Governor Patrick Morrisey announced $2.1 million in Ready Sites grants to help communities across 23 counties prepare locations for large-scale commercial and industrial development.
The funding will support engineering and architectural work, along with environmental and geotechnical studies, so local leaders can shorten development timelines and present companies with sites that are closer to shovel-ready.
Morrisey said speed matters when employers are deciding where to locate new facilities. By investing early in the planning and due diligence process, West Virginia can compete more effectively for projects that bring jobs and long-term tax base growth.
Each grant totals $75,000 and the awards were distributed broadly across the state, reflecting an effort to ensure more communities have a real shot at landing future investment.
The Ready Sites push fits neatly into Morrisey's larger economic development approach: reduce friction, improve readiness, and make it easier for private industry to say yes to West Virginia.
Rather than waiting for opportunities to pass by, the administration is trying to make sure local communities are prepared when companies come looking for places to grow.
Originally published by WV News
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