U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today that the Nicholas County Building Commission has been awarded $1.8 million from the Economic Development Administration for the development of Glade Creek Business Park, which will create 400 jobs and generate more than $20 million in private investment.

"This is a great day for Nicholas County and for all of southern West Virginia," Rahall said. "With the help of this federal investment, we are putting folks to work though the recruitment and attraction of new companies to this region. It's a win-win for West Virginia."

The grant will allow for necessary property acquisitions and the construction of water, sewer and access road infrastructure at the 182-acre Glade Creek Business Park. In January, Rahall contacted the EDA asking for support of the Commission's request and has worked with local agencies throughout the grant application process.

Glade Business Park will be located approximately two miles north of Summersville, W.Va., and US Route 19 (Appalachian Corridor L) and is immediately accessible from WV Route 41. Corridor L is considered one of the three primary Corridor's within the mission of the Connection Technology Corridors Program, which Rahall helped establish.

"I believe this business park will further enhance the efforts of the CTC program to unite both new and existing technology companies to gain access to broadband infrastructure, marketing services, and entrepreneurial training and support in southeastern West Virginia," Rahall said.

Nicholas County commissioner Tom Blankenship agrees with Rahall and thanked him for his efforts.

"This money will help us get our business park ready for new businesses coming into our county," Blankenship said. "Without the help of Congressman Rahall and others dedicated to this project, this would not be possible."

Region 4 Planning & Development Council Executive Director, W. D. Smith, too, expressed his excitement following the announcement.

"With the announcement of EDA's generous investment, Nicholas County can go forward with the development of the Glade Creek Business Park," Smith said. "The Glade Creek Business Park will provide the much needed missing element to Nicholas County's economic development strategy, that being, having "ready to build" sites for new and expanding businesses looking to locate in the county. This is great news for Nicholas County and the entire region."