daily304 - Episode 02.13.2024

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 13 

TC Energy will move into the Downtown Charleston spot vacated by CASCI. Disaster unemployment benefits are available to those in affected counties. And here’s your 5-day itinerary to adventure and fun in the New River Gorge…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WOWK-TV – Officials with TC Energy and the City of Charleston have confirmed TC Energy will be moving into a new downtown Charleston building where the former CASCI building currently stands.

Officials with TC Energy say the current building on the property will need to be replaced, and that a new building will be built by Remington Development Corporation. TC Energy says they expect construction will be complete sometime in 2025 and the move will occur in 2026.

According to City of Charleston officials, the new facility is expected to cost about $60 million.

“We are thrilled TC Energy has made the decision to remain in Charleston, invest in a new facility along Kanawha Boulevard, and bring the company’s 450 employees to our Downtown,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. ” TC Energy has had a strong presence in Charleston since the 1950s and its employees continue to play a critical role in delivering energy throughout our country.”

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/kanawha-county-wv/tc-energy-to-build-new-downtown-charleston-location/

#2 – From WORKFORCE WV – Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available to qualifying individuals living or working in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison and Kanawha counties, following flooding in 2023. These counties were designated as major disaster areas by the President on January 30, 2024 following an official request by Gov. Jim Justice.

Individuals living or working in these counties who lost their job due to the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides may apply for federal unemployment benefits. 

The DUA benefits are available to self-employed workers, including farmers, who are usually not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits. Those who apply must provide proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements and income tax forms no more than 21 days after the application has been filed.

Those affected must contact WorkForce West Virginia by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 304-558-3340 between the hours of 8 am and 4 p.m. Claims must be filed by March 6, 2024.

Read more:

https://workforcewv.org/newsroom/disaster-unemployment-assistance-benefits-are-now-available/

#3 – From LAFAYETTE FLATTS –  When the New River Gorge was designated a National Park in 2021, the area immediately saw a huge influx of travelers who were interested in expanding the list of national parks they had visited. 

How much time should you invest in your New River Gorge trip? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The folks at Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals have designed a 5-day sample itinerary to help you plan a perfect visit to America’s newest national park, whether you are looking for adventure, nature, history, or culture.

Enjoy dining from a wide range of local eateries in Fayetteville, take in the Gorge’s beauty from the Endless Wall Trail. Plan an aerial adventure with TreeTops Zipline Canopy Tours. Travel to the southern entrance to the park to take in stunning views of Sandstone Falls. Shop at Tamarack Marketplace for beautiful handmade goods.

And if you need a place to stay, check out Lafayette Flats in Fayetteville, which offers a special discount code for booking 5 or more nights. 

Read more:

https://lafayetteflats.com/new-river-gorge-itinerary/

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.