| West Virginia Government & Agencies
West Virginia extends National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., with a tentative horizon through late November under a federally funded Title 32 mission. The Guard said more than 300 members have been on the D.C. mission for over a month and, barring changes, expect release before Nov. 30; Gov. Patrick Morrisey authorized the deployment in mid-August as part of federal operations. Source: WV MetroNews
Governor Patrick Morrisey formally opens public comment on West Virginia’s application to the new $500M‑per‑year Rural Health Transformation Program. The Governor’s office announced a dedicated request‑for‑input page and outlined how residents, providers, and stakeholders can shape the five‑year plan that will guide federal rural health dollars in the state. Source: Office of the Governor
Health Care
State leaders push for broad public input to steer rural hospital and clinic investments under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Reporting highlights that West Virginia expects roughly $100 million annually over five years and is inviting comments that could influence priorities like access, workforce, and sustainability in rural facilities. Source: West Virginia Watch
State leaders tout new federal Rural Health Transformation Program as a potential lifeline for hospital stability, estimating at least $100M/year to WV. DOH Secretary Arvin Singh and DHHS Secretary Alex Mayer highlighted flexibility and multi-agency coordination as the state prepares a formal application under the five-year, $50B nationwide initiative. Source: WV MetroNews
Energy
Debate over Gov. Morrisey’s “50 by 50” plan sharpens as industry voices and state energy officials frame massive generation growth as essential. The plan targets 50 GW of capacity by 2050 (from ~15 GW today), with reactions noting PJM’s forecasted needs and coal/natural gas as pillars of reliability; officials say utilities are revising long-term demand forecasts amid surging load. Source: WV MetroNews
DEP closed public comments Sept. 19 after an in-person Sept. 18 hearing on twin off-grid gas plants proposed to power data centers in the southern coalfields. The permit review centers on air-quality approvals for microgrid gas plants tied to data centers near Gilbert and at Harless Industrial Park, with developers citing multi-gigawatt capacity across the sites.
Source: West Virginia Watch
Coal’s role is central in the “50 by 50” energy blueprint, with industry leaders calling current federal posture a pivot back toward dispatchable generation. Coal producers describe fresh workforce and training conversations as utilities reassess production/demand forecasts over the next decade under the plan’s reliability emphasis. Source: WV MetroNews
AGRICULTURE
Drought conditions expanded in parts of West Virginia, prompting agriculture officials to advise producers on water and forage management. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows dry-to-moderate drought pockets growing, and WVDA urged livestock and hay conservation steps. Source: WV MetroNews
ELECTIONS
With the election calendar tightening, voter-registration teams are canvassing across West Virginia to boost sign-ups. Today’s outreach push targeted counties with lagging totals ahead of key fall deadlines. Source: WV Public Broadcasting
EDUCATION
State assessment results show modest statewide gains in English and math — but uneven performance persists. New Balanced Scorecard data reflect incremental improvement across districts, informing WVDE accountability and support plans heading into fall meetings. Source: WV MetroNews
More than $15 million is awarded for West Virginia GEAR UP to expand college readiness supports for low-income and first-generation students. The latest grant cycle backs long-term advising, tutoring, and transition supports across partner schools and colleges statewide. Source: WV MetroNews
Technology
Data-center proposals in Mingo/Logan remain under DEP scrutiny, underscoring the tech sector’s emerging footprint in WV’s power-hungry economy. Hearings and public comment (closed Sept. 19) focused on air permits for dedicated gas-fired microgrids meant to run the sites off the bulk grid. Source: West Virginia Watch
Utilities
Worsening drought is also a utilities story, with water-systems vigilance and wildfire risk elevating as rainfall deficits widen. Agencies and providers are watching supply and conservation messaging as conditions expand geographically. Source: WV MetroNews
This briefing compiles the latest developments in West Virginia’s government and policy landscape. For more detailed information, please refer to the cited sources. Send tips or additions for tomorrow’s edition. |
