WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced $1,507,825.49 in federal funding to the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Office to support programs that will improve highway safety programs in the state. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Investing in our state’s infrastructure is critical to protecting the safety of our drivers and reducing the rate of deaths and injuries across the state, while also laying the foundation for economic growth and prosperity,” Senator Manchin said. “I am pleased that these funds will help make sure our highways and roads remain safe for all West Virginians and our visitors.”

“The safety of West Virginia’s roadways is vital,” Senator Capito said. “Our students, parents, emergency response officials and businesses all rely on the ability to safely travel and transport goods on our roads and highways.  This funding will help boost West Virginia’s highway safety programs, reduce injuries and fatalities and keep our people safe.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted the funding through the 2015 Highway Safety Plan.

Individual award amounts are listed below: 

  • $816,601.46 – State Highway Safety Programs: Funding will provide support to highway safety programs throughout the state and local communities.
  • $511,378.94 – Impaired Driving Countermeasures Program: Funding will be used to reduce driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
  • $163,731.47 – Occupant Protection Program: Funding will be used to reduce deaths and injuries resulting from the nonuse and misuse of seatbelts.
  • $16,113.62 – Motorcyclist Safety Program: Funding will be used to reduce the number of single-and multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists. 

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