In the heart of scenic West Virginia, a new wave of progress is on the horizon. Jina Belcher, the Executive Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), is at the forefront, advocating for enhanced coordination among state agencies to attract high-tech and data-driven industries.
Transforming Potential into Reality
West Virginia’s NRGRDA, representing several key counties, has been working diligently to prepare sites for new industries. According to Belcher, the potential for economic development is significant; however, the key lies in readying sites with proper zoning and essential utilities.
Achievements of the Site-Readiness Initiative
The site-readiness initiative launched by NRGRDA has proven successful in overcoming the primary barrier to economic diversification—site availability. As Belcher points out, partnerships with local leaders have already resulted in ready sites such as the University Drive site, soon to host an Amazon delivery station, bringing jobs and prosperity to the area.
Vision for Emerging Sectors
As emerging sectors begin to set their sights on West Virginia, the NRGRDA is adapting its approach to meet new industry demands. The focus is now on scaling up infrastructure to cater to sectors like technology and high-performance computing, emphasizing the need for scalable power and broadband.
Bridging Gaps Through Coordination
Belcher highlights the need for a unified system to present a cohesive and appealing picture to potential investors. By establishing a working utilities group, including key players like energy providers and the Department of Commerce, the state aims to streamline site-readiness efforts.
The Power of Collaboration
As Belcher passionately states, the road to attracting high-tech industries does not necessitate major policy changes but requires a commitment to collaboration and clarity. Enhancing transparency and aligning incentives across agencies can pave the way for economic growth.
The Road Ahead
With a strategic focus on building a consistent system to identify investment opportunities and bridging gaps, West Virginia is poised to become a magnet for high-tech industries. As the state continues to unify its efforts, the vision of a prosperous, tech-driven future becomes more tangible each day. According to Real WV, such initiatives hold the potential to transform West Virginia into a thriving hub of innovation.