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WILLIAMSON, WV –– The Appalachian Power Company (APCo) Foundation has awarded $100,000 to support the development of a comprehensive three-county strategic plan for Mingo, Wyoming, and McDowell Counties in southern West Virginia. This significant investment will help guide long-term economic revitalization efforts in a region working to recover from the decline of the coal mining industry and the devastating impacts of the February 2025 flood.
The Mingo County Redevelopment Authority submitted the grant on behalf of the three-county region. The funds will be used to engage a qualified consultant to develop a strategic blueprint identifying strengths and weaknesses across the region, and setting forth economic, workforce, educational, site development and industry targeting strategies that will lead to stronger economies.
“This strategic plan will represent a critical step toward building a sustainable economic future for our region,” said Leasha Johnson, Executive Director of the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority. “The APCo Foundation’s generous support will enable us to create a coordinated, comprehensive roadmap that leverages the combined strengths of all three counties as we cultivate new economic opportunities and target certain industry clusters.” Johnson also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration by noting that “While economic challenges don’t stop at county lines, neither should our solutions. Mingo, Wyoming, and McDowell Counties share common history, challenges, and aspirations. By planning and working together as a region, we can create economies of scale that no single county could achieve alone.”
The initiative will focus on creating diversified economic opportunities and strategic industry targets, developing useable sites, developing STEM education pathways, supporting small business and entrepreneurial development, expanding agricultural initiatives, and coordinating recovery efforts across the three-county region. The plan aims to create new jobs, reduce out-migration, launch new businesses, and leverage new private investment throughout the region.
“This grant represents more than funding; it represents a belief in our region’s future”, said Christy Laxton, Executive Director of the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority. “Wyoming County is proud to partner with Mingo and McDowell Counties in this strategic planning effort. Together, we will develop a strategy that addresses our immediate needs, while positioning us for long-term economic sustainability. This approach will allow us to market ourselves as a cohesive region with complementary assets, from our natural resources and strategic location, to our skilled workforce and entrepreneurial spirit. Regional economic development isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for our survival and success in today’s competitive economic landscape, and we are very thankful to APCo and the APCo Foundation for their vision and investment in southern West Virginia.”
“The APCo Foundation’s investment comes at a crucial time for McDowell County”, said Frances Hale, Executive Director of the McDowell County Economic Development Authority. “This collaborative approach to strategic planning will help us coordinate our recovery efforts and identify new economic opportunities that build on our strengths. We’re committed to creating a future where our families can prosper and our young people can find reasons to stay and build their lives here. By working together as three counties, we can maximize our resources and create lasting change that benefits all of our residents across the region.”
The funding opportunity was presented to the three-county region by Heather Vanater, APCo’s Economic and Business Development Manager for West Virginia. “At APCo, we’re committed to enhancing lives and communities throughout our service territory,” said Vanater. “We recognize the resilience and determination of these communities as they navigate significant economic transitions and recovery from natural disasters. This strategic planning effort demonstrates the power of regional collaboration and forward-thinking leadership. Once complete, the strategic plan will help to transform three coal-dependent counties by creating diversification opportunities, focusing on site development, educating and retaining young talent through STEM education, identifying and targeting new industry for recruitment to the region, and providing clear pathways from economic distress to sustainable prosperity.”
The strategic plan is expected to be completed within 12 months, with implementation to begin in 2026. The initiative will engage community stakeholders, business leaders, educators, and residents throughout the planning process to ensure the final plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the region. The project will be coordinated by the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority in partnership with economic development leaders from all three counties.