Capito, Jenkins announce millions in economic development grants for West Virginia

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-WV) announced millions of dollars in economic development grants on Wednesday for projects in West Virginia.

The state will receive approximately $16.5 million in grants issued through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to grow the economy and support projects throughout the state.

“Years of onerous regulations that have targeted our state have put many West Virginians out of work and hurt local communities,” Capito said. “For more than a year, I have worked to ensure that economic development officials, including Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams and the Economic Development Administration, clearly understand the needs of West Virginia.”

The funding will be used to strengthen the state’s workforce and create new job opportunities, Capito said.

“Most importantly, it’s my hope that any investment like this will grow West Virginia’s economy over the long-term, and I will continue to work with the public and private sectors on solutions that boost economic development like high-speed internet and promoting small businesses,” Capito added.

Jenkins announced that the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority and Mingo County Public Service District will receive $1.64 million in grants to make upgrades to the Mingo County Air Transportation Park.

“Access to safe municipal water service is critical to attract development and new employers,” Jenkins said. “This grant will allow us to maximize the Mingo County Air Transportation Park’s potential and use this resource to create jobs and diversify our economy. I am pleased that Mingo County is receiving these funds and know it will make a true difference in our state.”

Jenkins also announced that the Bluewell Public Service District would receive $1.5 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission and $1 million from the EDA to expand municipal water service to the Mercer County Airport, while the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority will receive approximately $1 million from the ARC and $120,000 from the EDA.

“This announcement is critical for southern West Virginia’s economic growth,” Jenkins said. “Expanding city water service out to the Mercer County Airport will allow us to fully develop the airport and its surrounding land, creating exciting new opportunities for Bluefield and the surrounding counties. The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority will use these funds to help our small businesses grow and to launch new startups, turning our region into a hub of economic development and jobs. I am so pleased these two projects are receiving these much-needed funds and know they will make a true difference in our state.”