WEIRTON/FOLLANSBEE, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today made several stops in the Northern Panhandle focused on congressionally directed spending funding she secured through the Senate Appropriations Committee to support several infrastructure improvement projects. In total, Senator Capito secured $241,135,000 in direct spending measures across West Virginia through the FY 2022 appropriations omnibus package.
First, Senator Capito visited Weirton Frontier Crossings where she received an update on a project she helped secure funding for, including congressionally directed spending she secured that will help leverage an estimated $2 billion in private investment. She also received a briefing from leadership of the Weirton Water Board about the $22 million congressionally directed spending she helped secure for the city’s water treatment system.
“The projects I advocated for in Weirton have the benefit of helping residents through improved water system, but they will also lead to significant economic development opportunities,” Senator Capito said. “During the conversations around the congressionally directed spending process, projects like these were exactly what I had in mind. I enjoyed the opportunity to receive an update on the plans for construction, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on the community.”
“Senator Capito’s leadership and support have been critical in providing our community with the resources to construct a public road to access 250 acres of shovel-ready sites for industrial/manufacturing businesses in Weirton,” David Franjoine, Frontier Group of Companies CEO, said. “We are currently talking to industries that will invest $1.2 billion at Weirton Frontier Crossings and employ over 1,300 people.”
Senator Capito then traveled to Follansbee, W.Va. where she participated in a roundtable discussion with local leaders. The discussion focused on the needs in the area related to infrastructure—specifically the congressionally directed spending Senator Capito secured through the Senate Appropriations Committee to upgrade a water treatment plant—and the need for additional upgrades to support the growth of the Follansbee community.
“When I began the process of congressionally directed spending, I did so in consultation with people like Mayor Velegol, and I was proud to advocate for the community on the Senate Appropriations Committee,” Senator Capito said. “This project marks yet another important step in the city’s long-term control plan for its storm and sanitary sewer lines. Modern, dependable infrastructure—like water and wastewater infrastructure—is essential to our state’s economy and the safety of our communities. I was glad to help secure this critical funding, as well as the opportunity to hear from the local leaders about the impact this project will have on the community.”
“We are very appreciative of everything that U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito is doing for the City of Follansbee and the State of West Virginia. The $10,236,000 wastewater grant could not have come at a better time with the closing of our Coke Plant. By her visiting us today and discussing our concerns and infrastructure plans, it shows her deep commitment to the State and we are extremely grateful.” Mayor Velegol said.
Photos from today’s visit included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Weirton Frontier Crossings in Weirton, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) receives a briefing from the leadership of the Weirton Water Board in Weirton, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in a roundtable discussion with local leaders in Follansbee, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
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