WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, today announced $20 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) discretionary grants program. Funding will support an infrastructure repair project consisting of 19 bridges rated in poor condition along Interstate 79 in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia counties. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called Senator Capito this morning to deliver the news personally.

“BUILD grants are extremely competitive, which makes today’s announcement very exciting. I’m proud my chairmanship and my personal relationship with Secretary Chao continue to deliver results in the form of federal investments in critical West Virginia infrastructure projects,” Senator Capito said. “Our state’s topography means West Virginia is full of bridges, many of which are due for updates. This bridge project is a major undertaking and a priority of the West Virginia Department of Transportation, and this funding will go a long way in helping complete the project in a timely manner. Of course, these bridges in North Central West Virginia aren’t the only ones that need attention. That’s why I worked to ensure there was a specific set aside for bridges in the federal highway bill. As we look to renew and repair America’s infrastructure, we must ensure bridges aren’t overlooked.”

BACKGROUND:

Since Senator Capito became chairman of EPW’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, West Virginia has received $201.4 million in discretionary federal highway funds, including $80 million in BUILD grants, and most recently a $20 million grant for the widening of Interstate 64, including the Nitro-St. Albans bridge. During the five years before Senator Capito became chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee (January 2013-November 2018), West Virginia received only $10 million in total discretionary grant funds for roads and bridges. Over the last 21 months, West Virginia has received 20 times more discretionary highway funds than it did during the prior five years.

 

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