Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025.
#1 – From West Virginia Public Broadcasting / WCHS – Solar & Batteries to Power TIMET’s Titanium Plant
Jackson County’s upcoming titanium melt facility (TIMET) is at the cutting edge of clean energy—powered by a massive solar-and-battery microgrid. When fully deployed, the 106 MW solar array and storage system will meet around 70% of the plant’s energy needs, supporting hundreds of jobs as it gears up for production in late 2025.
#2 – From CBS News – New River Gorge National Park is Reviving Coal Country with Adventure Tourism
Three generations of miners once fueled the New River Gorge region—now it’s the rapids that restore hope and prosperity. Since its national park redesignation in 2020, whitewater rafting, climbing, biking, and BASE-jumping have helped nearly double visitor spending—generating $86 million for the local economy in 2023.
Read more:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-river-gorge-national-park-west-virginia-coal-whitewater-rapids/?
#3 – From West Virginia SBDC – Startup Story: Kayak Loading Solutions
Inspired by their own struggles loading heavy kayaks, a West Union couple designed a steel kayak loader in their basement—and turned it into a business with help from the WV Small Business Development Center. From mentorship to patent advice, SBDC guidance turned frustration into innovation at the Great American Outdoor Show.
Read more:
https://wvsbdc.com/how-wv-sbdc-helped-kayak-loading-solutions-turn-an-idea-into-a-reality/
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.
That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
