The college will use the grant to renovate part of the building and outfit it as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Lab. The STEM Lab will be a key component in the facility’s mission to foster entrepreneurial activity in the community.

“West Virginia University at Parkersburg is one of the real assets this area brings to economic development,” said Mollohan. “I’m pleased that they have embraced this role so strongly and are working with the City and other stakeholders to develop this property.”

The STEM Lab will feature state-of-the-art simulation technology to engage students through virtual environments. The technology will enable students to acquire “hands-on” experience in a wide range of health care, energy, and other technologies without ever leaving the Lab.

“This is very good news,” said Connie Dziagwa, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at WVU-Parkersburg. “We greatly appreciate Congressman Mollohan’s support for this project.”

The Erickson Foundation donated the W. T. Grant Building to the college in August of 2008. A task force composed of college officials along with local government and economic development leaders surveyed the community on potential uses for the property.

Responses from the community supported the concept of a mixed-use facility. In addition to an entrepreneurship center, the college intends to develop programs in hospitality management, nonprofit organization management, community education for seniors, and workforce development.

Mollohan chairs the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which drafted its fiscal year 2011 spending bill late last month. The $1,000,000 for WVU-Parkersburg is included in the draft. The legislation must be approved by the House and Senate and signed into law before any funding can be delivered.

-30-