AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Energy Push: West Virginia signed a 7-page memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy outlining a framework for a potential Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, with the state still in the finalist stage. Power & Reliability: Virginia residents can weigh in on Appalachian Power’s proposed 30-mile transmission line rebuild aimed at reducing outages, though the final route hasn’t been set. Arts & State Facilities: The West Virginia Culture Center is set to close much of its space ahead of renovations, with no new reservations for 2027; “Mountain Stage” performances will shift during the work. Local Business & Community: Huntington’s Ritter Park hosted “Art in the Park,” bringing regional artists and original work to the Tri-State area. Workforce & Training: Pierpont Community & Technical College will break ground Sept. 30 on an Aviation Maintenance Technology facility at the West Virginia AeroTech Park to expand capacity and link students to major aerospace employers. Housing Market: Zillow reports Monongalia County’s typical home value rose to $267,757 in August 2026, up 2.7% year over year. Sports with Economic Spillover: West Virginia beat No. 25 Virginia 38-27, improving to 3-0 under Rich Rodriguez—another high-profile moment for the state’s sports economy.

WVU Upset: West Virginia beat No. 25 Virginia 38-27 in Charlotte, with QB Michael Hawkins Jr. totaling 313 yards and five touchdowns as the Mountaineers improved to 3-0. Workforce & Education: Pierpont C&TC will break ground Sept. 30 on an Aviation Maintenance Technology facility at the West Virginia AeroTech Park to expand training capacity and link students to major aerospace employers. Tourism: New River Gorge ranked No. 17 among North America’s most-visited national parks, with 1.96 million recreation visits in 2025. Community & Health: GEAR UP Southern West Virginia is marking National GEAR UP Week with events focused on college readiness, financial aid awareness, and test practice. Energy & Policy: Gov. Jim Morrisey says West Virginia is now in the DOE’s nuclear lifecycle innovation campus consideration list, with state officials expected to build a hosting plan. Local Business/Skills: A Marion County volunteer rescue squad reunion highlights how community-built EMS efforts evolved into today’s traditional ambulance model. Coal & Health: A report highlights surging black lung cases and the long delays some miners face in securing federal benefits.

WVU Upset Sparks Momentum: West Virginia improved to 3-0 with a 38-27 Duke’s Mayo Classic win over No. 25 Virginia in Charlotte, led by QB Michael Hawkins Jr.’s 313 total yards and five touchdowns, while the defense held firm after adjustments from coordinator Zac Alley. Offense Meets the Test: The win also highlighted a new-look WVU offensive line, with the Mountaineers leaning on the run late to close out the ranked opponent. Local Business Spotlight: Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo in Kingwood hosted “Roar & Explore,” a vendor day built to draw visitors and give West Virginia small businesses a boost. Appalachian Education Funding: Capital University announced a new scholarship from President Jared Tice for students in Appalachian counties across Ohio and West Virginia, aiming to lower financial barriers. Data Center Politics in Focus: Community advocates protested at the Capitol against data center momentum in Mason County, arguing residents weren’t properly informed as state certification moves projects forward. Energy/Workforce Pipeline: Gov. Patrick Morrisey said West Virginia is being considered for a DOE nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, with officials now tasked with building a hosting plan. Property Watch: Kanawha County recorded multiple $75,000+ property transfers in the Sept. 6-12 window, including a $500,000 sale in Charleston South Annex.

Data Center Politics: West Virginia advocates say Gov. Morrisey’s administration moved too fast on “high-impact” data center approvals in Mason County, with residents protesting at the Capitol over lack of local notice and zoning control. Environmental & Chemical Liability: Neighbors near Chemours’ Wood County plant are pushing a new class-action lawsuit over alleged PFAS contamination and property damage after earlier pollution challenges. Workforce & Education Funding: Morrisey announced a $15 million federal grant to expand WV READY Educational Opportunity Centers, aiming to boost adult training and credentials statewide. Housing Market Snapshot: Zillow reports Harrison County’s typical home value rose to $148,224 in August 2026 (+0.7% year over year) and Kanawha County to $154,872 (+1.8%). Community & Public Safety: Mason County declared a 30-day state of emergency after severe flooding, with officials also responding to an active riverbank landslide threatening a key rail line. Local Governance Surveillance: Monongalia County commission candidates are clashing over Flock automated license plate reader cameras funded with opioid settlement money.

State Emergency: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a 30-day state of emergency in Mason County after severe flooding and a riverbank landslide near Point Pleasant threatened an Ohio River rail line, mobilizing state resources under the Emergency Operations Plan. Education & Workforce: West Virginia won a record $15 million federal Educational Opportunity Centers grant to expand WV READY centers statewide, targeting adult learners and workforce training through the state’s nine community and technical colleges. Healthcare Costs: A West Virginia C-SPAN caller said Medicare insulin costs jumped from about $6 for a 28-day supply to $80 at CVS, adding to broader concerns about rising out-of-pocket medical expenses. School Choice Debate: Hope Scholarship participation is nearly doubling in some counties and statewide applications are up, but critics are still pushing for reforms despite reported high parent satisfaction. Public Safety Tech: Lawmakers and local officials are pressing over Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras, with Monongalia County’s rollout and statewide questions about accuracy and oversight drawing fresh scrutiny. Arts Department Audit: A legislative audit found major financial and inventory missteps in the former Department of Arts, Culture and History, now under the Tourism Department. AI Infrastructure IPO: Nvidia-backed Nscale filed for an NYSE IPO, and its West Virginia campus is tied to a major Anthropic deal for AI compute capacity.

State Energy & Rates: West Virginia lawmakers are weighing a “public interest” fight over PJM market reforms as AEP and FirstEnergy push back, with ratepayers still facing some of the region’s highest power costs tied to aging coal generation. Water Infrastructure: Kanawha County’s Olcott waterline extension—$11.4 million to bring clean water to 110 homes—clears the state Public Service Commission and is set to bid in October, with construction targeted to start in March. Public Finance: Fitch upgraded West Virginia lottery and excess lottery revenue bonds to AA- (stable outlook), citing stronger debt service coverage and financing resilience. Healthcare Dealmaking: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday negotiated a compliance settlement with WVU Medicine to keep Independence Health System hospitals open for at least five years after the planned sale. Local Business & Services: Republic Services service complaints in Monongalia County are escalating, with a delegate preparing a formal Public Service Commission complaint after missed pickups. Education & Workforce: Bluefield State named mining veteran Keith Sigmon director of its Mining Engineering Technology program, adding a long-time industry leader to the faculty.

Healthcare Refunds: The Trump administration says it will send $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges. Student Debt Pressure: A WalletHub analysis ranks Mississippi worst for student-loan strain and places West Virginia among the top states, citing high debt relative to income and job/internship gaps. Emergency Communications: A federal study says Pocahontas and Pendleton counties can improve emergency radio coverage inside the National Radio Quiet Zone without harming Green Bank Observatory or NSA operations. Flood Recovery Help: Upshur County residents got a FEMA-focused Q&A on filing for assistance and correcting misinformation as recovery continues. State Budget Watch: West Virginia Public Broadcasting reported stable overall finances after a prior-year operating loss, but still faces tight budgets and a hiring freeze. Utilities & Energy: The PSC recognized truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, while national attention grows on EPA power-plant rule rollbacks and their ripple effects on costs and reliability. Local Business & Infrastructure: A sinkhole near the Parkersburg Correctional Center damaged a road and forced a nearby venue to cancel events.

Energy & Rates: West Virginia’s lawsuit against Pennsylvania’s alternative energy portfolio standard claims the PUC’s credit-trading limits violate the Commerce Clause and cost up to $25 million in 2025, raising fresh questions about how regional power markets are governed. Flood Risk Planning: FEMA is inviting West Virginians to review and challenge proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map updates in Morgan County and Berkeley County during a 90-day appeal window starting Sept. 16. Healthcare Workforce: The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is seeking new members for its Health Sciences Division Advisory Committee to shape training and workforce planning. Higher Ed & Training: PracticeLink opened Fall 2026 applications for its First Practice Fund, offering $2,500 awards to help medical trainees cover expenses tied to patient-care preparation. Local Business Growth: GoMart is bringing Wienerschnitzel to two West Virginia convenience-store locations next summer, with co-branded Tastee Freez ice cream and drive-thrus. Coal & Power Policy: West Virginia leaders are reacting to EPA moves rolling back power-plant emissions rules, with debate centered on affordability, health impacts, and the future of coal-dependent electricity. WVU in Charlotte: WVU football heads to the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte to face No. 25 Virginia, continuing the Mountaineers’ long-running Queen City ties.

EPA Power-Plant Overhaul: West Virginia officials praised the EPA’s final repeal of Biden-era greenhouse gas rules for coal- and gas-fired power plants, while environmental groups warned it could worsen local air quality. Coal Plant Lifespan Push: In Charleston, lawmakers and regulators urged action to help aging coal units stay online in the PJM grid, citing congestion and cycling that can shorten equipment life. Water Utility Deal: The Public Service Commission approved West Virginia-American Water’s $13 million purchase of three Fayette County utilities, with rates set to rise over three years and planning underway for long-running sewage leaks at Cannelton Hollow. PFAS Lawsuit: Two Wood County residents sued Chemours in federal court over alleged PFAS contamination tied to landfill leachate releases and stormwater bypasses. School Funding After Closures: Randolph County’s board heard how leftover funds from permanently closed schools will be redistributed to other district buildings. Credit Markets: Fitch upgraded West Virginia’s lottery and excess lottery revenue bonds to AA- with a stable outlook. Higher Ed Tech: Marshall named its first chief academic AI officer, David Wiley, to guide innovation and academic integrity. Healthcare Costs Watch: A national report highlights how Medigap switching is hardest after the six-month enrollment window closes. Energy Bills & Grid Stress (Out of State): A Maryland affordability scorecard links rising electricity costs to utility practices and data center demand, with concerns about reliability.

Energy Policy: West Virginia leaders are applauding the EPA’s repeal of Biden-era power plant emissions rules, arguing it will cut costs and protect coal and grid reliability, while clean-air advocates warn it could worsen local air quality. Regulatory & Grid Watch: The PSC opened a case file for residents to protest the proposed Valley Link 765-kilovolt transmission line, with more than 1,400 protests already filed as the formal case is expected in 2027. Public Safety Communications: A federal engineering study says emergency radio coverage in Pendleton and Pocahontas counties can be improved without breaking National Radio Quiet Zone protections. Healthcare & Business: University of Charleston’s board elected Dave Ramsey chair after his Vandalia Health retirement, and WVSU Extension is running a free Oct. 2 workshop to help small businesses improve website accessibility. Local Economy: West Virginia’s GEAR UP SWV is gearing up for National Gear Up Week (Sept. 21-25) to boost college and career readiness in several southern counties. Corporate Moves: TMC Technologies promoted Dr. Eric Mohan to VP of its National Security Division.

Energy & Regulation: West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised the Trump EPA’s repeal of Biden-era greenhouse gas limits on coal and natural gas power plants, framing it as a win for reliable, affordable energy and grid stability. Healthcare Funding: WV Health Secretary Arvin Singh said the Rural Health Transformation Program’s federal allocations are expected to stay flat next year, after $199 million in year one aimed to offset looming Medicare cuts that hit rural hospitals hardest. Education & Workforce: WVU Tech launched the Golden Scholars program with $1.8 million from state Treasurer Larry Pack and his wife to cover remaining tuition, housing and meals for high-achieving students from 13 southern counties starting fall 2027. Manufacturing Jobs: Kibar Americas reopened the former Novelis aluminum plant in Fairmont, restarting production and targeting up to 150 initial jobs. PFAS & Accountability: North Carolina reached a $455 million, 15-year PFAS settlement with DuPont, Corteva and Chemours tied to the Fayetteville Works site. Local Business/Community: Tygart Valley United Way’s Day of Action drew 260+ volunteers to support dozens of regional nonprofits. Consumer Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest Mingo County premium price at $4.91 for the week ending Sept. 5.

EPA Rollback: The Trump administration moved to repeal Biden-era greenhouse gas limits on coal and natural gas power plants, framing it as a cost saver and grid-reliability boost while critics warn of higher pollution. Energy & Jobs: West Virginia’s Sen. Shelley Moore Capito praised the repeal, arguing it protects baseload energy and jobs. Healthcare Workforce: WVU Medicine’s Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital welcomed new students into the Aspiring Nurse Program, expanding partnerships to WVJC. Higher Ed Leadership: Bluefield State University’s board launched searches for an interim president, CFO and an accountant after financial and oversight concerns led to the firing of President Darrin Martin. Public Safety Tech: Attorney General Lynn Fitch and other AGs urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Business & Fraud: Two Morgantown owners faced federal action tied to a nationwide COVID-era loan fraud sweep totaling $245M. Local Economy: Capito attended a ribbon cutting for Kibar Americas’ Fairmont aluminum facility, touting investment and job prospects. Workforce Pipeline: Ascend WV is set to use $2.4M from the Rural Health Transformation Program to recruit healthcare workers to rural communities.

Energy Policy Shake-Up: Gov. Morrisey and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito are applauding the Trump EPA’s repeal of Biden-era power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing it protects West Virginia coal and gas jobs and grid reliability. Local Tech & Public Safety: Huntington City Council approved a $2.1 million Flock Safety contract with new guardrails after months of debate over AI surveillance and Fourth Amendment concerns. Manufacturing Jobs: Kibar Americas reopened the former Novelis aluminum plant in Fairmont, bringing back 20–30 workers now and aiming for up to 150 initial jobs as production restarts. Grid & Transmission Watch: A public hearing is set on the MARL transmission line proposal that would run through parts of West Virginia and connect to a future substation in Frederick County, raising reliability and routing questions. Health & Benefits: The federal government is issuing $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds to nearly 1 million Americans across 30 states, including West Virginia. Community & Workforce: WVU announced a $2.6 million STEAM Innovation Alliance to train 15,000 students to turn ideas into real-world solutions and potential businesses. Business Climate: Wood County commissioners heard updates on manufacturing prospects and site-readiness grants under the state’s “Yes West Virginia” program. Public Safety Hotline: West Virginia mental health leaders are pushing 9-8-8, saying callers don’t have to be in immediate crisis to get help.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, will get $500 refunds tied to Biden-era Obamacare “user fees,” aiming to return hundreds of millions in overcharges. AI Power Debate: Elon Musk and Gov. Morrisey argue AI data centers lower electricity prices, but a new analysis points to electricity costs rising faster than overall inflation, raising questions for West Virginia’s energy outlook. PFAS Settlement Watch: Chemours, DuPont and Corteva reached a $455 million PFAS settlement with North Carolina and local governments, underscoring how AI-driven demand could expand PFAS production. West Virginia Health Access: WV health networks showcased mobile health units at the Capitol, offering screenings and highlighting rural care gaps. Business Financing: West Virginia Economic Development Authority promoted Industrial Development Bonds as a low-cost, tax-exempt tool for manufacturing and growth projects. Elections Services: WV Secretary of State mobile office hours will help voters verify registration and also assist with business registration in Cabell, Harrison and Nicholas counties. Local Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 in Nicholas County at $3.59 and E15 in Harrison County at $3.39 for the week ending Sept. 5. Gaming Expansion: Play’n GO is expanding in the U.S. via an Ember Entertainment partnership, with casino content launching first in West Virginia.

Health Care Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged Obamacare “user fee” overcharges collected under the Biden administration. Disaster Recovery: Gov. Patrick Morrisey requested a major disaster declaration for Fayette, Harrison and Kanawha counties after Aug. 14-18 storms and flooding, citing hundreds of impacted homes and seeking Individual Assistance plus statewide hazard mitigation funding. Energy & Grid Oversight: West Virginia Public Service Commission staff recommended denying the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link transmission line, arguing the applicant failed to notify an impacted landowner and didn’t show sufficient diligence; hearings are set to begin Oct. 26. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia prices easing in the week ending Sept. 5, with Logan County regular hitting $3.89 and Kanawha County diesel as low as $5.19, while statewide averages remain elevated. Sports & Business Spotlight: WVU assistant coach Noel Devine was placed on indefinite leave after a felony strangulation arrest, following the Mountaineers’ 52-7 win over U.T. Martin.

Healthcare Finance: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, will get $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees” collected under the Biden administration. Energy & Grid Costs: Maryland’s electricity bills rose 50.9% over five years, with debate over utility pricing versus data-center-driven demand and decarbonization impacts. Local Economy & Growth: Chicken Salad Chick announced its first New York restaurant opening in Clifton Park on Sept. 22, expanding the brand to 27 states. Energy Infrastructure & Community Control: West Virginia’s data center push faces criticism over local oversight; officials say communities still lack a real voice as projects move forward. Nuclear Development: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia has joined the DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus race, with spent fuel handling central to the plan. Public Health & Jobs: A CDC report finds black lung rates at their highest since the 1970s, renewing pressure on coal-country health care and worker protections. Sports & Business Spotlight: WVU beat UT Martin 52-7, setting up a major matchup with No. 25 Virginia.