CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today joined Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and other state and local leaders to provide an update on the $24,995,250 recently announced funding needed to begin construction of the Capital Connector Project in Charleston, W.Va. The funding, which Senator Capito secured, was through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.
“Completing the Capital Connector Project is critical to the upgrade and redesign of Kanawha Boulevard, and will have a dramatic impact in our downtown area,” Senator Capito said. “That’s one of the many reasons I have been proud to lead the effort in personally advocating for and securing the necessary resources for this project to make sure it is able to move forward successfully. Sound infrastructure is important to the economic development of West Virginia, and investments in our roads and communities – like this one – will raise the quality of life for all who live in and visit our capital city.”
“Senator Capito and Senator Manchin have been instrumental in securing a $1.75M RAISE planning grant and a $25M RAISE construction grant for this transformative infrastructure project. Our Senators’ continued commitment to the City of Charleston, combined with support from the WV Department of Transportation, has positioned us to take the Capital Connector project from shovel-ready through construction,” Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said. “This project will catalyze over $100M in new economic revitalization projects – including the expansion of downtown housing, investment in a new headquarters for TC Energy that will bring 450 jobs to downtown, and key events such as USA Cycling’s Pro Road National Championships which will take place in our Capital City through 2028.”
TIMELINE OF SENATOR CAPITO’S EFFORTS:
BACKGROUND ON CAPITAL CONNECTOR PROJECT:
The City of Charleston, in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT), will use the RAISE funding for the Charleston Capital Connector Project to transform the Kanawha Boulevard corridor along the riverfront, and better connect the Greenbrier Street gateway to the community. The Capital Connector Project will enhance safety, pedestrian and bicyclist accessibility, transit access, transportation efficiency, and streetscaping along Kanawha Boulevard from Magic Island to the 35th Street Bridge. It would also upgrade Greenbrier Street from Kanawha Boulevard to Washington Street. The project also includes improved walkability and bike-ability for the Southside Bridge and 35th Street Bridge.
Photos from today’s event are included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joins state and local leaders for a press conference discussing a RAISE grant to support the Capital Connector Project in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, June 28, 2024.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joins state and local leaders for a press conference discussing a RAISE grant to support the Capital Connector Project in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, June 28, 2024.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) speaks at a press conference discussing a RAISE grant to support the Capital Connector Project in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, June 28, 2024.
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