Economic Development in West Virginia. Information Series 6 / Frederick A. Zeller and Wil J. Smith.

Excessive unemployment, serious deficiencies in education, housing, welfare, transportation, and government systems are major problems in West Virginia. A historical contributor to the present condition is the decline of the coal industry. Also a contributor is the general apathy of the citizens toward change and economic progress. The state's basic social and economic infrastructures, consequently, are sub-par to national norms. Economic expansion can be realized if (1) the national economy continues to grow, (2) the Federal regional programs and the Appalachian Regional Development Program proceed as scheduled, and (3) the state legislature authorizes public expenditure programs adequate to support the projected expansion of the private sector; however, this prediction for economic expansion rests upon the application of qualitatively and quantitatively adequate public expenditures. The document provides an analysis of factors producing West Virginia's economic situation in 1968, suggestions for governmental action and a government expenditures policy, and discussions of expenditure areas such as the educational system, public welfare system, health, industry, and the transportation system. (JB)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.