USDA Rural Business & Cooperative Programs Administrator J.R. Claeys Visits to Highlight West Virginia Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Domestic Energy Production

Claeys Announces $294.2 Million Invested Across West Virginia Communities

(Morgantown, W. VA., March 12, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Rural Business & Cooperative Services Administrator J.R. Claeys and West Virginia State Director John Reisenweber sat down with business and economic partners today to discuss the state's strong economy, and potential for growth.

During a meeting with key business partners, Claeys announced that Rural Development invested $294 million for 28 rural community projects, 31 economic development and agribusiness projects, and an additional $175 million to support affordable housing in communities across West Virginia last fiscal year. These impactful investments contribute to a thriving economy, spur agricultural opportunities, develop rural infrastructure, and encourage private investment in West Virginia.

"West Virginia is poised for success in many key areas, including strengthening domestic manufacturing, bolstering sources of domestic energy in line with President Trump's commitment to advancing reliable, affordable and homegrown power, and working alongside our valued partners and lenders," said Claeys. "Here in West Virginia as across the country, Rural Development is investing in community vitality, creating jobs that hardworking Americans and their families rely on, and unleashing economic prosperity."

By the Numbers in West Virginia:

• Investment in Community Projects: $83 million
• Investment in Economic Development and Agribusiness Projects: $36 million
• Investment in Affordable Housing: $175 million
• Total Investment in West Virginia: $294 million

Highlights:

• Advancing Rural Manufacturing - A West Virginia Leadership Roundtable in Charleston: Claeys joined a dozen leaders from West Virginia's manufacturing, workforce, and economic development sectors to identify barriers, share insights, and advance strategies that reinforce domestic manufacturing and rural business development.
  
• Visit to Eagle Summit East, LLC. Coal Mining Facility: Claeys joined Rural Development staff for a site visit and tour of the Ashford coal facility. Eagle Summit East operates two coal mining facilities in Raleigh County and Boone County, West Virginia. USDA Rural Development is providing a Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program guarantee to lender Stone Bank to assist the coal mining operation to upgrade mining equipment, water trucks, and vehicle parts at the facilities. The project supports 75 jobs.
  
• Growing Together - Rural Business & Capital Meeting: Claeys met with Partner Community Capital, a local relending partner, along with local businesses that have been assisted by Rural Development. This was an opportunity to hear about how the programs have helped with rural projects that create jobs and help support rural economies in West Virgina.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway . The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

About USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. The commitment and resources we bring to rural communities help drive economic security and prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov .