Harrison County EDC reports EDA grant application, brownfields work and plans to host state conference

Amy Haber Bosch Wilson, executive director of the Harrison County Economic Development Corporation, briefed the Harrison County Commission on Dec. 18 on a string of development initiatives and grant applications intended to drive job growth and site cleanup.

Wilson told commissioners an EDA (Economic Development Administration) grant application for $2,600,000 has been submitted and the design is complete, pending federal approval and bid solicitation once approved. She also described a $500,000 brownfields assessment grant covering 35 sites that she said could "be eligible for leveraging additional funds throughout the county." Wilson said the county is participating in Build West Virginia with neighboring counties and that Harrison County will host the West Virginia Economic Development Council conference in September, predicting 200–250 attendees in Clarksburg and Bridgeport.

Why it matters: The EDA grant, brownfields assessment and Build West Virginia participation are intended to accelerate redevelopment of existing sites and to attract investment that could support housing and job creation across the county.

What was said: Wilson summarized the EDC’s focus on four pillars — health, workforce, education and quality of life — and noted the county’s recent growth indicators. She described ongoing efforts to assist the county’s 10 municipalities with planning and to support applications for state and federal funding.

Next steps: Wilson and EDC staff will continue follow-up with federal reviewers on the EDA application, advance brownfields assessments and support local municipalities on applications tied to Build West Virginia and other programs. Commissioners thanked Wilson for the update; no vote was recorded on EDC matters at the meeting.