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appalachiablue

(43,608 posts)
4. Small population state essentially dependent on one
Tue Apr 19, 2022, 07:21 PM
Apr 2022

main industry, coal and the railroads to transport it and the related chemical industry. These were the largest employers for decades going back to the 1910s. A monoculture that's declined drastically in the last 25 years with coal's demise and has never been replaced or diversified with any other significant new industries.

There is a recent, small growth of outdoor sports and recreation venues in more rugged areas to attract tourism. It's a start but doesn't provide enough jobs and income. In terms of employment, there's the state govt. in Charleston, WVU in Morgantown and several other colleges, smaller cities like Fairmont and Parkersburg and the state parks and a new national park, The New River Gorge.

Amazon warehousing is the largest employer in the state. Even successful Viatris- Mylan Pharmaceuticals in Morgantown which had provided well- paying skilled jobs for many people was outsourced to Asia last year despite strong objections. Heather Manchin, an exec. and Joe's daughter received a substantial payout from the deal.
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/07/22/viatris-mylan-upjohn-morgantown-west-virginia-plant-closing-jobs-joe-biden-labor-advocacy-groups-our-revolution-bernie-sanders/stories/202107220053

A few years ago, a DU member commented that the entire state should be preserved and turned into a national park. That's an interesting idea.

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