WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority in Beckley will receive $250,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to help implement their Planning for Outdoor Recreation Industry, Vibrant Economies, and Regional Strategy (RIVERS) strategy.
“The redesignation of the New River Gorge National River to a National Park and Preserve has increased the need for more investment into our outdoor recreation economy to ensure we can keep up with the demand these new visitors have created. The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority does a fantastic job ensuring the region is ripe for economic growth so that visitors from all over can continue to appreciate how wild and wonderful our state is,” Ranking Member Capito said. “I’m especially excited that the Outdoor RIVERS strategy that’s being funded has the potential to create hundreds—if not thousands—of new jobs in West Virginia. ARC—which is overseen by my EPW Committee—continues to be a valuable federal contributor in our state’s growing recreation industry.”
“West Virginia is home to stunning public lands that attract tourists from around the world to experience the beauty of the Mountain State through hiking, biking, rafting, climbing and so much more. I’m pleased the ARC is investing in the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority to help create good-paying jobs and boost our tourism and recreation industry in the region. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this funding for the New River Gorge region and, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to support outdoor recreation and economic development across the Mountain State,” Senator Manchin said.
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