AGP Executive Report

Broadband Buildout: ARC Broadband’s Citynet project is nearly complete in Pocahontas County, with crews finishing fiber make-ready work, 45 miles of fiber strung and tested, and service applications now open ahead of a December 2026 completion. Local Tech & STEM: CMI2’s “Tinker Tank” mobile makerspace is bringing hands-on STEM tools like 3D printing and robotics kits to high schoolers across multiple counties. Education & Workforce: WVU kicked off its Fall 2026 semester, welcoming about 4,500 students to Morgantown and launching a new Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. Health & Community: A new charter school, Mary Phalen Leadership Academy in Marmet, opens K-5 as a tuition-free option for Kanawha Valley families. Environment & Permitting: West Virginia DEP approved an air quality permit for Clean-Seas’ controversial advanced recycling (pyrolysis) plant in Belle, despite local opposition. Energy & Industry: The Pleasants Power Station bankruptcy fight continues as Omnis Pleasants’ parent and current leadership trade accusations over who controls the plant. Public Safety Tech: A NYU-led review finds no state fully passes privacy standards for license plate reader laws, with gaps across the country. Tourism Tech: WV tourism launched a weekly-updated 2026 fall foliage map and the autumn “Almost Heaven Swing BINGO” check-in challenge.

STEM in Action: CMI2’s “Tinker Tank” is rolling into West Virginia classrooms as a mobile makerspace for STEM students across five counties, bringing 3D printing, robotics kits, and drone simulation to CTE programs. Energy & Permitting: A Senate delay is stalling a bill meant to speed energy and infrastructure permitting, keeping pressure on lawmakers and clean-energy groups. Power Plant Fight: Pleasants Power Station’s bankruptcy has turned into a control battle, with court filings accusing parties of bad faith and trying to wrest who runs the plant. Data Centers & Power Demand: West Virginia’s data-center buildout continues to draw national attention, including new reporting on how major manufacturers are shifting to supply generators and power equipment for AI campuses. Clean Tech Plastics: WVDEP approved a key permit for Clean-Seas’ pyrolysis plant in Belle, despite local concerns about pollution impacts. Rail Infrastructure: Federal funding is moving tunnel rehabilitation forward on the Appalachian and Ohio Railroad line, improving freight safety in rural West Virginia. Campus Updates: WVU’s fall semester kicked off as students returned to class, with a new construction management degree joining the mix. Public Health: CDC data shows kindergarten vaccine coverage slipping while exemptions rise, as measles risk remains a concern.

Wildlife Research: A new Ecology paper documents American woodcock hens defending nests from white-tailed deer on West Virginia camera-trap footage—using tactics from puffing up to full-on attacks—offering rare proof that the birds can fight back when they choose. Public Safety & Privacy: Huntington residents are pushing back on Flock Safety license-plate cameras after city council approved a $2.1 million contract, launching a weekend signature drive for a ballot initiative to curb mass-surveillance tools. Clean Energy & Permitting: West Virginia DEP approved a key construction permit for Clean-Seas’ plastics-to-pyrolysis plant in Belle, despite local pollution concerns and criticism that safeguards are being rolled back. Healthcare Access: Valley Health unveiled a mobile mammography unit to expand breast cancer screening across the Eastern Panhandle and Northern Shenandoah Valley. STEM & Community: WVU shifted Welcome Week to “Mountaineer Midway and Movie” featuring “Project Hail Mary,” drawing big student turnout after canceling FallFest. Data Centers: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s 20-year “Responsible Data Center” plan aims to protect ratepayers and water while guiding hyperscale growth. Health Policy: The American Academy of Pediatrics criticized a White House executive order that recommends reducing and spacing childhood vaccines, warning it lacks evidence and could leave kids less protected.

Data Centers & Power Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey rolled out a 20-year “Responsible Data Center” plan, pushing developers to cover power and infrastructure needs while offering long-term state and local revenue benefits. Grid & Transmission Fight: Frederick County supervisors approved a resolution opposing the proposed Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line, setting aside $250,000 for legal help as residents question property impacts. Broadband Expansion: Pocahontas County’s ARC Broadband Project is nearing completion, with fiber already strung and tested and service applications now open for households and businesses. Clean Energy Storage: Form Energy secured $750 million to expand its West Virginia iron-air battery factory, betting on long-duration storage as data center demand strains power systems. Surveillance Tech Backlash: Senator Chris Rose renewed criticism of Flock license-plate cameras, while other jurisdictions nationwide weigh canceling or tightening oversight. Health Access: Valley Health unveiled a mobile mammography unit to expand rural breast cancer screening in the Eastern Panhandle and Northern Shenandoah Valley. Wildlife Research: WV-linked field footage helped document American woodcocks defending nests from deer, adding new detail to how ground-nesting birds survive.

Long-Duration Storage Boost: Form Energy secured $750 million to expand its West Virginia iron-air battery plant in Weirton, aiming to meet surging data center power needs with storage measured in days. Defense Tech Jobs: Pratt & Whitney Canada won a nine-year, $1 billion contract to overhaul PT6A-68 engines for the U.S. T-6 trainer fleet, with much of the work tied to the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport. Telehealth Hearing Care: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology sessions for OTC hearing device owners via its app. Surveillance Pushback: Flock Safety is tightening safeguards for its license plate reader network, including shorter default data retention and controls meant to curb abusive searches, as communities and lawmakers question privacy and oversight. Appalachian Health Trust: A new book spotlights why medical mistrust persists in Appalachia and what providers can do to rebuild relationships with patients. Education Pipeline: West Virginia’s community and technical college chancellor reported record enrollment in the state’s West Virginia Invests program and improved FAFSA completion rates. Local Public Safety Tech: Bridgeport police used 3D laser scanning (FARO) to reconstruct a fatal motorcycle crash in Clarksburg.

Defense Manufacturing: Pratt & Whitney Canada landed a nine-year, $1 billion contract to overhaul PT6A-68 engines for the U.S. Joint Primary Aircraft Training System, with much of the work tied to Bridgeport’s existing engine supply chain. AI & Drones: Germany-based Helsing plans a $50 million Berkeley County operation in Martinsburg to build its HX-2 AI-enabled strike drone, aiming to create at least 60 jobs. Clean Energy Storage: Form Energy secured $750 million in new equity to expand its West Virginia iron-air battery plant in Weirton, targeting longer-duration power for data-center demand. Education & Workforce: West Virginia’s community/technical colleges report record West Virginia Invests Program enrollment and improving FAFSA completion, with top fields including aviation maintenance and nursing. School Demographics: A new study finds West Virginia is losing public school students fastest in the U.S., driven mainly by falling births. Surveillance Privacy: Lawmakers and privacy advocates keep pressing Flock’s automated license plate reader network, as the company rolls out tighter retention and oversight steps. Internet Access: West Virginia residents say unreliable broadband still blocks telehealth and remote work, even as federal funding ramps up. Health Tech: Researchers report a two-part cancer approach that pushes sugar use while blocking fat fuel, showing strong results in early testing.

Defense Tech in WV: Germany-based Helsing is planning manufacturing operations in Martinsburg, with a $50M buildout to make its HX-2 AI-enabled strike drone and create at least 60 jobs in Berkeley County. Energy Storage Boom: Form Energy secured $750M in new equity to expand its iron-air battery manufacturing in Weirton, aiming for multi-day power storage as data centers drive demand. Surveillance Cameras Debate: Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight for its automated license plate reader network—cutting default retention to seven days, adding tools to limit data sharing, and requiring case codes—while West Virginia lawmakers keep pressing for stronger safeguards. Local Data Center Tensions: Tucker County residents are pushing back against plans for a massive data center campus and power buildout, citing air and water concerns and shifting project details. Public Health Watch: The FDA and CDC began inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexican facility tied to a Cyclospora outbreak that has reached thousands of cases, including in West Virginia. STEM Outreach: Bluefield State University students were named NASA West Virginia Space Grant Ambassadors for 2026–27, supporting STEM programs statewide. School Tech & Access: West Virginia families and workers still struggle with unreliable broadband, affecting telehealth, remote work, and emergency connectivity.

Battery Boom in the Mountain State: Form Energy just landed a $750M equity round to expand its West Virginia iron-air battery plant in Weirton, aiming for multi-day power storage as data centers keep driving demand. Surveillance Scrutiny: Flock Safety says it’s tightening privacy and oversight for its license-plate reader network—cutting data retention to seven days, adding limits on data sharing, and suspending users flagged for abnormal searches—after cancellations and privacy backlash. Data Centers vs. Communities: West Virginia DEP approved an air quality permit for Clean-Seas’ plastics-to-products facility near Belle, despite local fears about health impacts and the area’s existing pollution load. Broadband Reality Check: West Virginians in the least connected counties say they’re still waiting on reliable internet even as federal broadband money rolls out. Public Health Watch: FDA and CDC began inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexican plant tied to a Cyclospora outbreak that has reached 17 states, including West Virginia. STEM on the Ground: Bluefield State students were named NASA West Virginia Space Grant Ambassadors for 2026–27, supporting STEM outreach statewide.

Clean Energy Investment: Form Energy just landed a $750 million equity boost to expand its West Virginia iron-air battery plant in Weirton, aiming for multi-day power storage as data centers drive demand. Surveillance & Privacy: Lawmakers kept pressing Flock Safety on license-plate reader cameras, with the company promising tighter safeguards after criticism over data security and how agencies use the system. Local Tech + Environment: The WV DEP approved an air quality permit for a Clean-Seas plastics-to-products facility near Belle, despite community fears about health impacts and the area’s existing pollution load. Education Tech & Outcomes: Northern Panhandle districts reviewed new state testing results, showing pockets of strength in math and reading while high school scores lag and plans shift toward improvement. Public Health Watch: FDA and CDC began inspections tied to a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms’ Mexican facility, with West Virginia among affected states. STEM Outreach: Bluefield State students were named NASA West Virginia Space Grant Ambassadors for 2026–2027, supporting STEM outreach statewide. Digital Divide: West Virginians in the least connected counties say they’re still waiting on reliable internet despite major broadband funding promises. Food Safety: Whole Foods joined a broader jalapeño-linked recall after prepared foods were traced to the same contaminated source tied to a multi-state Salmonella wave.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey defended West Virginia’s “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” but wouldn’t confirm it adds enforceable protections for ratepayers or water beyond existing law, as lawmakers keep pressing on costs and impacts. Surveillance Cameras: Lawmakers grilled Flock Safety over automated license plate readers, while the company says it’s tightening safeguards—shorter retention, tighter sharing controls, and tools to flag abusive searches. Broadband Access: West Virginians in the least connected counties say they’re still waiting on reliable internet after paying for unreliable service, even as federal broadband funding ramps up. Energy Storage Boom: Form Energy raised $750 million to expand iron-air battery manufacturing in Weirton to meet growing multi-day storage demand tied to data centers. Public Health—Cyclosporiasis: FDA and CDC began onsite inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexican plant as the Cyclospora outbreak reaches 17 states, including West Virginia. Public Health—Black Lung: New research shows black lung rates in central Appalachia near a 50-year high, prompting renewed calls for immediate enforcement of silica dust protections. STEM & Space: Bluefield State students were named NASA West Virginia Space Grant Ambassadors for 2026–27, supporting STEM outreach statewide. Biometrics Research: FBI and WVU researchers used twin data from Twins Days to stress-test how well identity tech separates look-alikes. Local Tech/Community: WVU Welcome Week ramps up with University Police planning for student traffic and safety through Aug. 23.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and legislative leaders unveiled a 20-year “West Virginia Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” built around seven principles meant to protect residents and natural resources while guiding growth. Education Results: West Virginia’s 2025-26 statewide summative assessments show math and ELA near pre-pandemic levels, but science dipped slightly as proficiency gains slow. Cybersecurity Support: WVU launched the state’s first Cyber-Resilience Resource Center, offering free or low-cost help to small and medium businesses with risk assessments, incident planning, and workforce training. Black Lung Pushback: The UMWA is demanding immediate enforcement of silica dust protections after new research found black lung rates in central Appalachia near a 50-year high. Biometrics Research: The FBI and WVU are using twin data from Twins Days to test how well facial recognition works and when extra checks are needed. Water Infrastructure: Lubeck PSD residents packed a meeting over proposed water and sewer rate hikes tied to aging infrastructure. STEM/Workforce: WVU Tech classes start Aug. 18, while WVU and other programs highlight internships and career pathways. Community Events: Friend Fest for New River Gorge is set for Sept. 9 with live music and a kids zone.

Cybersecurity & Business Support: WVU’s new Cyber-Resilience Resource Center is giving small and medium West Virginia organizations free or low-cost help with risk checks, incident planning, security policy, and workforce training. Data Privacy & Surveillance: Flock Safety says it’s adding guardrails for its license-plate reader network, including shorter default retention and new tools meant to curb police misuse—though critics aren’t satisfied. Energy Storage for Data Centers: Form Energy raised $750M to expand its Weirton, WV iron-air battery plant, betting on multi-day power storage demand from the AI/data-center boom. Responsible Data Centers Debate: Gov. Morrisey’s administration unveiled “responsible data center” principles, but lawmakers and advocates say they don’t go far enough on ratepayer and environmental protections. Health & Food Safety: West Virginia was among states hit by the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce; Michigan’s advisory lifted as officials say the surge is mostly backlog reporting. STEM & Space in WV: Two Bluefield State students were named NASA West Virginia Space Grant Ambassadors, and WVU cyber and space-related programs continue to expand. Local Infrastructure: Lubeck PSD is seeking major water and sewer rate hikes to replace aging lines, while WVDEP approved an air permit for a controversial plastic pyrolysis facility in Kanawha County.

Data Centers & Power Storage: Form Energy raised $750M to expand its Weirton iron-air battery plant, aiming to meet surging multi-day storage demand from the data center boom. Grid & Energy Policy: A new PJM interconnection queue reform saw natural gas dominate the first “first-ready, first-served” batch, reshaping expectations after years of stalled clean-energy projects. Responsible Data Centers: Gov. Morrisey’s “responsible data center principles” are drawing fresh criticism for not adding real ratepayer or environmental protections beyond earlier fast-track law. Local Tech & Privacy: Monongalia County is moving forward with Flock-style license plate reader cameras, while lawmakers and residents press for stronger privacy safeguards. Education Tech & Outcomes: West Virginia’s 2026 K-12 assessments show math and ELA back above pre-COVID levels, with science slightly down. Public Health Tech: Monongalia County is distributing oral rabies vaccine baits ahead of USDA aircraft drops. Healthcare Cyber/AI: Vandalia Health won a $15M federal grant for infrastructure and cybersecurity upgrades. STEM in the Classroom: WVU’s nursing BSN program earned a Board of Governors “Program of Excellence” nod, including its Beckley campus. Health & Safety: Parkersburg firefighters are getting esophageal cancer pre-screenings through a union-backed initiative.

K-12 Results: West Virginia’s 2026 statewide assessments show math and English Language Arts back above pre-COVID levels, while science dips slightly—proficiency in math rose to about 39% and ELA held near 48%. Third Grade Focus: The new 3rd Grade Success Act kicks in this school year, aiming to catch reading and math gaps early, with required summer supports and end-of-year retention for students who miss cutoff scores. Public Health: Monongalia County is distributing oral rabies vaccine baits around Morgantown, with USDA aircraft drops planned later in August; officials warn baits are safe but can cause vomiting if too many are eaten. Cancer Screening: Parkersburg firefighters are getting non-invasive esophageal cancer pre-screenings as part of a union-backed effort to catch disease early. Data Center Debate: West Virginia lawmakers are set to scrutinize “responsible” data center development and ratepayer, water, and grid reliability protections as a 20-year plan rolls out. Surveillance Cameras: Monongalia County officials say their Flock-style license plate reader safeguards are strong, but privacy concerns are pushing the issue toward the next legislative session. Energy Storage Boom: Form Energy and Antora are pulling in hundreds of millions more for long-duration iron-air and carbon-based batteries—fueling the next wave of power-hungry data centers. Space & STEM: Stargazers get a big night with the Aug. 12 partial solar eclipse and the Perseids peaking under a new moon.

Asbestos in Schools: A new Mesothelioma Hope analysis of 5,217 public school facilities using EPA ECHO data finds big enforcement gaps nationwide, with Washington ranking last and West Virginia among the bottom states. Fire Cleanup Watch: WVDEP says sampling at the Camden Avenue site in Parkersburg is ongoing, with results so far not triggering extra protective steps beyond cleanup and monitoring, while the Agriculture Department collected hundreds of soil and water samples. Solar Science & Safety: Aug. 12 brings a partial solar eclipse visible across parts of the U.S. plus the Perseids peaking under a new moon—great conditions for safe stargazing with proper eclipse glasses. Medicaid Work Requirements: West Virginia DHS told lawmakers about an estimated 33,000 expanded Medicaid recipients who may not meet federal work rules starting Jan. 1, 2027. Data Center Policy: Gov. Morrisey and lawmakers unveiled a 20-year Responsible Data Center Development Plan built on seven principles covering electricity costs, water protections, grid reliability, and community oversight. Cybersecurity Push: West Virginia’s CIO says new annual security review requirements aim to make agencies actually follow the state’s cybersecurity rules. Responsible Gaming Research: WVU researchers, funded by Arnold Ventures, are studying loss-chasing in online betting to help operators intervene earlier. Healthcare Tech: WVU Medicine expands its da Vinci surgical robot fleet with 17 more da Vinci 5 systems, boosting regional capacity. Space & Health Research: WVU Ruby Scholars Graduate Fellows are advancing studies linking space discovery with patient-focused work.

WVU Research & Public Health: WVU economists are using a nearly $300,000 Arnold Ventures grant to study “loss-chasing” in online sports betting, aiming to flag risky triggers and help gamblers get support earlier. Healthcare Tech: WVU Medicine says it has expanded its robotic surgery fleet by adding 17 Intuitive da Vinci 5 systems, boosting minimally invasive options across a network of hospitals. Cybersecurity Governance: West Virginia’s CIO says new rules under HB 5638 tighten annual cybersecurity reviews for most state agencies, with clearer accountability and cost recovery when entities don’t participate. Data Centers & Energy Policy: Gov. Morrisey and legislative leaders unveiled a 20-year “Responsible Data Center Development Plan” under HB 2014, while another group warns proposed PSC electric rules could raise bills by pushing higher-cost generation. Industry & Automation: Frontieras North America selected Yokogawa as main automation contractor for a $850M Mason County solid carbon fractionation facility. Environment & Courts: Environmental groups sued an Anmoore plant over alleged 1,100+ Clean Water Act violations, arguing repeated toxic water permit breaches. Space & Weather: NASA says West Virginia will see a partial solar eclipse Aug. 12, with viewing guidance and forecasts circulating statewide.