WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $902,161 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for eight rural development projects across West Virginia. The investments will support installing new water and sewer lines at the Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center, providing marketing and sales assistance to the Appalachian Botanical Company, bolstering the Smithers and Calhoun County law enforcement departments, and purchasing solar energy equipment for four West Virginia small businesses.
“Equipping our communities with the resources they need to thrive has been a priority for me in the Senate. Every area is different, and local leaders know what they need,” Senator Capito said. “This funding opens doors for West Virginians to improve their communities by advancing infrastructure improvements, ensuring local businesses are equipped with the tools needed, encouraging new energy sources the development of cost-cutting energy sources, and supporting law enforcement departments.”
“Investing in our communities spurs economic development and creates good-paying, long-term jobs,” Senator Manchin said. “I am pleased USDA is investing $902K in these eight critical projects across West Virginia, which will boost economic growth, improve water and sewer lines at the Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center and help four small businesses make energy efficiency improvements. The funding will also support purchasing law enforcement vehicles for the Smithers and Calhoun County police departments and providing marketing, sales and production assistance for the Appalachian Botanical Company. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these projects and I will continue advocating for funding to ensure our rural communities across the Mountain State have the resources they need to thrive.”
Individual awards listed below:
· $460,000 – Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center: This funding will be used to install new water and sewer lines to replace the current failing water and septic systems. The health clinic serves a population of nearly 8,000 people.
· $224,975 – Appalachian Botanical Company: This funding will be used to engage a digital marketing agency and outside sales support for the company, as well as purchase production supplies.
· $122,374 – Solar Energy Solutions: This funding will be used to purchase and install a 300-kW solar array on the roof of Mountaineer Food Bank. The project will realize $30,664 per year in savings and will generate enough electricity to power 30 homes.
· $34,500 – City of Smithers: This funding will be used to purchase a law enforcement vehicle for the Smithers Police Department.
· $26,400 – Calhoun County Commission: This funding will be used to purchase a law enforcement vehicle and equipment for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department.
· $15,473 – Laishley Family Trust Herb and Water Products: This funding will be used to purchase and install a 16-kW solar array. The project will realize $2,058 per year in savings and will generate enough electricity to power one home.
· $11,040 – Donna Richards’ Crop and Horse Farm: This funding will be used to purchase and install a 16-kW solar array. The project will realize $1,646 per year in savings and will generate enough electricity to power one home.
· $7,399 – Mark Soukup’ Furniture-Making: This funding will be used to purchase and install a 11-kW solar array. The project will realize $1,179 per year in savings and will generate enough electricity to power the majority of one home.
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