Determined
Any Utility
Any project that will assist commercial or industrial businesses compete in the local, regional and global
markets.
Planning Initiatives
74
Technical Assistance to Innovative Businesses
Kanawha
TechConnectWV
$500,000
75
Nitro Brownfields Redevelopment Assessment
Putnam
PCDA
$200,000
76
Planning Grant for Development of New Highway in Clay
County
Clay
CAEZ
$315,000
77
Coonskin Park Bridge Economic Development Planning
Grant
Kanawha
CAA
$500,000
Boone
City of Madison
$500,000
Kanawha
Town of
Chesapeake
$250,000
City of Nitro
$250,000
Storm Sewer Projects:
78
Madison Storm Drainage Project
To provide storm drainage to areas that flood in high rainfall.
79
Storm Sewer Project along Railroad
Boundary Street Storm Sewer
80
Kanawha
24
85th and 98th Street Storm Sewers
Kanawha
Town of Marmet
$641,000
City of Charleston
$300,000
City of Charleston
$128,000
Kanawha
City of Charleston
$98,000
Kanawha
City of Charleston
Unknown
Kanawha
Charleston
$50,000
Kanawha
Town of Glasgow
$550,000
Putnam
Putnam County
Planning
$18,000,000
Putnam
Town of Winfield
$2,000,000
Putnam
City of Hurricane
$115,000
Putnam
Town of Eleanor
$500,000
Putnam
Town of Buffalo
$496,300
81
82
Chesterfield Avenue Storm Sewer
Kanawha
83
Mountain Road Drainage Project
Kanawha
84
North Charleston Storm Sewer Project
85
Garrison Avenue Flood Drainage
86
Parson's Court/5th Avenue Flood Drainage
87
Municipal storm sewers
88
Teays Valley Storm Water Improvements
89
Winfield Stormwater Improvements
90
Millard and Linda Avenue Storm Sewers
91
Eleanor Storm Sewers
92
Buffalo Phase II Storm Sewer Project
25
93
Longterm Stormwater Control - MS4
Kanawha
City of St Albans
$500,000
City of St Albans
$7,000,000
To provide a plan to alleviate storm drainage in all areas of the City
94
Flood Control along Curtis, Monmouth, Walnut
and Kanawha Terrace
Kanawha
Recreation Projects:
95
Improvements to Community Pool
Clay
Clay County
Commission
$100,000
Clay
Clay County
Commission
$355,000
Kanawha
Town of Glasgow
$38,600
Kanawha
St Albans
Kanawha
Town of Cedar
Grove
To upgrade the Clay County Pool and bathrooms.
96
Livestock and Multi-use Pavillion
To build a multipurpose build that will house all facets of the park.
97
Pool Filtration Replacement System
To replace the filtration system at the community pool.
98
Community Center
$1,500,000
To build a community center for the youth of the City.
99
Riverfront Park, Boat Ramp and Picnic Shelter
$210,000
To develop a boat ramp and picnic area near the community park and playground in Cedar Grove.
100
Playground Equipment
Putnam
Town of Poca
$13,446
Kanawha
City of Charleston
$175,000
City of Charleston
$1,727,000
Provide playground equipment to various park areas.
101
Establish a Groundwork Trust
Establish funding for a Groundwork Trust for the City of Charleston
Gateway Greenspace
Kanawha
102
markets.
103
Putnam County Parks playground equipment
Putnam
Putnam County
Parks
$110,000
City of Hurricane
$325,000
To add playground equipment to various parks in Putnam County.
104
South Hurricane Recreation Area
Putnam
To add to the Park system for the City of Hurricane
26
105
Wetlands Park near Putnam Industrial Pk.
Putnam
Putnam County
Development
Authority
$500,000
Town of Danville
& Madison
$875,000
To add a wetlands park at the Putnam Industrial Park in Fraziers Bottom.
106
Walking Path and Bridge Wellness Trail
Boone
To construct a bridge and extend a walking trail to connect to the current Madison Wellness Trail.
107
Marina along Kanawha River
Kanawha
City of
Montgomery
$4,000,000
To develop a marina along the Kanawha River for the Upper Kanawha Valley.
108
Riverscape Park and Boat Launch
Kanawha
City of South
Charleston
$6,000,000
To provide a boat launch and park under the 1-64 Bridge in South Charleston
Historic Preservation Projects:
109
Restoration of City Hall
Kanawha
City of Charleston
$100,000
Putnam
Town of Buffalo
$40,600
Restoration of City Hall
110
Buffalo Academy Rehabilitation
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
111
Provide additional units for the elderly and handicapped residents of St Albans.
Planning Projects:
112
City-Wide Storm Drainage Improvement Study
Kanawha
City of St Albans
$44,000
Conduct a City-wide storm drainage improvement study for the City of St Albans.
Comprehensive Storm Water Evaluation
Kanawha
City of Charleston
$700,000
113
markets.
Unification of 3 East End Plans - GIS Project
Kanawha
City of Charleston
$60,000
114
markets.
27
115
CSO and Asset Management Plan of Town
Sewer
Kanawha
Town of Cedar
Grove
$100,000
Provide a CSO and Asset Management Plan for Cedar Grove to develop plans for a sanitary sewer upgrade.
Buffalo Region Zoning Ordinance Study
Putnam
116
Putnam County
Planning
$50,000
Putnam County
Planning
$50,000
Putnam County
Parks
$50,000
Identify zoning ordinances and study their affects on the region
117
Buffalo Region Drainage Improvement Study
Putnam
Conduct a study of the drainage improvement for the Town of Buffalo
Putnam County Recreational Trails Master Plan
Putnam
118
Conduct a Master Trail Plan for the Putnam County Parks and Recreation
Note: acronyms
Boone County Economic Development Authority
Charleston Area Alliance
Central Appalachia Enterprise Zone
Putnam County Development Authority
WV Department of Transportation
WV Higher Education Policy Commission
Upper Kanawha Valley Enterprise Community
BCEDA
CAA
CAEZ
PCDA
WV DOT
WV
HEPC
UKVEC
28
CEDS Committee
2014 CEDS Advisory Committee
Andy Skidmore, Putnam County Commission
Kris Mitchell, Boone Co. Development Authority
Andrew Dunlap, Putnam County Development Authority
Connie Lupardus, CAEZ
Mike Aeiker, Charleston Area Alliance
Damron Bradshaw, Upper Kanawha Valley Enterprise Community
Anne Barth, TechConnect WV
Todd Mullins, Kanawha Valley Labor Council
Jerry Linkinoggor, Clay County Commission
Wyatt Hanna, South Charleston attorney
Rebecca Prokity, Bridgemont C&T College
Joy Underwood, Danville Motor Inn
David Pierson, Jr., Clay
Lewis Payne, Payne Gallatin
Jeff Boyd, Boyd Medical
Mark Sankoff, Potesta Engineering
Jerry Elkins, MS Consultants
Katy Mallory, Steptoe & Johnson
Curtis Hardman, Region 3 Workforce Investment Board
29
MINUTES
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee
RIC Office
May 14, 2014 – 10:00 a.m.
Attending:
Katy Mallory, Steptoe and Johnson
Lewis Payne, Payne Gallatin
Jerry Elkins, MS Consultants, Inc.
Mike Aeiker, Charleston Area Alliance
Joy Underwood, Coal River Inn
Connie Lupardus, Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone
H. Wyatt Hanna, Attorney
Damron Bradshaw, City of Chesapeake
Mark Felton, RIC Staff
Terry Martin, RIC Staff
Joyce Rockwell, RIC Staff
The meeting was called to order by Terry Martin of the RIC staff.
I. CEDS Update 2014
Terry Martin asked if there were comments or questions regarding the draft CEDS
update document that was mailed in advance. General discussion ensued. Mark pointed
out that the committee members could provide comments to the staff on the draft
document for at least the next 30 days and that it would be posted online for public
comment beginning next week.
II. CEDS Goal, Objectives and Strategies
Terry referred the committee members to the goals, objectives and strategies, which had
been mailed and were also distributed. These are the same goals, objectives and
strategies that were included in last year’s CEDS. He asked if there were comments or
suggested changes. Discussion ensued. No substantive changes were recommended, but
Katy Mallory suggested that the numbers be removed from the list of goals and
strategies as these imply priority. The committee agreed to this by consensus.
Katy Mallory moved and Lewis Payne seconded that the goals, objectives and strategies
be endorsed as presented. The motion carried.
III. CEDS FY 2015 Project List
Terry Martin presented a draft economic development project list for the committee’s
consideration. Discussion ensued regarding the purpose of the list, which is twofold: 1)
to include projects that may be considered for US EDA funding (projects must be on the
CEDS to be eligible for EDA funds); and 2) to identify economic development projects
that may be funded by non-EDA funding, thereby providing a planning basis for these
projects. The list was derived from last year’s (FY 2014) CEDS as well as input from
30
our local governments and economic development agencies. The list showed the
priority ranking from last year. New projects were added to the bottom without a
ranking.
After some discussion, three new projects were added to the list: 1) Charleston Civic
Center District; 2) WV Sports Hall of Fame (South Charleston); and 3) General water
and sewer projects throughout the region. The committee decided that all projects were
important and that the priority should primarily reflect feasibility and readiness to
proceed. With that in mind, the group recommended that projects that were in early
planning phases be ranked lower on the list and that projects that could be implemented
in the near term be given a high priority. The committee identified which projects
should move up on the list, which should move down and which should stay about the
same. Based on these recommendations, it was the consensus of the group that the RIC
staff should prepare an updated list and submit it by email to the group for approval.
The meeting adjourned at 11:00.
31
Minutes
Regional Intergovernmental Council
September 11, 2014; 12:00 Noon
South Charleston Library
The Regional Intergovernmental Council met on September 11, 2014, at the South
Charleston Library. Chairman Dick Callaway declared a quorum per registration.
Call To Order
Chairman Callaway called the meeting to order with a prayer and the Pledge of
Allegiance. He introduced RIC’s newest board member: S. K. Miller, Executive
Director of Workforce Investment Board, Region III.
Executive Director’s Report
Mark announced that the Regional Councils will not be doing Source Water protection
plans because the State decided to go in another direction.
The RIC office building has one remaining payment on its mortgage. The building was
financed in 1999 for 15 years.
Mark reported the following RIC activities:

Work continues on the Spring Hill Corridor and Hazardous Intersections Studies.

Burgess and Niple Consultants have been selected for the Corridor Studies for
St. Albans and Cross Lanes.

WVDOT’s Recreational Trails Program and Transportation Alternatives grant
applications are now available, with the intent to apply deadline date of
December 15, 2014. For more information, contact Scott Ferry at RIC.

RIC is providing administration services for the KRT System Analysis and 10
water and sewer projects.

RIC is presently working on the development of several other projects.

The RIC staff recently completed and submitted the Comprehensive Economic
Development Study (CEDS) update to EDA, and also will be submitting the
Regional Development Plan (RDP) update to EDA and the WV Development
Office later this month.

An ARC Workshop may be held in October; FY 2015 applications are due in
January.
32

Terry Martin has submitted several Small Cities Block Grants. Award
announcements are expected later this year.
Speaker
Chairman Callaway introduced our guest speaker, Mike Friel, public information
specialist for The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing.
Mr. Friel presented an overview of the Institute’s three Advanced Manufacturing
Centers in South Charleston, Huntington and Bridgeport. He summarized a few of the
services that they provide statewide to businesses, the military and individuals:
workforce development and training programs to develop new business and jobs in
West Virginia, quality certification and 3-D Printing. He performed a hands-on
demonstration of the 3-D printer which works with plastic, powder and metal powder,
and also discussed future technology.
BUSINESS MEETING
I.
Call To Order
Chairman Callaway called the RIC Business Meeting to order.
II.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Callaway presented the June 5, 2014 minutes for approval.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY JERRY LINKINOGGOR TO APPROVE THE
MINUTES AS MAILED. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COSTON
DAVIS, JR., AND WAS CARRIED.
III.
Treasurer’s Report
1.
Financial Report
Chamese Ruddock presented the Financial Report as of August 31,
2014.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BUCK CHESTNUT TO APPROVE THE
FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF AUGUST 31, 2014. THE MOTION
WAS SECONDED BY COSTON DAVIS, JR., AND WAS CARRIED.
33
IV.
Transportation
A.
TIP Amendments
Scott Ferry presented the Amendments to the FY 2014-2017
Transportation Improvement Program.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LEE ROBERTS TO APPROVE THE
AMENDMENTS TO THE FY 2014-2017 TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY
JERRY LINKINOGGOR AND WAS CARRIED.
V.
Legislative Allocation Resolution
Mark Felton explained that for FY 2015, the WV Legislature is offering
each of the 11 Regional Planning and Development Councils a $33,744
allocation to match federal funding. In order to accept the State grant,
RIC needs to pass a Resolution and agree to certain conditions, such as
supporting WV economic development initiatives. RIC agrees to use the
funds to match funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission
and the Economic Development Administration.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY GEORGE WOODRUM TO APPROVE
THE LEGISLATIVE ALLOCATION RESOLUTION. THE MOTION
WAS SECONDED BY S.K. MILLER AND WAS CARRIED.
VI.
Region III 2015 Project Package
Terry Martin presented the FY 2015 Project package.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY JERRY LINKINOGGOR TO APPROVE
THE FY 2015 PROJECT PACKAGE.
THE MOTION WAS
SECONDED BY JIM CARUTHERS AND WAS CARRIED.
VII.
Adjournment
A MOTION WAS MADE BY JERRY LINKINOGGOR TO ADJOURN
THE RIC MEETING. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY DENNIS
STRAWN AND WAS CARRIED. THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT
1:00 P.M.
34
.
III. A. Situation Assessment
The Area and Its Economy
35
REGIONAL NEWS
36
West Virginia’s innovation and entrepreneur economy is stronger, thanks to
efforts over the past two years by TechConnect West Virginia, located in
South Charleston. TechConnect has been advancing an integrated program
designed to expand entrepreneurial and business startup efforts that have
helped to create new tech-based jobs in high growth industries in West
Virginia.
The StartUp West Virginia program was launched in 2012, with funding from
the U.S. Economic Development and the State of West Virginia. In a final
report to EDA, Anne Barth, Executive Director of TechConnect, said, “We’re
showing progress in West Virginia’s innovation economy. It takes time, and
it may not show up on national rankings, but we’re developing an innovation
ecosystem that supports cluster development and growth.
The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible
Manufacturing has joined a national effort aimed at informing students,
parents and educators about opportunities in manufacturing. It will be the
first institution in West Virginia to participate in the Manufacturing Institute’s
“Dream It. Do It” initiative, which fosters growth, innovation and jobs by
building awareness of careers in manufacturing. Through the program, the
institute will focus on activities that promote rewarding and exciting careers
in industry through collaborations with its many partners in business,
education and government.
More than 48,000 people are employed in manufacturing in West Virginia.
The institute said manufacturing across the country are beginning to grapple
with a shortage of skilled employees. Charlotte Weber, director and CEO of
RCBI, said: “We see firsthand the sparkle in the eyes of young students
37
who use the latest technology, especially 3-D printing, and we recognize the
importance of engaging young minds.” “Now through ‘Dream It, Do It’,
we’ll extend our efforts to make them aware of exciting opportunities in
manufacturing – including a rewarding future, not just for their own
personal careers but also for artists, designers, inventors and consumers.”
The nation’s manufacturers have endorsed the career skills
program offered by the Robert C. Byrd Institute Manufacturing (RCBI). The
Manufacturing Institute named RCBI as the newest member of the “M-list.”
Considered a mark of excellence, the M-List recognizes “Manufacturers Endorsed”
institutions whose technical programs align to industry certifications in areas such
as production, welding and machining. RCBI is the 78th institution to be added to
the M-List and the first from West Virginia.
West Virginia employers will see a projected $32
million in workers’ compensation premium reductions in the coming year.
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) filed a proposed
reduction in workers’ compensation loss cost rates with the Office of the
West Virginia Insurance Commissioner - the 10th reduction in 10 years. The
lower rates result in lower workers’ compensation insurance premiums for
West Virginia employers. Since the workers’ compensation program was
privatized in 2005, West Virginia has seen a savings of more than $280
million.
The West Virginia Development Office promotes state industries through
trade expos, including the International Manufacturing Technology Show in
Chicago, the premier manufacturing technology show in North America,
featuring nine industry pavilions, 20 major project groups and more than
350 product categories. Five local economic development authority
representatives and six from WVDO attended the September 2014 show.
38
Marcellus Region achieves record natural gas production
For the first
time ever
recorded,
natural gas production in
the Marcellus
Region topped 15 billion
cubic feet per
day (Bcf/d) through July.
That’s the
assessment in the most
current U.S.
Energy Information
Administration (EIA) Drilling
Productivity
Report. The Marcellus
Region, based U.S. Energy Information
primarily in West Virginia
Administration
|
Drilling
and
Pennsylvania, is one of the
Productivity
Report
seven most
prolific areas on which the
EIA report
focuses. The seven regions
account for 95 percent of domestic oil production growth and all domestic
natural gas production growth during 2011-13.
According to the August 2014 EIA report, “The Marcellus Region is the largest
producing shale gas basin in the United States, accounting for almost 40
percent of U.S. shale gas production. Marcellus Region production has
increased dramatically over the past four years, increasing from 2 Bcf/d in 2010
to its current level.”
Although the rig count in the Marcellus Region has remained at around 100 rigs
during
the past 10 months, EIA predicts that
natural gas production in the Marcellus
Region will continue to grow due to
“improvements in drilling productivity.” The
production from new wells is expected to
offset an expected decrease in production
from existing wells. In a previous report,
EIA attributed increasing productivity to
“increasing precision and efficiency of
horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in oil and natural gas extraction.”
Source: The WV Edge Business Report
39
Boone County
Hatfield-McCoy Welcome Center
Boone County Business Development Center
40
Boone County was formed in 1847 from portions of Kanawha, Cabell, and
Logan Counties, Virginia. The County was named for 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. The average temperature in Boone
County is 54 degrees with the annual snowfall ranging from 25 to 35 inches.
Distance to Major Cities from Madison
Atlanta....................................................................................
Chicago………………………………………………………………………………..
Cincinnati……………………………………………………………………………..
Cleveland……………………………………………………………………………..
Columbus…………………………………………………………………………….
Lexington…………………………………………………………………………….
New York…………………………………………………………………………….
Pittsburgh……………………………………………………………………………
Washington, DC…………………………………………………………………..
517
512
222
281
241
181
560
257
391
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
Economy
Boone County is diversifying with job opportunities being created outside the
coal industry. The completion of Appalachian Corridor G through Boone County
promotes residential and commercial development. The Boone Partners in
Development and Boone Memorial Hospital developed a walking and biking trail
for the Madison/Danville area. This trail has been designed to promote
wellness in the county.
Boone County’s 70-mile section of the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trails offer
outdoor recreational opportunities to off-road enthusiasts, including ATV riders
and motorcyclists. Studies of the project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
forecast a $100 million added to the economy as well as many new jobs; the
completed trails will total 2,000 miles.
41
There are plans to quadruple the 500 miles of
roadways and pathways of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail to 2,000 miles, adding
trailheads that are accessible from Madison. This will encourage tourists to
come into Madison rather than going in areas around it.
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.
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 of Boone County.
Air Service
The nearest commercial airport is Yeager Airport at Charleston, a distance of 37
miles.
UTILILTIES
Water
There are two Public Service Districts that provide water to Boone County.
They are Boone Co. PSD and Boone-Raleigh PSD. Boone Co. PSD supplies
water to Madison and Danville and the major portion of Boone County. Much
42
of the water is supplied by the WV-American Water Company through publicprivate partnership.
Electric
American Electric Power (AEP) provides electric power throughout Boone Co.
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.
Quality of Life
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
Truck Driving Academy (with a 95% placement rate)
Fully-staffed hospital in Madison
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Housing Complexes for Seniors and the Elderly
Public libraries in Madison, Whitesville, Wharton and Racine
8 Community and Recreational Centers
Waterways Park
County and Municipal Parks and Pools
18 Hole Public Golf Course
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
$33 million County-Wide Water Project
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
43
WaterWays Theme Park
Recent Activity
The Boone County Community and Economic Development Office are
collaborating with several agencies to develop an outdoor amphitheater at
WaterWays Theme Park in Julian, and have committed $25,000 for the project.
The Boone County Commission and the Boone County Parks and Recreation
Commission are partnering on the project with the goal to bring more cultural
and performing arts activities to the area, and to increase the many activities
planned for Boone County’s major outdoor attraction. From Memorial Day to
mid-August, the WaterWays Park attracts 55,000 visitors annually to utilize the
many water attractions. WaterWays have recently added three newly paved
walking trails and a combination soccer/football facility.
Boone County completed a $1.5 million Small Cities Block Grant to assist in
providing water to over 130 customers in the Mud River-Cox’s Fork area. The
Boone County Commission contributed $340,000 for the project. Construction
which began April, 2013 finished December, 2013.
The City of Madison received a $200,000 streetscape project grant. The project
included new handicapped accessible sidewalks for Main Street, new street
lights, landscaping and trash receptacles. With the decline of the coal industry,
citizens of Madison are trying to reinvent their town through a movement
44
called, “REV Up Madison” – REV as in Revitalize, Energize and Visualize. REV
Up Madison began as a grass-roots effort to improve the downtown area.
Construction has begun on a new Boone County Memorial
Hospital, replacing its current 50-year-old building. Groundbreaking was held
in August, 2014 on the Madison facility. Funding was made possible through a
$31.8 million USDA loan, the largest rural development loan ever awarded in
West Virginia.
Patriot Coal announced on September 9, 2014, it is considering more layoffs at
its Corridor G mining complex near Danville. The complex includes the Hobet
21 surface mine and the Beth Station preparation plant which employs 360
people and produced 2.3 million tons of coal in 2013. Patriot issued “WARN”
notifications under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act,
which indicates layoffs could come in 60 days. Increasing EPA regulations,
mild summer weather and low natural gas prices has pushed prices for coal
used in electricity generation to levels below operating costs at many
Appalachian mines, according to Patriot’s CEO Ben Hatfield.
Socioeconomic Assessment
Top Ten Employers in Boone County
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Elk Run Coal Company
Boone County Board of Education
Hobet Mining, Inc.
Independence Coal Company
Spartan Mining Co.
Eastern Associated Coal Corporation
Boone Memorial Hospital
Panhandle Support Services, Inc.
Boone County Commission
Gateway Eagle Coal Co., LLC.
Source: Workforce WV, March 2013
45
Quick Facts for Boone County
People QuickFacts
Population, 2013
Population, 2012 estimate
Population, 2010
Persons under 5 years old, percent, 2012
Persons 65 years old and over, percent, 2012
Female persons, percent, 2012
White persons, percent, 2012 (a)
Black persons, percent, 2012 (a)
American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2012 (a)
Asian persons, percent, 2012 (a)
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, percent, 2012 (a)
Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 2012
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2012 (b)
White persons not Hispanic, persons, 2012
Living in same house 1 year ago, pct 1 yr old & over, 2008-2012
Foreign born persons, percent, 2008-2012
Language other than English spoken at home, pct age 5+,
2008-2012
High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, 2008-2012
Bachelor's degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2008-2012
Veterans, 2008-2012
Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16+, 20082012
Housing units, 2012
Homeownership rate, 2008-2012
Housing units in multi-unit structures, percent, 2008-2012
Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2008-2012
Households, 2008-2012
Persons per household, 2008-2012
Per capita money income in past 12 months (2012 dollars)
2008-2012
Median household income, 2012
Persons below poverty level, percent, 2012
Business QuickFacts
Private nonfarm establishments, 2011
Private nonfarm employment, 2011
Private nonfarm employment, percent change 2010-2011
Nonemployer establishments, 2011
Total number of firms, 2007
Retail sales, 2007 ($1000)
Retail sales per capita, 2007
Accommodation and food services sales, 2007 ($1000)
Boone
County
24,224
24,492
24,629
6.1%
22.8%
15.0%
50.3%
98.5%
0.6%
0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
0.6%
0.4%
98.1%
89.1%
0.1%
0.6%
74.3%
8.5%
2,042
28.0
11,071
77.4%
4.8%
$78,100
9,755
2.51
$21,576
$42,819
20.3%
Boone
County
318
6,857
-5.4%
769
1,119
$190,618
$7,589
13,226
46
Boone County Community
Profiles
47
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.
The 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 5.29%
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.
48
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
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%
median household income is $ 56,349 while the per capita income is $ 24,480.
49
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.
50
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.
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERSONS PERCENTAGE
42
8.2%
31
6.1%
22
4.3%
26
5.1%
31
6.0%
42
8.2%
19
3.7%
35
6.8. %
31
6.0%
39
7.6%
36
7.0%
38
7.4%
28
5.4%
22
4.3%
20
3.9%
18
3.5%
7
1.4%
51
Clay County
52
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. The mean annual temperature is
55 degrees and the mean annual snowfall ranges from 25-40 inches. The
variation is due to mountainous terrain. Two-thirds of the county lies at
elevations of 1,000 feet or more above sea level. The county seat is the Town
of Clay, located 42 miles from Charleston, West Virginia, the state capital.
Distance to Major Cities from Clay
Atlanta....................................................................................
Chicago………………………………………………………………………………..
Cincinnati……………………………………………………………………………..
Cleveland……………………………………………………………………………..
Columbus…………………………………………………………………………….
Lexington, KY……………………………………………………………………….
New York…………………………………………………………………………….
Pittsburgh……………………………………………………………………………
Washington, DC…………………………………………………………………..
511
589
301
294
205
222
509
204
336
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
Economy
Clay County is the poorest county in the region with a median household
income in 2011 of $29,801. It is designated by the Appalachian Regional
Commission as “distressed”. Economic challenges include its relative
inaccessibility and lack of developable land. Over half (52.8%) of workers living
in Clay County commuted outside the county to work in 2000. In 2012, health
care and social assistance was the largest employment sector, with the largest
single employer being the Clay County Board of Education.
Water projects are top priority for Clay County. Mines have closed in the
county, costing $400,000 annually in coal severance taxes. Property taxes have
declined drastically, another $200,000 in lost income for the County.
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, a program in Clay
County High School teaches students to build houses, and WV State University
offers classes at their Business and Education Center (formerly the Valley Fork
Elementary School). Local students and non-traditional students can now earn
a degree without leaving the County. The Center has high speed internet and
53
also full time day care. There are also five businesses that have located in
additional space.
Clay County has partnered with the WV National Guard and the WV Department
of Agriculture for possible ventures as orchards, farm to school/restaurants and
other agriculture programs.
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.
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.
UTILTIES
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.
54
Electric
Elk Power, American Electric Power (AEP) and Allegheny Power provide electrical
power to the area.
Gas and Other
Mountaineer Gas is the major provider.
Quality of Life
The following “Quality of Life” facts exist in Clay County:

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












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
Top 10 Employers in Clay County
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Clay County Board of Education
Clay Co. Development Corporation
Amvest WV Coal, LLC.
Diversicare Leasing Corp. (Laurel Nursing & Rehab. Center)
Oasis Outsourcing V, Inc.
Community Care of WV., Inc.
Gino’s Distributing, Inc.
Advantage Home Care, LLC.
Mountaineer Investigation
55
Quick Facts for Clay County
People QuickFacts
Population, 2013
Population, 2010
2008-2012
Bachelor's degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2008-2012
Veterans, 2008-2012
Housing units, 2012
2008-2012
Business QuickFacts
Clay County
9,244
9,284
9,386
6.6%
23.8%
17.3%
50.1%
98.6%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
0.0%
2.0%
0.5%
98.1%
90.4%
0.4%
0.9%
69.3%
8.3%
656
35.7
4,594
81.0%
3.3%
$81,900
3,441
2.72
$16,263
$33,165
26.3%
Clay County
104
1,304
-9.8%
405
527
$41,338
$4,101
1,344
56
Clay County Community Profile
57
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
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.
58
Kanawha County
59
General Description of Area
Kanawha County combines the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains
with the developmental potential provided by a major river system and mild
climate. 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. The
mean annual precipitation is 42 inches; snowfall averages 32 inches per year.
Distance to Major Cities from Charleston
Atlanta....................................................................................
Chicago………………………………………………………………………………..
Cincinnati……………………………………………………………………………..
Cleveland……………………………………………………………………………..
Columbus…………………………………………………………………………….
Lexington…………………………………………………………………………….
New York…………………………………………………………………………….
Pittsburgh……………………………………………………………………………
Washington, DC…………………………………………………………………..
504
541
200
252
167
178
530
227
361
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
Economy
Major industries in Kanawha County include healthcare, government, chemicals
and manufacturing. There are more than 6,000 businesses in the County,
representing more employment opportunities than any county in the State.
Infrastructure and Services (including Industrial Sites and Building
Space)
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Water State
Revolving Fund recently lent more than $18 million to the Elk Valley Public
Service District in Kanawha County to upgrade its aging wastewater treatment
plant and pumping station. The project will provide capacity for growth in the
future and will curtail excessive infiltration into the sewer system during storms.
Economic Development Assets:

South Charleston Industrial Park, South Charleston (formerly So.Chas.
Ordinance Center).
60

WV Regional Technology Park, South Charleston, 258 acres. Opened in
2011 after State of WV purchased part of the Dow Technical park,
originally opened by Union Carbide in 1949.
INDUSTRIAL SITES/OFFICE SPACE
The following industrial buildings are available:







Eureka Building
Shelton’s Fas Chek
J. A. Wendling Bldg.
Rex Bldg.
Jarrett-Aim Communications
Cross Lanes Exit I-64 Bldg.
Owens Industrial Park
(Bldg. 3)
11,091 sf
12,390 sf
22,500 sf
30,546 sf
40,756 sf
58,000 sf
131,630 sf
The following are industrial sites available:




Courtland Site
Technology Center Site
Worley Site
Ronald Lane Site
13.76 acres
56.0 acres
280.0 acres
285.0 acres
The following area industrial parks available:





Peerless Industrial Park
Forks-of-Coal Ind. Park
South Chas. Technology Park
NorthGate Ind. Park
Washington Heights Business Park
40.0 acres
90.0 acres
110.0 acres
139.0 acres
175.0 acres
The following office space is available:











Upper Kanawha Valley Enterprise
9,307 sf
Community Business Center
City Center East
83,003 sf
Cornerstone Office Bldg.
7,900 sf
Eagan Bldg.
25,903 sf
Former McJunkin Headquarters Bldg. 63,500 sf
Former AT&T Bldg. at Hill Plaza
32,466 sf
Hamilton Bldg.
63,500 sf
various sf available
Kanawha Valley Bldg.
Professional Bldg.
32,000 sf
The Technology Bldg.
22,500 sf
Verizon Call Center
16,779 sf
61
TRANSPORTATION
Highways
Three major interstates serve the Kanawha Valley: I-64, I-79 and I-77.
Construction of a new $82.8 million Interstate 64 bridge over the Kanawha
River between Dunbar and South Charleston was completed in October 2010.
The bridge is the longest continuous segmental span in the United States,
measuring 2,975 feet long, including the 760-foot main span over the Kanawha
River.
Completed or planned highway improvements:
WV 601 (Jefferson Road) Improvements in South Charleston:




Widen to five lanes from MacCorkle Avenue to Kanawha Turnpike
Widen to four lanes from Kanawha Turnpike to US 119 (Corridor G)
Construct a connector road from RHL Blvd. at Trace Fork Shopping
Center to Jefferson Road.
Construct a flyover bridge over CSX mainline tracks and Kanawha
Turnpike.
Funding Source: FHWA and WVDOT
Cost: $55 million
US 60 Improvements in Kanawha County: Widen to four lane divided facility
from Admiral TJ Lopez Bridge (Chelyan Bridge) to CR 81 (Kelly’s Creek Road).
Cost: $31.3 million
New US 35 alignment in Putnam County: Construct four lane median-divided
highway between the Johnathon David Higginbotham Memorial Bridge (CR
869) to the Mason County line.
Cost: $98.4 million
Third Street Underpass Improvements in Saint Albans: Widen the existing
railroad underpass to three lanes and improve vertical clearance.
Funding Source: WVDOT
Cost: $9.6 million
62
The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KVRTA) serves
Kanawha County and portions of Fayette and Putnam Counties. KVRTA
operates a network of 21 fixed routes oriented around the commercial center of
Charleston.
Limited bus service began in January, 2009 between Huntington and
Charleston, as part of an agreement with KVRTA and Tri-State Transit
Authority.
The West Virginia Division of Public Transit began offering daily bus service
between Charleston and Morgantown on July 1, 2014. The I-RIDE 79 bus
service makes daily stops in Charleston, Clendenin, Flatwoods, Weston,
Clarksburg, Fairmont and Morgantown. Fares start at $3 and go up to $15;
each direction, depending on where the passenger boards. Passengers can
board at any of the locations, along the route. The DPT is working with Barons
Bus Lines of Cleveland, in a nationwide effort to connect rural areas and urban
centers. From Charleston and Morgantown, bus passengers can travel on to
larger cities, such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Washington.
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 serves as a U.S. Customs Port
of Entry and has 5 major airlines: American, United, Delta, Spirit and US
Airways Express.
UTILITIES
Water
WV-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.
63
Gas and Other
Natural gas is supplied by Mountaineer Gas. Coal, fuel oil and propane are
readily available from local suppliers.
Economy
Major industries in Kanawha County include healthcare, government, chemicals
and manufacturing. There are more than 6,000 businesses in the County,
representing more employment opportunities than any county in the State.
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.
RIC is assisting TechConnectWV in the administration of a U.S. EDA planning
grant to assist in the advancement of West Virginia’s innovation economy.
TechConnectWV is a statewide economic development organization that seeks
to diversify the state’s economy through innovation-based economic
development, primarily in four-targeted technology sectors: 1) advanced
energy; 2) chemicals and advanced materials; 3) biometrics and identify
management; and 4) biotechnology. TechConnectWV serves as a forum and
facilitator to enhance awareness, spur collaboration, and raise the discussion of
issues needed to strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem. Goals of
TechConnectWV are to 1) build research and development (R&D) and
commercialization capacity, 2) build a culture that supports innovation and
entrepreneurship, 3) increase access to capital, and 4) support a proactive
business climate with incentives for innovation-based start-ups.
The Chemical Alliance Zone (CAZ) launched its new incubator-ChemCeption – at
the WV Regional Technology Park (WVRTP) on April 1, 2014. The only
incubator in the nation focused solely on commercializing chemistry-based
technology. ChemCeption is an innovation hub for any technology involving
chemistry, from traditional to green, water to plastics, biotechnology to energy,
and more, an affiliate member that is a start-up headquartered in Florida. The
inclusion of an affiliate member demonstrates the uniqueness of ChemCeption –
a combination of both rare commercialization facilities at the WVRTP and
exceptional commercialization expertise with one of CAZ’s strategic partners,
the Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research & Innovation Center (MATRIC).
Although CAZ is spearheading the initiative, working closely with
TechConnectWV, nine other strategic partners are key collaborators – WVRTP,
Charleston Area Alliance, MATRIC, INNOVA Commercialization Group, WV Small
Business Development Center (WVSBDC), West Virginia University, Marshall
University, WV Higher Education Policy Commission, and Robert C. Byrd
Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing. INNOVA and WVSBDC will
provide comprehensive entrepreneurial, start-up, and business services to
ChemCeption clients, and MATRIC will provide technical expertise and support.
64
Recent Activity
The dedication and opening of the Advanced
Technology Center at BridgeValley Community and Technology College’s South
Charleston campus, took place on August 19, 2014. The 55,000 square-foot, 2story training facility includes a mechanical drives laboratory and a fluid power
laboratory. The center will offer hands-on education for advanced
manufacturing, chemical process, advanced welding, computer networking and
emergency management technology. The facility was built with long-term
workforce training in mind.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, said of the facility’s opening, “the opening of the
Advanced Technology Center celebrates a partnership among state officials,
higher education, the private sector and community leaders that will provide
students the tools needed to receive the education they deserve.” During the
dedication, Toyota of WV announced its pledge of $1 million over the next 5
years towards new equipment, education and training for its Advanced
Manufacturing Technician degree programs at BridgeValley.
Gestamp, South Charleston
Gestamp West Virginia plans to employ 250 additional people at their South
Charleston facility by the end of 2014, according to a company official.
65
Employment at the South Charleston facility has increased from only nine
people to over 100 since June, 2012. The increase in employment is part of the
company’s business plan to employ 400 people within 5 years of start-up.
West Virginia hosted the Travel South Showcase for the first time in Charleston
on February 23-26, 2014. Travel South Showcase is an invitation-only
marketplace, exclusively for southern tourism organizations to connect with
qualified tour operators. As host, West Virginia will have the opportunity to
show tourism industry leaders many of the state’s attractions and recreational
activities.
Charleston’s West Side Main Street has received a community participation
grant to install Wi-Fi along West Washington Street, the West Side’s main
thoroughfare. West Side Main Street (WSMS) has attracted more than 30
businesses since 2005, creating about 150 jobs on the West Side.
The organization has invested about $150,000 in revitalization efforts and
works closely with Charleston’s East End Main Street program to foster
community growth through its façade grant program. The program allows
anyone interested in renovating a building to apply for up to $20,000 in costmatching funds from the agency. West Side Main Street has partnered to
renovate eight sites since 2008. WSMS also sponsors several community and
retail events throughout the year.
66
Charleston’s West Side
An urban orchard is being planted on a West Side
tract. California-based Fruit Tree Planting Foundation worked with Sustainable
Agricultural Entrepreneurs (SAGE) growers and volunteers in planting 15 trees,
all of which will produce a variety of small fruits in about three years. The
urban orchard is located next to the SAGE microfarm at the corner of Rebecca
St. and Kemp Avenue – Charleston Urban Renewal Authority property, once
intended for a park. SAGE farmers grow food to sell at area markets and
restaurants to create an economical and environmentally sustainable food
supply.
As the City of Charleston moves forward with revising and adopting its new
downtown redevelopment plan, work on a future Courtyard by Marriott and the
renovation of the Four Points by Sheraton, are part of the plan’s proposed
“Civic District”, which centers on the Charleston Civic Center.
67
Four Points by Sheraton
Renovations are complete at the Four Points by Sheraton, formerly the Ramada
Inn in downtown Charleston. This is the first Four Points hotel in West Virginia.
The 12-story hotel has 176 rooms on its third through tenth floors, 24 of which
are two-room suites. One the eleventh and twelfth floors, private
condominiums are under construction and will be completed at a later date.
Courtyard by Marriott
The Courtyard by Marriott is a 5-story hotel, scheduled to open in October,
2014. The hotel is being built on a site bordered by Kanawha Boulevard and
Elk River and will offer all the latest amenities: a bistro that will serve
breakfast, dinner and drinks; a fitness room and pool; free wireless Internet,
and booths in the lobby with individual televisions and “GoBoard” touchscreens
with local and travel information.
68
Charleston’s popular transit station at Slack Plaza
will be undergoing redesign through a grant secured by the Charleston Area
Alliance from EPA’s “Greening America’s Capitals”. Located in the northwest
area of downtown Charleston between Summers and Laidley Streets, Slack
Plaza functions as a pedestrian thruway, transit mall, and gathering space. The
plaza lacks green space, therefore, by adding public art and trees and
redesigning the pedestrian corridors will better serve Charleston’s efforts to
foster a more beautiful and sustainable community. The City and the
Charleston Area Alliance collaborated on a $650,000 grant proposal.
Another current project spearheaded by the Charleston Area Alliance is
Charleston EDGE (Early Dynamic Guided Engagement), designed to cultivate
lifelong engagement by young professionals through a program of early civic
interaction and empowerment within an urban housing to home ownership
program. The project targets downtown housing needs as well as the business
community’s desire to recruit and retain talent in Charleston.
Dallas is now the top destination for Yeager Airport travelers. American Airlines
began offering nonstop service between Charleston and Dallas in the spring of
2013. Yeager officials attribute the rapid growth of the Dallas market to an
upswing in oil and gas activity in West Virginia, and also the abundance of
corporate offices for energy concerns in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Airport
officials report that a $700,000 federal grant was awarded to Yeager in 2013 to
attract an airline interested in resuming nonstop service to Orlando, another top
69
destination for Yeager travelers. AirTran, the carrier for the Charleston-Orlando
non-stop flight service, ended their service last year. Yeager officials
announced in September that beginning on October 16, 2014, PEOPLE Express
Airlines will begin offering nonstop service from Yeager Airport to Orlando
International Airport. The Charleston-Orlando flights will be aboard 134-seat
Boeing 737 aircraft and will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Return flights to Charleston will depart Orlando on the same days.
Nonstop service from Charleston’s Yeager Airport to Philadelphia International
Airport began in June, 2014, with flights offered on Sunday through Friday.
Construction began in July, 2014 on a $6.2
million bridge into Coonskin Park to improve security for the WV National
Guard. The span is vital to keep the 130th Airlift Wing at Charleston’s Yeager
Airport in operation and help to prevent a possible federal base closure in the
future.
Renovation of Charleston’s Ashton Place Kroger, along Corridor G, was
completed in July, 2014. The company announced the expansion of the
52,000 square-foot store in August 2012 and has invested nearly $15 million in
improvements, which is expected to create an additional 50 jobs at the site.
The remodel has made the Ashton Place store one of the largest in the region.
Located in South Hills, the store is situated among one of the wealthiest areas
in the state.
70
Charleston’s Ashton Place Kroger
Entrance to Charleston Town Center
An $800,000 renovation to the Charleston Town Center’s Court Street entrance
has been completed. The outside improvements included replacing all concrete
surfaces between JC Penney and Five Guys Burgers & Fries, increasing the size
of sidewalks, adding more green space, removing the loading zone at Tidewater
Grill, adding more privacy for restaurant patios and improving accessibility of
the pick-up lane at Chili’s and Outback Steakhouse. The streetscape project
increased lighting by adding 11 additional streetlight poles.
71
The City of Charleston has begun an aggressive new marketing campaign to
help lure more visitors to the capital city. The new marketing plan specifically
targeted the National Boy Scout Jamboree which took place in Fayette County
at the Summitt: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve on July 15-24, 2013.
More than 40,000 Boy Scouts and their families descended on the Mount Hope
area for the Jamboree. Many scouts and their families stayed in the Charleston
area due to a shortage of hotel rooms in the Fayette County area.
A new Call Center company is coming to the Mountain
State. The company will be adding 250 jobs in Charleston. The company has
call centers in Elkins and Beckley. Ibex Global has more than 18 call centers
employing 9,000 customer service representatives in five countries, according
to its website. The jobs are expected to pay up to $11.00 an hour.
72
Business owners in downtown Charleston area are
realizing the advantage of working together. There are many common
interests and problems that could be addressed by having an independent
downtown association. Such issues as parking, shopper traffic and coordinated
marketing and events efforts could be addressed through an association similar
to Charleston’s Main Street organizations on the East End and West Side.
Imagine Charleston’s downtown task forces are putting together
an inventory of businesses and properties --a revitalization effort between the
Charleston Area Alliance and the Charleston Urban Renewal Authority. The
group is also working on increasing downtown parking and looking at streets to
add meters, specifically Lee and Washington Streets.
Charleston’s Warehouse District continues to grow. Construction on the threestory WV Division of Highways District I headquarters building is under way and
is scheduled to be ready by fall, 2014. The building will be linked to a 1930s
State Road Commission building next door. Work is progressing on the Kyle
Furniture building lofts (photo below) which is expected to spur more
development in the Warehouse district.
Construction of Condos in Charleston’s Warehouse District
East End Main Street Director Ric Cavender sees the condos as the beginning
chapter in the Warehouse district. One of the biggest anchors in the district is
Appalachian Power Park. The ballpark, which opened in 2005 and is home to
the WV Power, is estimated to attract 250,000 visitors annually.
73
Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston is one of eight medical centers
around the state that are participating in the West Virginia Clinical Trials
Network. The network, launching in spring, 2014, could keep patients closer
to home and generate at least an estimated $11 million in new economic
activity and hundreds of new jobs in its first year, according to a WV College of
Business and Economics study conducted for the Claude W. Benedum
Foundation. WV has one of the highest mortality rates in the country and also
the second-highest tobacco consumption in the U.S., and the third-highest rate
of obesity. By developing a statewide network, it would broaden access for
local people to cancer related clinical trials and unite government agencies,
academic institutions, civic groups and healthcare organizations in a
concentrated effort. The network is estimated to create 92 jobs in the first year
and 303 jobs by the sixth year with an average wage of $47,000.
CAMC’s New Cancer Center
Construction of the Charleston Area Medical Center’s New Cancer Center is
progressing. Cancer rates have increased in West Virginia over the past years
at a disturbing pace, and our region faces a mounting threat to health and
quality of life. CAMC’s vision is to provide comprehensive cancer treatment in a
multi-disciplinary single location that is near home. The facility is expected to
open in 2015.
West Virginia State’s newly renovated athletics facility is now open. The D.
Stephen and Diane H. Walker Convocation Center is a major step for WVSU,
which for years has suffered from a lack of capital projects.
74
The D. Stephen and Diane H. Walker Convocation Center
The Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Halll
A new residence hall with suite rooms and housing for up to 300 students has
opened for the fall semester (2014) at West Virginia State University. This is the
first new residence hall at State since 1969 and is named for the honorable
Judge Damon J. Keith, a 1943 WV State graduate and who has served on the
75
6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals since 1977. The hall provides a modern, livinglearning-wellness community with an honors floor, academic success center,
state-of-the-art technology and grab and go dining.
The State of West Virginia plans to double the money it
spends every spring to promote visiting the state, following the water disaster
that included on of the worst tap water contaminations in U.S. history. On
January 9, 2014, the state discovered thousands of gallons of chemicals leaking
into the Elk River from a faulty storage tank. The chemical contaminated the
local water supply, leaving 300,000 West Virginians without drinkable tap
water. Restaurants, hotels and other business were closed during the early
stages of the leak and contamination which resulted in thousands of dollars of
lost wages and an economic burden for many.
The Dupont Performance Chemical spin-off is still on track for mid-2015,
according to company officials. The company has plants in Belle (Kanawha
County) and Washington, WV that have units linked to the performance
chemical division. The company expects to spend about $270 million on the
restructuring.
Entrance to Dunbar Toll Bridge
The WV Department of Highways is implementing plans to modify the sidewalks
on both sides of the former Dunbar Toll Bridge. Previously, the only way to
access the sidewalk was to take a staircase on the South Charleston side of the
bridge, making it difficult for persons with handicaps to safely cross. Dunbar
Mayor Terry Greenlee said those with disabilities are forced to move in the
traveling lanes, making it extremely dangerous. The WVDOT plans to bring
the sidewalk around a half-circle down to the sidewalk on MacCorkle Avenue so
people with disabilities can safely cross the bridge. Construction will begin in
fall, 2014.
76
Dunbar has received two grants to beautify sections in the city’s downtown
area. The first grant is for 10th Street from Grosscup Avenue to Dunbar Avenue
and the second is for Dunbar Avenue from 10th Street to 14th Street.
A long time sporting goods store in
Kanawha County is shutting its doors this fall after nearly 85 years. The
SportMart, located on MacCorkle Avenue, SW, was founded in 1930 and one of
Charleston’s oldest businesses and a longtime sponsor of the Charleston
Distance Run. The 30,000 square-foot store housed its corporate offices,
shipping and receiving departments and a retail store. In a news release,
company officials said the closing is a result of every changing demographics,
competition from big chain stores, the internet and the local economy.
South Charleston’s Mound District
The City of South Charleston continues to thrive with its three shopping districts
at the Mound, Riverwalk Plaza and Spring Hill. The Mound area is the oldest
district and is located in downtown South Charleston. The small town main
street has several antique and arts and crafts stores and restaurants. Riverwalk
Plaza is located along the Kanawha River and offers options such as T.J. Maxx,
Catherine’s Dollar Tree, Edible Arrangements, Anytime Fitness, as well as many
other shops and restaurants. The Spring Hill district also has many gift shops
and restaurants, such as Calvin Broyles Jewelry, Spring Hill Pastry and the
77
Lamp and Shade Studio. South Charleston also offers suburban shopping
Corridor G at Southridge, Trace Fork and Dudley Farm Shops.
Carrier Enterprises is opening a new warehouse and distribution center on the
site of the former FMC Corporation (East Plant) near MacCorkle Avenue in
South Charleston, in October, 2014. The 15,750-square building will house a
warehouse, office, product showroom and two loading docks. Carrier
Enterprises is part of the largest independent heating and cooling equipment
company in the world, Watsco, Inc., and distributes products under the Carrier,
Bryant and Payne brands. The former FMC plant was demolished in the
1980’s, and the 16-acre property was the first to enter West Virginia’s
brownfields program, designed to help redevelop former industrial sites.
An additional six acres are ready for development at the same site.
South Charleston Mayor Frank Mullens announced plans to construct a new
sewage treatment plant, which will allow the city to extend sewer service along
Corridor G. The project could cost $28 million to add around 1,000 customers,
but the potential is great to attract new businesses and housing development.
Economic development would not be the only befit from the city’s sewer system
extension; the extension would replace septic tanks and smaller package
sewage treatment at subdivisions.
Top 10 Employers in Kanawha County
1.
Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc.
2.
Kanawha Co. Board of Education
3.
Herbert J. Thomas Memorial Hospital
4.
Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.
5.
WV Department of Highways
6.
The Kroger Company
7.
City of Charleston Municipality
8.
WV Department of Health and Human Resources
9.
US Postal Service
10.
Charleston Hospital, Inc. (St. Francis Hospital)
Source: Workforce WV, March 2013
78
Quick Facts of Kanawha County
People QuickFacts
Population, 2013
Population, 2010
2008-2012
Bachelor’s degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2008-2012
Veterans, 2008-2012
Housing units, 2012
2008-2012
Business QuickFacts
Kanawha Co.
191,275
192,061
193,063
5.6%
20.4%
17.3%
51.9%
89.0%
7.5%
0.2%
1.0%
0.0%
2.1%
1.1%
88.1%
86.9%
1.6%
2.3%
87.3%
24.3%
16,786
21.3
92,372
71.0%
17.2%
$100,000
82,961
2.29
$27,415
$45,642
14.2%
Kanawha Co.
5,291
87,645
-2.4%
9,758
14,196
$2,947,318
$15,429
$414,905
79
Kanawha County Community Profiles
80
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.
81
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%
median household income is $30,179 while the per capita income is $ 15,414.
82
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
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.
83
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
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.
84
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
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
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERCENTAGE
63
5.1%
71
5.8%
88
7.2%
72
5.9%
55
4.5%
52
4.2%
79
6.4%
73
5.9%
89
7.3%
93
7.6.%
100
8.1%
80
6.4%
83
6.8%
57
4.6%
44
3.6%
45
3.7%
50
4.1%
33
2.7%
85
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
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
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERCENTAGE
449
5.5%
393
4.8%
396
4.9%
497
6.1%
597
7.1%
626
7.9%
512
6.5%
448
5.7%
456
5.6%
476
6.0%
606
7.9%
617
7.8%
499
6.3%
365
4.6%
285
3.6%
318
4.0%
311
3.9%
310
3.9%
median household income is $ 43,988, while the per capita income is $ 23,900.
86
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
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%
87
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
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
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERCENTAGE
42
4.6%
49
5.4%
47
5.2%
44
4.9%
33
3.6%
41
4.4%
58
6.4%
66
7.3%
47
5.2%
47
5.2%
54
6.0%
65
7.2%
68
7.5%
55
6.1%
51
5.6%
32
3.5%
52
5.7%
54 6.0%
88
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
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
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERCENTAGE
24
6.9%
33
9.5%
22
6.3%
15
4.3%
21
6.0%
27
7.7%
27
7.7%
14
6.6%
29
8.3%
17
4.9%
14
4.0%
24
6.9%
18
5.2%
16
4.6%
13
3.7%
13
3.7%
13
3.7%
7
2.0%
89
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
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%
90
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
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%
91
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
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%
92
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
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%
93
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%%
94
Putnam County
John Amos Power Plant
Rock Branch Industrial Park
State-of-the-art Buffalo High School
95
General Description of Area
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. The mean
annual precipitation is 42 inches; snowfall averages 32 inches per year. There
are six (6) municipalities in Putnam County. They are: Bancroft, Buffalo,
Eleanor, Hurricane, Poca and Winfield. Also, a portion of Nitro is located in
Putnam County.
Distance to Major Cities from Winfield
Atlanta....................................................................................
Chicago………………………………………………………………………………..
Cincinnati……………………………………………………………………………..
Cleveland……………………………………………………………………………..
Columbus…………………………………………………………………………….
Lexington…………………………………………………………………………….
New York…………………………………………………………………………….
Pittsburgh……………………………………………………………………………
Washington, DC…………………………………………………………………..
534
469
180
275
200
170
570
257
365
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
Economy
Putnam County is the fastest growing county in the region and the most affluent
with a median household income in 2012 of $56,081. Putnam County has the
advantage of being located between Charleston and Huntington and connected
by interstate highway to both cities. It is also endowed with a relatively large
amount of flat developable land, both in the Teays Valley area and in the
Kanawha River Valley. The recent 4-laning 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.
Completed or planned highway improvements:
96

Upgrade I-64 from the Nitro interchange to the US 35
interchange from 4 to 6 lanes, including an 8-lane Nitro-St.
Albans bridge. $125 million. Projected completion in 2017.
INDUSTRIAL SITES/COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Industrial Parks space available:


Putnam Business Park, Frazier’s Bottom - 205 acres
Teays Valley Business & Industrial Park - 18 acres
Industrial Buildings available:









Tri-State Trucking, Hurricane
Central Van & Storage Bldg., Poca
Rock Branch Industrial Park, Poca
#6 McJunkin Road, Nitro
PM Enterprises Bldg., Nitro
Kanawha Valley Distribution Center, Nitro
M&B Properties, Inc. Warehouse, Poca
Allied Warehousing Bldg., Nitro
GSB Process Bldg., Hurricane
14,000 sf.
22,000 sf
5,000 sf
386,000 sf
53,567 sf
137,500 sf
163,200 sf
386,000 sf
5,000 sf
Industrial Sites available:




Southern Land Industrial Site, Nitro
Lillian C. Black Property, Hurricane
Soico Inc. Bldg. Site, Buffalo
Eleanor Industrial Site, Eleanor
2 acres
19 acres
9 acres
n/a
Commercial Property available:


I-64 & U. S. Rt. 35 (Crooked Creek
Interchange, Scott Depot
179.642 acres
Liberty Square Shopping Center, Hurricane 30 acres
TRANSPORTATION
Highways
Putnam County is served by Interstate 64, which provides service from St. Louis
MO to Richmond, VA, and by US Routes 35 and 60 and WV Routes 34 and 62.
97
Bus service began in January, 2009 from Charleston to Huntington (round trip
once a day). Taxi service is now 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.
UTILTIES
Water
Water is provided to Putnam County residents by American Water, Putnam PSD
and the City of Hurricane.
Energy
The City of Hurricane completed a solar panel project to provide power for the
city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Electric
American Electric Power (AEP) provides electricity.
Gas and Other
Natural gas is provided by Mountaineer Gas.
Recent Activity
Putnam County rates in the top 20 percent of best communities to locate a
company, according to Southern Business & Development Magazine. The
magazine ranks Putnam County #47 out of 250 best southern communities.
The study looks at population, population change, per capita income, median
home price, cost of living index, unemployment rate, metro population and
metro population change.
98
The City of Hurricane was ranked Third Best Place for Homeownership in West
Virginia, by NerdWallet, a consumer advocacy website. A recent study was
conducted to find the best places for homeownership in West Virginia, and
Hurricane ranked among the top ten. The area has a homeownership rate of
78.1% and median monthly homeowner costs are $1,152. Hurricane was also
the second most affordable place in the top ten – residents spent only 21.85%
of their median income on monthly homeowner costs.
Toyota has added 80 jobs at the
Putnam County plant by investing $45 million to boost production at the Toyota
Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV) facility in Buffalo. The effort is
expected to enable TMMWV to produce 10,000 more transmissions per month.
The expansion will also increase employment at the WV plant to 1,200 and
Toyota’s total investment to $1.3 billion. TMMWV builds six-speed
transmissions for the Avalon, Camry, Lexus RX350, Sienna and Venza.
Toyota was awarded the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for the 9th
year in a row. The Toyota Plant in Buffalo cuts its energy use by 4% and saved
$300,000 annual when it installed a compressed air metering system in 2012.
The savings alone is estimated to eliminate 10,000 tons of greenhouse gas
emissions while saving the company $1.2 million each year. During the past
ten years, cumulative cost savings at 13 of Toyota’s North American plants
totaled more than $370 million.
A $4 million investment
in Putnam County’s Nippon Thermostat plant will create 30 additional jobs by
2016, more than doubling the business’s current workforce, according to Gov.
99
Earl Ray Tomblin at an announcement made in August. The Tokyo-based
company, which manufactures automotive thermostats for Toyota, Honda,
Nissan and others, plans to expand its Fraziers Bottom location by 26,000
square feet.
Multicoat Products has received a WV Economic Development Authority loan for
$1,507,300 to finance equipment for its expansion in a facility in the Putnam
County Industrial Park. Multicoat Products produces a line of concrete
restoration and waterproofing products for pools, spas and decks.
CAMC’s Teays Valley Hospital continues to
expand facilities and improve services. The hospital has invested $10 million in
new equipment since taking over operations in 2006. A state-of-the-art unit
opened to patients in January, 2014, along with two hyperbaric oxygen
chambers and a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.
Martin’s Peterbilt truck dealership has opened
off of I-64, Exit 34 in Hurricane. This is the fourth location for the company
and represents a slight change in direction for them. Other locations are
primarily for coal, natural gas and oil companies, however, the Hurricane
branch will be tailored to commercial freight and fleet businesses and will sell
Peterbilt tractors, Mac trailers and Peerless trailers as well as Class 6 to Class 8
commercial trucks, parts and accessories.
The branch is a full-service
dealership with a service department and employs seven, but foresees doubling
that in the near future.
100
A large subdivision is coming to Poca with the addition
of 66 single-family homes. The community will be called “Shiloh Estates”. Poca
mayor James Caruthers says, “Usually only one or two homes per year are built
in Poca, so this subdivision is going to be a game changer for the city”.
Approximately 200 people are expected to live in the subdivision, bringing in
more money for the city through property taxes.
Panera Bread has signed a lease to move into the Teays Valley shopping
center. Construction is expected on the 4,800 square-foot building with a patio
and drive-thru to begin in late fall of 2014 for an early summer opening.
Panera will be the first in Putnam County and eight in West Virginia.
Former Winfield Town Hall
New home of Winfield’s Municipality Building
Winfield City Hall has moved into a new home. The former town hall had fewer
than 2,000 square feet and had “Town Hall” written on its façade, but Winfield
whose population has grown seven times what it was 30 years ago, now calls
itself a city. The new city hall has 7,750 square feet and places city hall and
the police department under one roof. Winfield plans to turn the old police
station into a community center.
Winfield hopes to break ground in 2016 for a new sewer system. The City has
been struggling to meet acceptable ammonia levels since 2001 and has applied
to the state’s Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council, which
recommended seeking a $7.5 million, 30-year loan from the WV Development
of Environmental Protection.
101
Winfield’s proposal to annex land west of its current limits will be presented to
the Putnam County Commission in September, 2014. If approved, the city’s
area would be increased by 40 percent, however, the annexation proposal has
drawn opposition from business owners just outside of the city limits who do
not want to pay the city’s business and occupation tax rates.
Winfield is planning a new city park along the Kanawha River. The
town is a finalist for a $150,000 grant from WV American Water that would help
build a playground and shelter. The winner should be announced at the end of
August, 2014. The city is also working with the WV DNR to install public boat
ramps off of the proposed Winfield City Park. The project would cost an
estimated $500,000 to $750,000, with 75 percent coming from federal funding
through the Sport Fish Restoration Act and 25 percent from state hunting and
fishing license revenue.
Winfield park officials and consultants have begun working on a master plan for
the next 15-20 years of recreation in Putnam County. The estimated $98,000
plan will include an assessment of the entire county’s recreational assets. Also
included will be those in city and town owned parks, illuminating county-wide
recreational needs.
The West Virginia Economic Authority has
purchased land from FLSmidth in the Putnam County Business Park, but plans
to lease it back to the company. FLSmidth moved its WV Operation from
Chapmanville to Frazier’s Bottom and currently employs 65 people, with plans
to hire 70 more after one year, and 85 after three years.
FLSmidth
manufactures large industrial screens that any type of aggregate, mineral or
material goes through for a sorting process.
Following four years of no building permits, the 205-acre Putnam County
Business Park, has been a flurry of activity. The Putnam County Office of
Planning and Infrastructure has approved five structures and site preparation
has begun in developing the south side of the Putnam County Business Park.
The site will provide approximately 20 acres with immediate access to U.S.
Route 35 and will supplement shovel ready sites already available.
Site
preparation will continue into 2014, and the Putnam County Development
Authority is welcoming potential businesses interested in locating a new or
expanding facility.
102
Dunkin Donuts is opening their 9th West Virginia location in Hurricane. Dunkin
Donuts Senior Director of Franchising says, “We work really closely with the
local franchises on choosing new locations. They are local business people who
live and work in these towns. They help us to identify the most successful
locations….what is the best fit for this town and this opportunity?” In the
Hurricane market, the company knows they will get plenty of traffic at the
location just off of Teays Valley Road.
Patriot Coal has moved its headquarters from downtown
Charleston to Putnam County. Patriot’s WV corporate offices new location is in
the former International Coal Group Building just off the I-64 Teays Valley exit.
Approximately 100 workers are employed at the corporate office.
Top 10 Employers in Putnam County
1.
Putnam Co. Board of Education
2.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, WV, Inc.
3.
Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc.
4.
Appalachian Electric Power
5.
Diamond Electric Manufacturing Corporation
6.
Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.
7.
Rite Aid of WV, Inc.
8.
American Electric Power Service Corporation
9.
U.S. Foodservice, Inc.
10.
Putnam County Commission
103
Putnam County Community Profiles
104
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
census. The Town has 587 residents compared to 367 residents in 2000. The largest
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%
median household income is $ 51,012 while the per capita is $ 30,197.
105
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
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%
106
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
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
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERCENTAGE
99 6.5%
106 7.0%
85 5.6%
72 4.7%
65 4.3%
87 5.7%
108 7.1%
95 6.3%
108 7.1%
97 6.4%
104 6.9%
101 6.7%
98
6.5%
97
6.4%
74
4.9%
48
3.2%
44
2.9%
30
2.0%
107
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
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 out-numbered 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
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERCENTAGE
406
6.5%
498
7.9%
438
7.0%
396
6.3%
298
4.7%
375
6.0%
454
7.2%
459
7.3%
440
7.0%
465
7.4%
418
6.7%
409
6.5%
380
6.0%
261
4.2%
223
3.5%
142
2.3%
134
2.1%
88
1.4%
108
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
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
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERCENTAGE
50
5.1%
59
6.1%
63
6.5%
61
6.3%
47
4.8%
47
4.8%
56
5.7%
66
6.8%
68
7.0%
71
7.3%
51
5.2%
65
6.7%
86
8.8%
61
6.3%
42
4.3%
39
4.0%
29
3.0%
13
1.3%
109
Town of Winfield
Location
The Town 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
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
population. The median age of the residents of Winfield is 40.2.
PERSONS
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
PERCENTAGE
138
6.0%
151
6.6%
209
9.1%
141
6.1%
109
4.7%
126
5.5%
130
5.6%
140
6.1%
185
8.0%
200
8.7%
189
8.2%
179
7.8%
145
6.3%
91
4.0%
74
3.2%
35
1.5%
31
1.3%
28
1.2%
110
III. B.
Strategic Evaluation
111
In light of the nation’s recent economic downturn and a more competitive
economic development environment, our state and regions have somewhat a
differential impact. Obviously the residents of each county will react differently
in terms of how they will approach their economic future. The economic
leaders have an excellent understanding of their local economy. The most
important factor in successful economic development is that communities
understand that local initiatives are necessary for successful development to
happen. It is the local leadership and residents that must build a reasonable
strategy and implement it.
Opportunities for Economic Development
A. Transportation Modes. A navigable river, the Kanawha and
adequate highway, rail and air traffic networks support economic
development in Region III.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains a navigation channel
300 feet wide and nine feet deep in the Kanawha River, which
flows through Putnam and Kanawha Counties in Region III.
Waterborne commerce has tripled on the Kanawha River in the
last thirty years. The cargoes transported on the Kanawha
include coke and coal, salt brine, sand and gravel, oil and gas,
iron and steel and miscellaneous products. The Winfield Locks in
Putnam County is able to accommodate nine huge barges at a
time. The new Marmet Locks and Dam now has twin 56’x360’
lock chambers which become operational in 2008.
Rail service is available for commercial and industrial usage. The
rail lines link Region III to all United States market areas. Conrail
and Chessie Systems handle the major freight needs of coal,
chemical and other industries.
Yeager Airport in Charleston provides air service in the Region.
Yeager provides non-stop flights to twelve airports in eleven
cities: Charlotte, Detroit, Cleveland, Houston, Philadelphia,
Cincinnati, Atlanta, Chicago, both Washington DC airports, Myrtle
Beach, and Orlando.
The interstate highway system that serves Region III includes I64, 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.
112
B. Natural Resources. Coal is the major resource relevant to the
regional economy. Boone County produced more coal in West
Virginia in 2007. Oil and gas production contributes to the
employment of Putnam, Clay, and Kanawha Counties. In
addition, the Region lies within the Central Hardwood Forest areas
and is predominantly forested – forests occupy nearly 80% of the
land surface.
C. Educational Facilities. Three colleges, a graduate school, and
vocational training facilities serve the four-county training needs.
A skilled work force is available to satisfy the growth demands of
industry and commerce.
The economy in the region is changing, as evidenced by the
significant number of layoffs in recent years. Issues are being
addressed to adapt to current economic conditions and to prepare
the region to meet new requirements of both existing and
potential employers. The initiation of Workforce Investment
Boards was to consolidate, coordinate, and improve workforce
investment pursuant to the provisions of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998. Goals of the Workforce Investment
Boards include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Increase emphasis on business customer including
expansion of services available by Workforce WV system
partners.
Develop the education and skill level of job seekers and
employees to meet the requirements of the region’s
employers.
Customers will have choices in deciding the training
program that best fits their needs and the organization that
will provide the service. They will have control over their
own career development.
Develop an integrated WorkForce WV delivery system,
increasing partner involvement in the delivery of services.
Build capacity of staff to improve and expand delivery of
service to both employer and job seeker customers.
Implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote
WorkForce WV system to all customer populations.
Expand the role of the Workforce Investment Board’s to
further link employment, education and economic
development in the region.
Businesses will provide information, leadership and play an
active role in ensuring that the system prepares people for
current and future jobs.
113
While recent funding cuts in Workforce Investment Act funds will
have an impact on the number of people served, the vision,
mission and goals remain in tact.
D. Business Attitudes.
The people of Region III have consistently shown a strong
acceptance of industrial and mining enterprises, and actively
solicit new businesses for the area. Economic development is a
major concern for residents and local officials in rural areas as
population declines. Where attention used to focus on larger
companies to drive the larger economy, it has turned to smaller
businesses already in the communities with potential for
expansion.
Boone County
The main objective in Boone County Development Authority’s
Annual Action Plan is:

continue to work on funding to bring infrastructure to
the Corridor G (US 119) area. The announcement that
Alpha Natural Resources built a Regional Headquarters
is Boone County’s is great news because it will enable
the county to proceed with bringing water north along
U. S. 119 to the Wash Branch Industrial Park, 10 miles
North of Danville. The County is also seeking funding
to bring water south to the Boone-Logan County line
(12 miles South of Danville). Infrastructure, especially
water, is a priority in order for the county to diversify
from a coal-based county to a vibrant economy. The
County Development Office, in cooperation with the
Boone County Commission, Boone Co. PSD, RIC, and
the State, have provided funding for the waterline
extension.
Clay County
In 1994, the Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) of
West Virginia was incorporated to address the needs of citizens
living in distressed communities in central West Virginia, which
includes Clay County of Region III. CAEZ serves the community
as a developer, facilitator, and resource coordinator.
According to the Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone Business
Plan, the first priority in revitalizing distressed communities is to
create economic opportunities for all residents. The creation of
114
jobs provides the foundation on which residents will become
economically self-sufficient and communities can revitalize
themselves. The following accomplishments have been achieved
in the County:






Creation of a loan fund to provide financing for new and
expanding businesses.
Creation of an entrepreneurial development program funded
by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Development of a multi-county marketing strategy for
economic development.
Secured access to 8 acres of land for a campground along
Buffalo Creek and the Elk River in Clay County.
Negotiations with Elk River Railroad on 14.5 miles of rail for an
excursion train.
Initial start up funds for Central Appalachia Arts and Crafts
Cooperative.
In addition to economic development, the CAEZ has developed a
housing rehabilitation program and revolving loan fund. The
housing committee has low interest loans for low income
individuals that have been used to assist families for living
improvements such as new roofs, septic systems, handicapped
accessible ramps and wells for safe drinking water.
In addition to economic development the CAEZ has initiated
preschool programs and an expansion of the Adult Basic
Education Program and also has obtained funding for a wellness
center in Clay County.
Kanawha County
Economic development means something different to each county. For
some, it may mean balancing growth with the quality of life, while for
others; it may mean diversifying the economic base. Local leadership
will always be essential. An example is the City of St. Albans in
Kanawha County, which was named as one of West Virginia’s first
Blueprint Communities. Localities were chosen based on their current
capacity to plan and implement community revitalization projects and the
ability to assemble a qualified leadership team that represents diverse
community interests.
Putnam County
Putnam is a remarkable success story. The county has experienced
nearly an 8 percent population increase over the last decade. This
achievement ranks it as one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
115
In Putnam County, there is a diverse mix of manufacturing, service and
retail establishments which provide stability to the area’s economy.
Putnam County does its best to understand the strengths and
weaknesses as well as comparative advantages of the local economy in
order to provide a comprehensive approach to economic development
through increasing job creation, job retention, tax base and opportunities
to enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.
116
IV.
References
117
RIC wishes to thank the following for their valuable input in
completing this document:
Charleston Area Alliance
WV Development Office
WV Department of Commerce/EDGE Business Reports
WV Bureau of Employment Programs
Boone County Development Authority
Putnam County Development Authority
Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ)
Charleston Gazette and Charleston Daily Mail
US Census Bureau
StatsAmerica
118

Boone, Clay, Kanawha Putnam Counties

Transcription

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