A federal grant of $277,766 has been awarded to develop a master plan for the Port of West Virginia, a former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel property that is being targeted for the development of a large network of hydrogen-based industries. This grant is part of five grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration to projects involving the movement of goods along waterways in different states including West Virginia. The port's development plan aims to align with regional freight shipment needs and shift from truck to barge transport to reduce landside congestion. Additionally, the plan includes producing alternative fuels on site to facilitate the future use of zero-emission equipment once the terminal is operational. Empire Diversified Energy, the port's parent company, is partnering with Battelle Memorial Institute to seek federal funding to convert food waste into renewable hydrogen as part of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub. The project plans to produce hydrogen through methane pyrolysis. The company aims to showcase the environmental and economic benefits of strategic investments in decentralized hydrogen infrastructure and technology. The overall project includes expanding barge and rail facilities, constructing a pig iron plant, and a plastics recycling plant. The company has secured federal grants and allocated its own funds to enhance existing barge facilities, conduct environmental cleanups, and promote sustainable economic growth at the port.