Central Appalachia Enterprise Community

Latest Progress Reports

State: West Virginia
Counties (Census Tracts): Roane (9630, 9631), Braxton (9681), Clay (9579, 9580, 9581), Nicholas (9803), Fayette (0205, 0206)
Community Population: 29,314
Community Area Size: 825 sq. mi.
Poverty Rate: 34.3%
Unemployment Rate: 18.3%

Overview

The Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) is located in five counties in central West Virginia. This area has an abundance of natural resources and beauty to be developed to strengthen the economy. West Virginia has one of the most complete fiberoptics networks to create an opportunity for CAEZ to develop a technology-based work environment.

CAEZ conducted a comprehensive grass-roots planning process during 83 public meetings with over 1,400 area citizens taking part in the process. Twenty eight committees were formed around specific community issues to participate in the strategic planning process. The plan is centered around three main themes: empowerment, process and structure. The economic development component focuses on a loan fund and the creation of a Timber Conservation Corps for youth. Education and training focuses on adult basic education, job training/retraining programs, and the development of Community/Family Resource Centers. The housing and health components seek to improve access and services to local residents. An innovative "laboratory" environment is being created within the zone.

Key Activities

Economic Development:

CAEZ will develop a revolving loan fund to assist existing businesses and new entrepreneurship. CAEZ will also provide management and entrepreneurial assistance to local businesses. A formula is being developed by CAEZ on tax credits to businesses to encourage business expansion.

Sustainable Community and Economic Development:

A Timber Conservation Corps is modeled after the CCCs of the 1930's. Three hundred students per year will participate and receive a stipend of $40 per day. It will develop industrial and commercial sites for aggressive marketing and promotion to bring state, national and international corporations into the area.

Health:

Develop a rural health primary care network to improve access to primary care providers. Enhance preventive health care services, include dental and mental health services.

Community Development- Education and Training:

A key strategy of the Education Component is the expansion of Head Start, Kindergarten, Adult Basic Ed, and job training/retraining programs. CAEZ will develop the innovative Community/Family Centers pilots for delivery of coordinated social services to local residents. A welfare reform demonstration approved by the Governor will allow the State to provide a two-year extension of Medicare benefits to individuals on AFDC, involved with the EZ programs.

Housing:

CAEZ has established home construction and improvement crews made up of local skilled crafts people trained in the home building trade.

Contact:

West Virginia . . . EZ/EC Map . . . Feedback . . . EZ/EC Home Page