CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia lawmakers are likely to
get an update on the damage that the Mountain State can expect from
the worldwide financial meltdown.

This month's series of legislative interim meetings includes an
update on the health of West Virginia's economy and business
markets from the state Department of Commerce.

Gov. Joe Manchin has cited robust tax revenues, low unemployment
and ample emergency reserves in seeking to assure West Virginians
that the state can weather the ongoing global financial crisis.

But frozen credit markets make it difficult for both state
government and the private sector to fund construction and other
projects. And with coal prices fueling economic and revenue growth
in West Virginia, officials are concerned about the upheaval's
effect on the energy market.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)