Washington Said No West Virginia Must Decide

Congressman Riley Moore’s bid for $50 million in federal aid for water and sewer projects in southern West Virginia hit a wall—Washington said no. But he did land some funding for other infrastructure, a win worth noting. Still, the rejection signals a harsh truth: the federal government won’t fix West Virginia’s long-term economic wounds. Counties like McDowell and Mingo, hit hard by coal’s decline and rugged terrain, need more than temporary fixes. Federal dollars can’t build a sustainable economy—Washington’s message, whether intentional or not, is clear: West Virginia must solve its own problems. With rural utilities already strained and state resources limited, the state can’t keep propping up struggling regions. Looking at eastern Kentucky’s similar struggles but better infrastructure, the answer lies in diversification—and it takes years, not months, to see results. Tough choices are coming. It’s time to stop sugarcoating and face reality head-on. The goal? A self-sustaining future for every county. Relying on one region to bail out another won’t work long-term. The longer we delay, the harder the recovery gets. Washington’s “no” might be the wake-up call West Virginia needs.

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