The five-county area comprising West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands could improve economically by embracing and promoting its regional identity, according to a new study by three West Virginia University centers.
After a year and a half of research, the plan which recommends several strategic actions to promote economic prosperity in the region will be released Friday at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College in Moorefield.
Abridged information from article by John Duda and Cassie Shaner, National Energy Technology Laboratories, and published by Hart Energy. Read the full story on the Hart Energy website.
The funding received the full support of West Virginia’s five congressional delegates and will help continue ongoing research of the project, which began with a pilot plant in 2018.
Rare earth elements are used to power everything from smartphones to the nation’s missile guidance system, and they come from an unlikely Appalachian source – acid mine drainage sludge.
The format for both sessions will include:
From an old train depot to empty buildings dotting a town square, the West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center at West Virginia University hopes to revive communities through its latest string of redevelopment grants.
Nine West Virginia communities will each benefit from a $5,000 grant award, made possible by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, to redevelop abandoned and dilapidated industrial sites. The awards are part of the 2019-2020 Foundations for Overcoming Challenges and Utilizing Strengths West Virginia Brownfields Program, which helps communities create a redevelopment vision for brownfield properties.
Graduate student Ashley Caiola uses a technique called microwave
catalysis to synthesize ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen to create a
liquid form of electricity.
“Our record-breaking numbers reflect the commitment of our faculty, staff and partners to continue elevating the research profile of West Virginia University,” Vice President for Research Fred King said today in announcing the latest numbers.
“The ability of the University community to attract such a volume of research dollars is one definitive reason why government and industry view us as a leader. It is a virtuous cycle in which such recognition, in turn, generates more investment in the University.”
The Monongahela River, known locally as the Mon, is 130 miles and runs from North Central West Virginia to Southwestern Pennsylvania.
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Their research involved testing with hand models that included wooden dowels, 3D printed bones and, eventually, cadaveric hands.
“Ultimately what the mining industry and miners need is to select the most appropriate glove for their safety concerns,” Sosa said.