For Immediate Release:

November 20, 2017

Democrats Welcome Truth About Chinese Investment

Democratic Leader Tim Miley sets record straight on Tomblin success at attracting new gas-fired power plants in Harrison County and Brooke County

CHARLESTON, WV— Today, West Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman Belinda Biafore praised House Democratic Leader Tim Miley for giving proper credit to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin for his work to begin the construction of gas-fired power plants in Harrison County and Brooke County.

Miley appeared on WV MetroNews to talk about the facts of the two new power plants, and express his hope that the $82 billion Chinese investment will come to fruition (watch here). Miley corrected assertions that the Harrison and Brooke projects were part of the recent Chinese announcement — they are not connected. Those projects were started years ago under the Democratic leadership of Governor Tomblin.

West Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman Belinda Biafore said, “I’m glad Leader Miley spoke out to correct the record on these two major accomplishments of the Tomblin Administration. The gas-fired power plants in Harrison County and Brooke County will bring jobs to West Virginia, and we are all thrilled that the Justice Administration is carrying both initiatives forward.”

Urging cautious optimism, Miley said he hopes that the Chinese investment is a major success for the people of West Virginia. Similar promises of investment were made about a Wood County cracker facility and an ammunition plant in Kanawha County, but neither one became a reality.

House Minority Leader Tim Miley said, “Even though the Wall Street Journal is raising important questions about Chinese energy investments in the United States, I hope this major investment will help our state in every way possible. It’s good news for Harrison County and Brooke County that the current administration will continue from the groundwork laid by Governor Tomblin.”

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