FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, September 2, 2023
CONTACT: Jordan Damron, [email protected]
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice announces $22.8 million revenue surplus for August
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Gov. Jim Justice announced today that West Virginia’s General Revenue collections for August 2023, the second month of Fiscal Year 2024, came in at $410.8 million, which is $22.8 million above estimate. The surplus was led by strong consumer sales tax. Year-to-date revenue collections of $745.8 million stand at $30.5 million above estimate.
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Gov. Justice declares State of Emergency for Kanawha, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, and Roane counties due to flooding; WV National Guard activated
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Gov. Jim Justice declared a State of Emergency for Kanawha, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, and Roane counties due to excessive rainfall which occurred earlier this week. The rain caused significant flooding, damaging homes, bridges, and roads throughout the counties.
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The State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated by subsequent Proclamation.
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Gov. Justice encourages West Virginians to fill our FEMA assistance form
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Gov. Justice urges all West Virginians affected by the recent flooding to complete the FEMA assistance damage survey. This survey is crucial in securing federal disaster relief funds. Please share this message with your family, friends, and neighbors to ensure that everyone completes the survey.
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Gov. Justice visits areas hardest-hit by the flooding in Kanawha County, thanks first responders
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Gov. Justice personally toured the most severely affected areas in Kanawha County as part of the post-flood cleanup efforts. During his visit, he offered words of support to residents, reassuring them of his presence in this time of hardship.
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The Governor then conveyed his deep gratitude to the first responders, recognizing their unwavering dedication and invaluable assistance during the flooding, which played a crucial role in helping the affected communities begin the path to recovery.
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Gov. Justice announces Omnis Fuel Technologies to invest $800 million in Pleasants County Power Plant
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Gov. Justice announced that Omnis Fuel Technologies will invest $800 million in the Pleasants Power Plant and create an estimated 600 jobs. Omnis Fuel specializes in developing, licensing, and commercializing innovative technologies to aid sustainable energy production.
The coal-fired plant restarted the production of electricity Wednesday morning, saving more than 160 West Virginia jobs.
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“I am so excited to make this announcement today,” Gov. Justice said. “For the first time ever, the Pleasants Power Plant, a coal-fired power plant, is taking new life right in front of our eyes. Today, I am here to share with you that Omnis Fuel Technologies has re-started the Pleasants Power Plant and is on the grid.
“Coal is such an important part of our economy and our state’s history, and Omnis will use coal to produce hydrogen, graphite, and water vapor. They are going to more than double the amount of coal they need to operate the plant annually.”
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Gov. Justice announces Treplar to invest in food packaging facility in Berkeley County
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At the West Virginia Chamber Annual Meeting and Business Summit, Gov. Justice announced a pioneering joint venture between Klarpet of Turkey and Triton International Enterprises of the USA to develop a state-of-the-art food packaging facility in Berkeley County.
The $50 million investment is projected to result in more than 600 high-paying jobs at the conclusion of its expansion.
"I am excited to announce this state-of-the-art project and outstanding economic development investment into our state by Treplar," Gov. Justice said. "The company's investment in our state and their innovative food packaging production facility is tremendous, and I wish them utmost success in West Virginia. I'm honored to add Treplar to our growing list of companies that recognize West Virginia is the best place to raise a family and build a business."
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Gov. Justice announces appointments to the West Virginia First Foundation
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Gov. Justice announced five appointments to the West Virginia First Foundation.
The appointments are as follows:
- Matt Harvey - Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney (Region 2)
- Jeff Sandy - Former Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (Region 3)
- Dora Stutler - Harrison Superintendent of Schools (Region 4)
- Alys Smith - Attorney and Philanthropist (Region 5)
- Greg Duckworth - Raleigh County Commissioner, retired State Trooper (Region 6)
The State Legislature formally recognized the West Virginia First Foundation through Senate Bill 674 in the 2023 Legislative Session. Gov. Justice signed the bill into law on March 22, 2023.
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Gov. Justice appoints Mike Honaker as new Department of Homeland Security Inspector General
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Gov. Justice announced that he has appointed Mike Honaker as Inspector General of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.
"Delegate Honaker has dedicated his life to public service, and I am thrilled to announce he will be West Virginia's new Inspector General," Gov. Justice said. "With his extensive law enforcement background and passion for public safety, I am confident he will continue to serve our great state with honor and integrity."
The Office of the Inspector General in the Department of Homeland Security was created during the 2023 Legislative Session following the passage and signing of House Bill 3360. The purpose of the office is to conduct and supervise investigations among other tasks, including the authority to oversee and direct existing investigations and units within the department.
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Governor and First Lady Justice announce 15 new counties added to Communities In Schools program
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Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice announced that schools in 15 additional counties across West Virginia are being added to the roster of participants in the state’s Communities In Schools (CIS) program.
A total of 48 schools in Barbour, Boone, Cabell, Doddridge, Hancock, Jefferson, Marion, Mason, Mineral, Monongalia, Ohio, Pocahontas, Putnam, Roane, Tucker, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt, and Wood counties will be the newest additions to the education initiative.
“Reaching thousands of more students with critical needs in West Virginia is so important,” First Lady Justice said. “It is what we need to do to ensure that they are on the right path to a successful future. Getting them to high school graduation and a plan for success beyond, is the best thing that we can do for them. The earlier we start, the better.”
"I can tell you without any question whatsoever that this program is working," Gov. Justice said. "There are so many heartbreaking stories, from kids living in bad situations to just being hungry. There is a lot of bad stuff out there, but this program is fixing those problems. Communities In Schools is getting children on a pathway to do some amazing stuff and reach their full potential. I am so proud to be part of this program. It is unbelievable."
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Governor and First Lady Justice announce next seven therapy dogs to be placed through the Friends With Paws program in 2023
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Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice announced the next seven therapy dogs that will be placed in schools across West Virginia as a part of the First Lady’s Friends With Paws initiative.
The addition of the seven dogs to Friends With Paws will bring the total number of therapy dogs placed in West Virginia through the program to nineteen.
“These therapy dogs will bring friendship, love, and support to their schools,” First Lady Justice said. “I look forward to welcoming each one and seeing the amazing work that they do for our students.”
"You know me, I'm very in tune with what a dog can bring to all of us," Gov. Justice said. "Babydog has done it, and I know there are a bunch of new therapy dogs that will be doing good stuff, too. I am so excited to see how these dogs will positively impact students around our state. We are going to continue helping our students and communities by providing them with the resources they need to succeed."
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Governor and First Lady Justice introduce newest Friends With Paws therapy dog at Greenbrier East High School
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Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice visited Greenbrier East High School for an assembly to celebrate the arrival of the state’s next therapy dog through the Friends With Paws program.
The dog introduced at the event is named Ruby. She is a Golden Retriever.
“Ruby loves everyone she meets and is bound to brighten your day like Babydog does for my family,” Gov. Justice said. “It is truly inspiring to see so many schools across West Virginia participating in our Communities In Schools program, and the First Lady and I cannot be more proud of this incredible program. We thank you all for welcoming Ruby with open arms, and I know she will be a beloved member of the Spartan family."
“Ruby is a wonderful addition to Greenbrier East High School,” First Lady Justice said. “I know she will make a big difference in the lives of the students. Jim and I are so proud to introduce Ruby to her new home today.”
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Gov. Justice remembers prominent community and business leader, G. Ogden Nutting, who passed at the age of 87
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