In a significant win for the state of West Virginia, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has announced the allocation of substantial federal funding to support a wide range of initiatives across the region.
As a seasoned member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees, Senator Capito has leveraged her influence to secure resources from various government agencies, targeting key areas such as healthcare, education, environmental remediation, and economic development.
Bolstering West Virginia’s Healthcare Landscape
Empowering Head Start Programs
Senator Capito’s efforts have secured substantial funding for Head Start programs across the state. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Appalachian Council, Inc. in Charleston will receive $8,036,732 to enhance their Head Start initiatives.
Northern Panhandle Head Start, Inc. in Wheeling and the Kanawha County Board of Education in Dunbar will also receive $7,799,531 and $4,056,666, respectively, to strengthen their early childhood education efforts.
Read: Alabama, Iowa, And Idaho Lawmakers Revolt Against Biden EPA’s Electric Vehicle Mandates
Combating the Opioid Crisis
Recognizing the urgent need to address the opioid epidemic plaguing West Virginia, Senator Capito has secured $5,339,590 in funding for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WV DHHR) in Charleston. This allocation will empower the state to track and prevent overdoses while also identifying emerging drug threats, a critical step in the ongoing battle against substance abuse.
Supporting Black Lung and Cancer Prevention
The healthcare funding windfall extends to other vital areas, including $2,172,386 for the WV DHHR’s Black Lung and Coal Miner Clinics program and $1,956,745 for the West Virginia Cancer Prevention and Control Program.
These investments will bolster the state’s efforts to address the unique healthcare needs of its coal mining community and combat the scourge of cancer.
Read: Majority Of Americans Approve Of Trump’s First Term More Than Biden’s, New Poll Reveals
Elevating West Virginia’s Educational Landscape
Fostering Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development
Senator Capito’s commitment to education is evident in the $1,956,655 grant awarded to the EdVenture Group, Inc. in Morgantown through the Department of Education’s Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Program. This funding will support initiatives aimed at strengthening the link between postsecondary education and economic development in the state’s rural communities.
Empowering Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
In recognition of the unique challenges faced by West Virginia’s veteran population, Senator Capito secured a $149,757 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration program. This funding will be directed to Telamon Corp. in Martinsburg, enabling the organization to provide occupational skills training, job search assistance, and other essential services to help homeless and at-risk veterans reintegrate into the workforce.
Addressing West Virginia’s Environmental Challenges
Revitalizing Brownfield Sites
Senator Capito’s efforts to address environmental concerns in West Virginia have resulted in significant funding allocations.
The Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority in Beckley and the City of Morgantown will receive $2,000,000 and $1,999,062, respectively, through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
These funds will support the remediation and redevelopment of contaminated properties, transforming them into productive community assets.
Enhancing Water Quality and Conservation
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection in Charleston has received $500,000 in EPA funding to support water pollution control projects through Section 106 of the Clean Water Act. Additionally, the agency has been awarded $314,903 to build increased capacity for wetland conservation under Section 104 of the same legislation.
Modernizing School Transportation
Recognizing the importance of clean and efficient transportation for West Virginia’s students, Senator Capito secured EPA Clean School Bus Program funding for several counties, including $730,000 for Randolph County, $365,000 for McDowell County, $365,000 for Summers County, and $345,000 for Calhoun County. These investments will enable the replacement of aging school buses with newer, more environmentally-friendly models.
Fostering Economic Development and Regional Collaboration
Appalachian Regional Commission Grants
As the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Capito has leveraged her position to secure Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants for various regional development councils across West Virginia. These administrative grants, ranging from $65,524 to $110,967, will support the vital work of organizations such as the Region 1 Planning and Development Council, Region 2 Planning and Development Council, and Region 6 Planning and Development Council, among others.
Read: Op-Ed: Biden May Help Create A Generation Of New Republicans
Advancing Rural Energy Initiatives
Senator Capito’s efforts have also yielded significant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This includes grants to support the installation of renewable energy systems and energy-efficient equipment for small businesses, farms, and rural enterprises across the state, totaling over $800,000.
Safeguarding West Virginia’s Infrastructure and Security
Strengthening Ohio River Locks and Dams
As the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Capito has secured $6,000,000 in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to replace piers and support columns on the Ohio River Locks and Dams in West Virginia. This critical investment will ensure the continued reliability and safety of this vital transportation infrastructure.
Restoring Buffalo Creek Trail
In the realm of disaster recovery, Senator Capito has secured a $3,752,694.50 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Clay County Business Development Authority to repair the Buffalo Creek Recreational Trail, which was damaged by floods in June 2016. This funding, authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, will help restore this important community asset.
Empowering West Virginia’s Arts and Culture
Celebrating West Virginia’s Veterans
Senator Capito’s commitment to supporting West Virginia’s veterans extends to the realm of arts and culture. She has secured $223,458 in funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Legacy Grants Program for the West Virginia Humanities Council in Charleston to undertake the West Virginia National Cemeteries Project, which will honor the state’s military heritage.
Fostering Military-Connected Community Engagement
Furthermore, Senator Capito has announced that two West Virginia organizations, Marshall University in Huntington and the Yew Mountain Center in Hillsboro, have been awarded $10,000 each through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Creative Forces Community Engagement grant program. These funds will support community-based arts projects addressing the distinct experiences, challenges, and strengths of military-connected individuals in the state.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.