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Taking West Virginia to New Heights
The Potomac Highlands
ARIANNA WHITEHAIR
Photo by Elkins-Randolph County Tourism CVB .
Characterized by stunning mountaintop views and an abundance of outdoor recreation , every aspect of the Potomac Highlands region reminds us why West Virginia is considered Almost Heaven . Encompassing the eight counties of Grant , Hampshire , Hardy , Mineral , Pendleton , Pocahontas , Randolph and Tucker , this region considers itself a nature lovers ’ paradise with ample hiking and biking trails , scenic overlooks and plenty of other activities that can be enjoyed year-round .
While home to the highest geographical point in the state , Spruce Knob , which sits approximately 4,861 feet above sea level , this region also prides itself on taking the Mountain State to great economic heights . Whether it ’ s a new health care initiative , educational opportunity or groundbreaking event center , this treasured piece of Appalachia is working diligently to help the state flourish in the areas of economic development , health , education , outdoor adventure and tourism .
Economic Development
The Appalachian Mountains aren ’ t the only things growing around here — over the last several years , the Potomac Highlands has seen significant economic growth that will have a positive , lasting impact on the entire state .
“ Anecdotally , there are a lot of people moving here ,” says Kevin Clark , director of the Mineral County Development
Authority . “ We ’ ve done some research , and our market is adjusting to the new housing demands . We ’ re also trying to do some things with the BUILD West Virginia Act so that we get more benefits if a local developer develops properties than if an out-of-state developer develops properties .”
Signed into law in spring 2022 and then expanded upon in March of this year , the BUILD West Virginia Act aims to assist the growth of local communities by providing three types of tax credit incentives to promote residential housing development .
While the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually becoming a thing of the past , many businesses in the area are still feeling its damaging effects . Rather than attempting to combat this financial dry spell by adding more businesses to the area , Mineral County is primarily focused on building up and supporting the businesses it already has .
“ We ’ re making sure our existing businesses have everything they need to stay here and be sustainable ,” says Clark . “ A lot of our businesses need warehousing , an industry that has really taken off in the last few years . Mineral County ’ s not traditionally a warehousing area , but we ’ ve had some need and demand from our businesses , so the development authority has been developing a building for that purpose . It ’ s been heavily used , and I think it will really help secure our businesses .”
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE