McDowell EDA prepares sites to attract investment, support growth

The McDowell County Economic Development Authority is positioning itself as the county’s central engine for economic recovery by turning site-preparation funding into actionable development opportunities. Headquartered at 92 McDowell Street, Suite 100 in Welch, the EDA is the primary local point of contact for investors, state agencies and regional partners working to convert parcels into shovel-ready property.

Under Executive Director Frances Hale, the EDA pursues a mix of business attraction and retention work, manages local development projects and supports grant and funding applications aimed at infrastructure and site readiness. The organization also lists local board members and publishes office hours and phone numbers so businesses and prospects can request assistance directly, making it easier for entrepreneurs and developers to engage with county officials.

The practical relevance for McDowell residents is clear: site-preparation funding tied to the governor’s Ready Sites award and smaller planning grants can pay for design, environmental assessments and basic infrastructure prework that private investors often require before committing capital. That preparatory work shortens the timeline between investor interest and actual construction, increases the competitiveness of local parcels and lowers upfront risk for employers considering relocation or expansion in the county.

Coordination is a core function. The EDA works with regional partners and state agencies to align funding, permits and technical assistance so that projects do not stall in bureaucratic limbo. For communities where project pipelines have historically been thin, having a single public agency able to shepherd proposals from concept through permitting and grant paperwork can change investor perceptions and improve chances of landing job-creating projects.

Market implications extend beyond a single development. Prepared sites signal readiness to larger supply chains and can help diversify McDowell’s economic base over time by attracting manufacturing, distribution or small-scale commercial firms that need immediate access to infrastructure. In policy terms, using modest planning grants to remove early-stage barriers leverages public funds to unlock private investment, a cost-effective approach to expanding the county tax base and employment prospects.

The takeaway? If you are a landowner, developer or local business thinking about growth, check in with the EDA in Welch. Our two cents? Start the conversation early: even small planning grants and coordinated paperwork can turn an idle lot into a job-creating project, and the county’s EDA is set up to help move that process forward.