According to MetroNews, Gov. Jim Justice today asked for and received the resignation of Commerce Secretary Woody Thrasher, the administration announced in a news release.

 

The governor expressed his appreciation for Thrasher’s service to the state of West Virginia. Thrasher has been involved with controversy over the state’s handling of millions of dollars in federal long-term flood relief money. But he earlier was at the center of a China investment deal potentially worth billions of dollars.

 

“I consider Woody a friend, and he’s done a solid job in the area of economic development, Justice stated today. “Thrasher expressed to me that recent media attention had distracted from what he believed was his core mission, economic development and business opportunities for West Virginia.”

 

“I hope this allows us to turn our attention to the full recovery of all of the victims of the 2016 flood,” Gov. Justice added.

 

Thrasher stated that he still believes in Justice’s vision for economic development.

 

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Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of West Virginia Legislative Photography, photo by Perry Bennett.