CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) traveled to Kanawha and Wood counties to visit with business, health, and education leaders in West Virginia.
In the morning, Senator Capito toured the US Methanol “Liberty One” methanol plant, the first in the state, and later delivered remarks at an event celebrating the company’s success in West Virginia so far. Liberty One was originally located in Rio de Janerio, Brazil where it was dissembled, transported piece by piece, and rebuilt in Institute, W.Va. It has a capacity of 200,000 metric tons, and the methanol is used in the production of electronics, silicone sealants, building materials, plastics, and polymers.
“US Methanol’s ‘Liberty One’ is our state’s first methanol plant in production, and it is certainly setting the bar high,” Senator Capito said. “I’m so proud of the success of this plant and the benefits it has offered to the community. The forward and innovative thinking that US Methanol is bringing to West Virginia is exactly what we need to help grow the momentum behind expanded businesses and economic opportunities we are seeing today.”
“US Methanol and our parent company, KKCG, appreciate Senator Capito visiting our plant and the continued support she gives to the methanol and manufacturing industries. Her commitment to economic growth is invaluable to West Virginia and the country,” Michael L. Walsh, CEO of US Methanol, said.
In the afternoon, Senator Capito visited Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Parkersburg, W.Va. where she toured the facility, and learned more about the services they provide to patients. Encompass is a leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, brain injury, and other complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.
“It’s great to see the good work that the staff at Encompass Health are doing for their patients,” Senator Capito said. “The doctors, nurses, and their leadership team are truly helping people overcome serious injuries, and I’m so glad that they are expanding to deliver more personal, high-quality care to more people recovering from serious injuries.”
“We were honored to host Senator Capito at Encompass Health of Parkersburg this week to provide her a first-hand look at the care provided by our hospital team and difference rehabilitation makes in the lives of our patients,” Encompass Health CEO Nathan Ford said. “For nearly 30 years, our hospital has served as a pillar in the care continuum for those who need rehabilitation after a serious illness or injury, and our hospital is expanding with additional beds and services to meet the needs of even more individuals, close to home. The care provided extends well beyond the walls of our hospital, as our goal is to help individuals return to the activities and people they most love with a greater confidence and a higher level of independence.”
At the end of the day, Senator Capito traveled to West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg, W.Va. During the visit, Senator Capito met with Interim President Dr. Torie Jackson where she received an update on the school’s current and future plans, and toured the developments at the agriculture school and Riverhawk Farm. Senator Capito secured more than $500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) awards for the agriculture school in Fiscal Year 2022.
“A strong workforce is essential to fostering economic development in our communities, and there is no question that WVUP is preparing our students for life after graduation,” Senator Capito said. “It was great to see Dr. Jackson and learn more about the great things going on at WVUP, including the Agriculture program and Riverhawk farm. I was proud to support the school’s efforts during the Congressionally Directed Spending process, and look forward to seeing how WVUP grows with the added support in the future.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Senator Capito to WVU Parkersburg for a discussion and tour. We appreciate the earmark funding to assist in our Riverhawk Farm production capabilities. We look forward to working with the Senator on new projects to enhance the economic development of the Mid-Ohio Valley!” Torie Jackson, President of WVU Parkersburg, said.
Photos from the events are included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the “Liberty One” US Methanol plant in Institute, W.Va. on Monday, April 24, 2023.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) poses with other government officials and business leaders at the “Liberty One” US Methanol plant in Institute, W.Va. on Monday, April 24, 2023.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Encompass Health in Parkersburg, W.Va. on Monday, April 24, 2023.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Encompass Health in Parkersburg, W.Va. on Monday, April 24, 2023.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with West Virginia University at Parkersburg President Jackson in Parkersburg, W.Va. on Monday, April 24, 2023.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Riverhawk farm with West Virginia University at Parkersburg leaders in Parkersburg, W.Va. on Monday, April 24, 2023.
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