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This week, I had the opportunity to tour the Golden Ridge Portal Mine with my friend Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and discuss the tremendous impacts the bipartisan infrastructure bill would have on West Virginia’s coal communities. For generations, West Virginia coal miners have made enormous sacrifices and done the heavy lifting to power our great nation. As our country and West Virginia move forward with emerging energy opportunities, we will not leave behind our coal communities. I have always said the transition to a cleaner energy future must come from innovation, not elimination and the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate will do just that. I look forward to working with Secretary Walsh to support and reinvest in coal communities across the Mountain State.
   
The EDA has been an invaluable partner to West Virginia, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in distressed communities across the state. I am thrilled EDA is investing $2.65 million in three programs to create jobs, train workers and spur economic development in the Mountain State. It was an honor to show Secretary Castillo our incredible state and people, as well as hear about the impact these investments will have on the Mountain State and the opportunities for West Virginians that will derive from it. EDA is following through on their commitment to support and invest in coal communities through this funding and the next round of $300 million from the American Rescue Plan. I will continue to work with the EDA to advocate for smart investments like these so West Virginians can build a brighter economic future right here at home.
 
I was honored to host executives from Polaris, Kawasaki and Honda to tour the Hatfield-McCoy trails to highlight West Virginia’s quickly expanding ATV industry and the growing adventure tourism opportunities in southern West Virginia.
The tour and ride was an exciting opportunity to show West Virginia’s expanding adventure tourism industry to manufacturers of off-road vehicles from across the country. The beauty of our state attracts tourists from across America to visit Wild and Wonderful West Virginia for the adventure of a lifetime. With our expanding trail systems and growing number of off-road enthusiasts travelling to our state, there is a great opportunity for manufacturers of these vehicles and their accessories to locate the facilities and jobs they require right here in West Virginia.
  
This week, my staff attended the swearing-in ceremony for Bill Raney as he was appointed to the state Public Service Commission. Bill has showcased tremendous leadership and expertise and I am confident his well-rounded knowledge will be a benefit to the Commission.
My staff presented a greeting to Vietnam Veterans of America Norman R. Miller Chapter 308 Commander Danny Smith at the VVA 308 Annual Picnic Wednesday at the Henlawson Vet Center in Logan County.
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