"The rising national economic tide seems to be lifting everyone's boat but ours," said West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise at his inauguration in January. Wise, a former U.S. congressman, has instigated a series of programs that will attract new business to West Virginia while developing the quality of the Mountain State's work force.
      Wise has proposed a loan forgiveness program for West Virginia higher education. The program would allow graduates who stay and work in the Mountain State upon graduation gradual forgiveness of loan balances. The state has also created PROMISE, a tuition program for families to prepay college education expenses.
      Gov. Wise has also proposed the creation of Business Opportunity Zones in the state's most economically distressed areas. Tax incentives will be offered in these areas to encourage the location of new business to the region. The greatest benefits will be offered to those firms that invest or create jobs within the Business Opportunity Zones. Wise also proposes the streamlining of state permits and regulations. "Sometimes we go too far and create regulations that do not work as intended and end up restricting the development of new business," says Wise. With the creation of a state Ombudsman's office, Wise hopes to streamline negotiations between industry and the state.
      Spring floods have taken a toll on the Mountain State's road system. State officials estimate that more than US$3 million in damage to state roads in 13 counties are awaiting repair. It will prove costly since the state Division of Highways doesn't have the money in its budget to cover the costs. State officials say the repairs will be completed. "We don't have a choice," adds Transportation Secretary Fred VanKirk. "These repairs have to be made."
      The state's economic picture may be looking brighter. In April, West Virginia's unemployment rate hit a record low of 5.2 percent, the lowest ever recorded by the state Bureau of Employment Programs. Since April of 2000, West Virginia has added 3,300 jobs, mostly in the services sector. However, last year West Virginia posted job losses in both the manufacturing and utility sectors.
      Ecolab announced in late April a $20 million facility to be located in Berkeley County. The company will produce cleaning supplies and will eventually employ more than 100. Company officials cite the central Mid-Atlantic location, transportation networks and the availability of a skilled work force as key factors in the site location.
      Toyota Motors is expanding its Buffalo plant, enabling the firm to produce Lexus sport-utility engines and transmissions. The $50 million expansion marks the first time the company has produced engines outside of Japan.