Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Monday, April 28, 2025 

Commercial Metals says #YesWV with the construction of a $450 million state-of-the-art micro mill in Berkeley County…newly designated Mountaineer Mile trails at West Virginia state parks encourage West Virginians to get active while enjoying nature…and applications are open for a new grant program for small businesses in Kanawha County…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From WV NEWS – Commercial Metals Company is bringing a major economic boost to West Virginia with the construction of a cutting-edge micro mill in Berkeley County. The $450 million investment marks a significant expansion for the company and reinforces West Virginia’s appeal as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

The new facility is designed to produce approximately 500,000 tons of straight-length and spooled rebar each year. This state-of-the-art micro mill will support demand for steel in infrastructure, construction, and industrial sectors across key regions including the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest.

CMC selected West Virginia for its strategic geographic location, which provides streamlined access to several major metropolitan markets. The company cited the state’s pro-business policies, skilled labor pool and strong infrastructure also as central to the decision

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/commercial-metals-company-to-build-450-million-micro-mill-in-berkeley-county-west-virginia/article_0e633cec-220e-4331-aeb4-42c996cb85ed.html

 

#2 – From WVVA-TV – West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced a new initiative that encourages West Virginians to walk at least a mile a day.

The governor joined other state officials recently at Little Beaver State Park to unveil the first Mountaineer Mile trail around the lakefront. As part of the initiative, 32 state parks in West Virginia will have a Mountaineer Mile Trail. 

Morrisey says he hopes the trails will encourage people to be healthier as well as visit the state’s scenic state parks. 

“Because West Virginia has the most beautiful state parks in the country, there’s no better place to partake in the Mountaineer Mile challenge,” he said. “If the Mountaineer Mile can take off across the state, it will lead to incredible health outcomes for our residents.”

Read more:

https://www.wvva.com/2025/04/16/gov-morrisey-unveils-first-mountaineer-mile-trail/

 

#3 – From SMALL BIZ TRENDS –  Optimum Business and the Charleston Area Alliance have announced the opening of applications for the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants, a new initiative aimed at bolstering small business growth in Kanawha County. 

As part of the program, 25 small businesses will each receive a $5,000 grant, totaling $125,000 in funding to support long-term economic prosperity in the region.

The grant program, introduced on April 14, is designed to directly support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the community’s economic infrastructure. The initiative includes recognition events hosted by Optimum Business, where local officials and community partners will celebrate the awarded businesses.

Learn more about the grant program’s rules and eligibility here.

Read more:

https://smallbiztrends.com/optimum-kanawha-small-business-grants/

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.