The West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) approved a $5 million grant to the College of St. Joseph the Worker, a Catholic-affiliated college based in Steubenville, Ohio. The funds, drawn from the state’s Economic Enhancement Grant Fund (EEGF), will be used to expand the college’s operations into West Virginia. The expansion aims to create a satellite campus, vocational training programs, and a conservative think tank, reports the Herald Star.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
The expansion project promises to provide significant economic benefits to the Northern Panhandle, particularly to the city of Weirton. According to the college, it will invest an additional $5 million into the project, bringing the total cost to $10 million. This funding will help develop vocational programs in trades such as carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. Additionally, the college plans to create a construction and real estate company headquartered in Weirton, which could employ up to 200 apprentices and 50-100 construction workers.
Del. Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to support young people in the region and provide valuable job skills. He believes the college’s combination of technical and classical education offers a unique opportunity for students.
Controversy Surrounding the Grant
While the grant was approved by the WDA, the process has raised some questions. West Virginia law requires a letter of recommendation from one of three state cabinet officials before funds are allocated. However, no such letter was provided for the College of St. Joseph the Worker’s grant application. Despite this, the project moved forward, with support from key state officials, including McGeehan.
The college also plans to use part of the grant—$1 million—to create a conservative think tank focused on social policy issues, such as abortion and immigration. This aspect of the project has sparked debate about the use of public funds for political advocacy. The Governor’s Office has largely avoided commenting on this issue, maintaining that the primary goal of the grant is to support workforce development and economic growth.
Looking Ahead
The grant is a part of West Virginia’s broader strategy to revitalize its workforce and infrastructure. Since the establishment of the EEGF in 2022, the state has awarded over $594 million in grants for various economic development projects. As the College of St. Joseph the Worker moves forward with its expansion, its influence on the region’s workforce and political landscape remains to be seen.
