WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced Tuesday $7,766,842 for West Virginia through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
Funding will go to several entities across the state to support economic and workforce development efforts - including broadband expansion, tourism development, and assistance for West Virginians affected by substance abuse, according to a joint news release from the senators.
Coalfield Development Corp. in Wayne County will receive $2,034,667, while the Marshall University Research Corp. will get $1,499,175. Other ARC funding recipients include $1.8 million for the West Virginia Forest Products Cooperative; $1.37 million for the Natural Capital Investment Fund; $749,000 for BridgeValley Community and Technical College; $150,000 for the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey; and $100,000 for the Region II Planning and Development Council.
"Economic development begins at the local level, where community leaders work to advance projects that help create opportunity and growth," Capito said in the release. "The ARC has been an integral partner in these efforts, and I will continue to work with them to ensure our West Virginia communities have the resources they need to position their economies for success in the future and improve the lives of everyone who calls these areas home."
"Appalachian Regional Commission funding supports economic growth and community development efforts throughout West Virginia," Manchin said in the release. "Connecting West Virginia businesses, entrepreneurs and job seekers with the resources they need to succeed is a vitally important step toward further developing our economy. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for grants like these that are important investments in the future of our West Virginia communities."