ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
HB 4001
HOUSE: 87-8
HB 4001 was the top priority of the West Virginia House of Delegates’ 2026 economic agenda. Announced as part of the Jobs First- Opportunity Everywhere initiative, House leadership centered its strategy on three core pillars: workforce-ready education, a job-creating business climate and responsible economic growth. The bill would create Team West Virginia: a privatized, independent nonprofit designed to lead the state’ s business recruitment and economic development strategy. The model is largely based on JobsOhio.
Under the legislation, the state could transfer control of its spirits distribution system to Team West Virginia, with the nonprofit required to pay the state at least $ 30 million annually, ensuring continued revenue to the state’ s general fund. In return, Team West Virginia would retain any additional revenues generated beyond that payment, creating a dedicated, non-tax funding stream to reinvest into economic development efforts.
HB 4004 & 4005
HB 4004 – SENATE: 33-1 � HOUSE: 89-6 HB 4005 – SENATE: 27-7 � HOUSE: 92-1
HB 4004, the Recharge West Virginia Act, focuses on upskilling existing workforces. Housed in the Division of Economic Development, the program allows qualifying employers to receive reimbursement for training costs when an employee completes approved upskilling training, earns an industry-recognized credential and receives a qualifying wage increase of at least 25 % above their prior wage and the state’ s average weekly wage. To be eligible, an employee must be employed with the employer and reside in the state for six months. Reimbursements are capped at $ 10,000 per employee and $ 100,000 per employer per fiscal year.
Complementing this effort, HB 4005, the Workforce Development Act of 2026, targets the future workforce by expanding youth apprenticeship opportunities. The legislation enables students ages 16 and older to participate in structured, credit-bearing training programs tied to high-demand industries such as manufacturing, engineering and health care. It also modernizes child labor provisions to align with federal standards while allowing supervised, skills-based work experience.
Written by Rachel Coffman
HB 4007 & 4008
HB 4007 – SENATE: 33-0 � HOUSE: 92-3 HB 4008 – SENATE: 33-1 � HOUSE: 84-9
From engineering studies and infrastructure planning to road access, West Virginia’ s topography can present unique challenges that require additional resources for developers to bring sites to market. HBs 4007 and 4008 aim to address these barriers and enhance the state’ s competitiveness.
HB 4007 updates and expands the Industrial Access Road Fund to better support infrastructure and access tied to economic development projects. The bill allows for an additional $ 3 million to be transferred annually from the State Road Fund, bringing total potential funding to $ 6 million for industrial access road development. It also expands eligible uses of the fund to support designated business-ready sites that show strong development potential but still need key utility and infrastructure improvements before they can attract employers.
HB 4008 strengthens the business-ready sites program by establishing a microgrant initiative to support earlystage site development. Under the program, sites of at least five acres may receive up to $ 100,000, while those exceeding 20 acres may qualify for up to $ 250,000. The bill also allows sites already designated under the program to access additional funding through the Department of Commerce.
Photo by Perry Bennett, WV Legislative Photography.
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