Legislative Interim Meetings Kick Off in West Virginia
CHARLESTON — Lawmakers gathered at Stonewall Resort in Lewis County for three days of legislative interim meetings, with a focus on tourism and economic development. Chelsea Ruby, the recently reappointed Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Tourism, presented updates on the department’s operations and strategies, highlighting recent successes and an increased budget, projected to rise from $8.1 million in fiscal year 2015 to $35.9 million for fiscal year 2026. Despite a reduction in staffing from 66.9 to 47 positions, the department boasts an $8.7 billion economic impact and employs over 60,000 individuals statewide.
Ruby noted a significant milestone in tourism revenue, surpassing $1 billion generated from visitors in the past year. Visitor spending has surged by 23% since 2019, outpacing the national average of 9%.
In a parallel discussion, Nicholas Preservati from the West Virginia Office of Energy announced the impending reorganization of the Department of Economic Development as it transitions back into the Department of Commerce. The Joint Committee on Government Finance emphasized the importance of aligning economic policies with energy and workforce initiatives. Lawmakers will continue their sessions with tours of local facilities and tourism sites.
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