JEFFERSON/BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today traveled to the Eastern Panhandle for a facility tour, and to receive an update on several Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects she supported.

First, Senator Capito visited the Rockwool Manufacturing plant where she met with staff, toured the facility, and learned more about the production process. The plant employs approximately 150 people, most of whom are Eastern Panhandle residents, and specializes in manufacturing high-end insulation made from melted and spun stone.

“The Rockwool facility is manufacturing high-quality building materials, while creating careers for West Virginians,” Senator Capito said. “It was exciting to see their current operations and learn more about how they can expand.”

“We appreciate Senator Capito taking time out of her busy schedule to visit our state-of-the-art stone wool manufacturing facility this afternoon,” Rory Moss, President ROCKWOOL North America, said. “We share the Senator’s commitment to providing well-paying, high-tech manufacturing jobs for West Virginians.”

Next, Senator Capito traveled to Shepherdstown, W.Va. where she toured Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm Agricultural Center and Byrd Science Center. She also met with university leadership to discuss a number of CDS projects on the campus that Senator Capito was able to get for the University as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“The facilities at Shepherd University we saw today have the benefit of helping the university through improved programs, curriculum, and overall college experience. During the conversations around the Congressionally Directed Spending process, projects like the ones we saw during today’s visit, as well as the ones we discussed, were exactly what I had in mind. I was glad to have the chance to see these facilities up close and meet with university leadership, including Dr. Hendrix, to learn more about Shepherd’s goals and how I can help support their vision to grow and provide West Virginians’ the best learning opportunities possible,” Senator Capito said.

“We are profoundly grateful to Senator Shelley Moore Capito for visiting us and touring the facilities she promoted for Congressionally Directed Funding – Shepherd University’s Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm and the chemistry labs in the Byrd Science Building. Both Senator Capito and Senator Manchin co-sponsored the critically needed funding for these facilities that will allow us to provide advanced educational opportunities and resources for our students and the community,” Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix, President of Shepherd University, said.

Photos from the events are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the ROCKWOOL North America facility in Kearneysville, W.Va. on Monday, March 6, 2023. 

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the ROCKWOOL North America facility in Kearneysville, W.Va. on Monday, March 6, 2023.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm Agricultural Innovation Center in Shepherdstown, W.Va. on Monday, March 6, 2023.

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