FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, December 21, 2024
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice announces $75M investment to support Nucor Corporation’s investing an additional $800M for its Mason County steelmaking facility
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Gov. Justice announced that the West Virginia Economic Development Authority has approved $75 million to support Nucor Corporation’s additional $800 million investment in its new Mason County sheet mill. This brings Nucor’s total commitment to $3.5 billion, marking the largest economic development investment in both state and company history.
The funding from the state will support several infrastructure upgrades, including port enhancements, water treatment systems, and other improvements, benefitting the Nucor project and potential partner companies looking to locate near the property.
"I'm proud to continue building on our record-breaking investment with Nucor, because they've been rockstars in my book," Gov. Justice said. "Nucor has been everything you could want in an economic development partner, and this additional funding shows the confidence we have in them and the confidence they have in West Virginia. It's not just about building a new facility—it's about creating hope, opportunity, and a bright future for our people. We're no longer the diamond in the rough. Every single day, people are awakening to the fact that West Virginia, of all places, is the best state to work, live, and raise a family. We've come a long way in a short amount of time. These kinds of announcements weren’t possible just a few years ago, but today, it has become the norm. This is another great day for our state and our people."
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Gov. Justice announces School Building Authority approves $65 million for statewide projects
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As Chairman of the West Virginia School Building Authority (SBA), Gov. Justice announced another round of school infrastructure investments with the approval of $65,000,000.00 for 12 needs-based projects, including the construction of four new schools.
Since Gov. Justice assumed office, the School Building Authority has allocated over $800 million to county school boards across West Virginia. Combined with nearly $330 million from local contributions, the overall investment in the state's educational facilities surpasses a record $1.13 billion—the most of any eight year stretch in the SBA's 35-year history.
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“This investment is more than just classrooms and buildings,” Gov. Justice said. “It’s about giving our kids the resources they need to thrive in West Virginia. This is another huge win for our students, our communities, and our entire state. Not to mention that it’s creating hundreds of construction jobs for these new schools, too. When you think about how far we’ve come as a state, it’s truly remarkable. For too long, West Virginia was a place nobody paid attention to, but that’s not the case any more. We’re shattering records left and right, including our investments in our schools. I couldn’t be more proud of the improvements we’ve made in education, because it’s only going to continue to get better and better.”
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Gov. Justice announces Water Development Authority approves over $67 million in economic enhancement projects
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Gov. Justice announced the West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) has approved funding for 24 Economic Enhancement Grant Fund projects totaling $67,425,807.
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In April 2022, Gov. Justice called a special session to fund the Economic Enhancement Grant Fund, at the time securing an initial amount of $250 million.
Since then, the program has seen exceptional success, and the WDA has approved EEGF projects worth $594 million, which has resulted in $2.3 billion of projects getting across the finish line. Over 614,000 West Virginians have been affected by these projects, which have touched every corner of the state.
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Gov. Justice, First Lady Justice celebrate final Friends With Paws therapy dog placement during historic ceremony at Huntington East Middle School
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Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice celebrated a historic milestone with the introduction of the 45th and final therapy dog placed through the Friends With Paws program.
Since its launch, the program has brought comfort, joy, and healing to students across West Virginia, becoming the nation’s first and only statewide therapy dog initiative.
Bear, a male Golden Retriever, was welcomed at Huntington East during a schoolwide assembly, which also highlighted the program's success. He was joined by several other Friends With Paws therapy dogs placed since the program’s launch in 2022.
“Welcoming Bear to Huntington East Middle School today is a moment filled with pride, gratitude, and a small touch of sadness,” First Lady Justice said. “Bear’s arrival marks the 45th and final therapy dog placed through our Friends With Paws program—a program that has brought so much comfort and joy to schools across West Virginia. These incredible dogs have touched countless lives, offering unconditional love and support to students who needed it most. While today closes this chapter, the legacy of Friends With Paws will live on in every school and every child who has been impacted. It has been an honor to watch this program grow, and I will always hold these special moments close to my heart.”
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