MCRA gets Grant for Twisted Gun Development

The Mingo County Redevelopment Authority (MCRA) in Williamson has received a $1.392 million grant to help develop the Twisted Gun Golf Course.

The grant, announced Wednesday, will help provide provide water service to the new Twisted Gun Gap development and the Hatfield-McCoy trail system. According to grantee estimates, the project will help create 55 new jobs and generate $7.5 in private investment.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced several grants as she was joined by Economic Development Administration (EDA) Acting Head Dennis Alvord, as well as other development leaders, to make several major economic development announcements for the state.

MCRA Executive Director Leasha Johnson was on hand to accept the grant for her organization.

"The Mingo County Redevelopment Authority is extremely thankful for the EDA's recognition of our diversification strategies and for awarding this funding through the Assistance to Coal Communities program. The Twisted Gun Gap waterline extension will allow continued economic diversification around tourism and recreation that capitalizes on our existing assets such as the Hatfield-McCoy Trails and the PGA-style Twisted Gun Golf Course. Additionally, this funding will help support the proposed development of a 50-acre residential housing site in the Twisted Gun Gap area. We greatly appreciate our congressional delegation's support of our EDA application as well as our efforts to create a thriving and sustainable tourism economy in southern West Virginia," said Johnson.

The EDA estimates this grant will create 155 jobs and bring $7.5 million in private investment.

"We need to make sure we are maximizing the economic and job-creating potential of the world-class Hatfield-McCoy Trails, and this grant will help us do just that. This investment will help us bring new tourists - and their dollars - to West Virginia. Mingo County continues to develop new ways to promote tourism and use our state's natural resources to attract visitors, and I congratulate them on receiving this grant," Rep. Evan Jenkins said.

Capito first announced a $2.5 million grant from EDA that will support the expansion of Armstrong Flooring, a manufacturing facility located in Beverly, West Virginia. As Randolph County's largest manufacturing employer, this investment is expected to create 50 new jobs, retain 60 existing jobs, and generate approximately $16.2 million in private investment.

"Improving our economy starts by revitalizing our communities and creating job opportunities for West Virginians. That's because economic growth starts at the local level. For several years, I have urged EDA to renew its focus and invest in West Virginia," said Senator Capito. "Whether its manufacturing, entrepreneurship or tourism, vibrant local communities are vital to the strength of our state's economy. These public-private partnerships will fuel growth, and make West Virginia the best place to live and work."