MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — On Thursday, September 21, and Friday, September 22, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visited West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle for several events in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. and Martinsburg, W.Va., including a visit to Route 522 for an onsite project update, a tour of The Martinsburg Initiative’s (TMI) Ramer Center, The Monument Companies’ (TMC) Interwoven Mill renovation project, and Commercial Metals Company’s (CMC) Falling Water’s construction site for their steel recycling plant.
On Thursday, Senator Capito visited the Route 522 construction site in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. to receive an on-the-ground update from West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV DOT) and local officials on the status of the bypass project after she secured $20 million in funding for the project in 2018.
“The Route 522 bypass is a critical project for our state, and I’m pleased to see that construction is on track and moving forward,” Senator Capito said. “This project will alleviate an enormous traffic burden for residents of Morgan County and all those who travel through, making it easier for workers to get home to their families and to increase efficiency among those moving goods back and forth.”
On Friday, Senator Capito traveled to Martinsburg, W.Va. to make several stops, starting with a visit to the Martinsburg Initiative’s (TMI) facility at the Ramer Center. TMI is an organization formed by former Martinsburg Police Chief Maury Richards aimed at breaking cycles of trauma that could otherwise lead kids towards a life affected by substance abuse disorder.
“It was great to be back at TMI and tour their Ramer facility this morning and learn more about all they are doing to serve children and families here in Martinsburg. This facility provides an excellent space to help kids access a path that allows them to reach their full potential, and I was proud to secure funding to support their efforts last year,” Senator Capito said. “Substance abuse affects far too many West Virginians and I am proud to see community members here stepping up to make a change for the better here in Martinsburg.”
“It was great to host Senator Capito at the Ramer Center. The Martinsburg Initiative was proud to show her the important work that we do to prevent substance use disorders, build strong families, and empower the Martinsburg/Berkeley County community,” Margaret Kursey, Director of Administration for The Martinsburg Initiative, said.
Next, Senator Capito traveled to The Monument Companies’ (TMC) Interwoven Mills project site where they are renovating the building into a new 400-unit apartment complex that has the potential to transform downtown Martinsburg and create more housing options.
“It’s amazing to see how TMC is using the existing infrastructure here in Martinsburg and renovating it into a space that can both serve and strengthen the community,” Senator Capito said. “I’m excited to see this project completed and how it will help the city grow.”
“We at the Monument Companies, Inc. were delighted to host Senator Capito and show her the exciting Interwoven Mill mixed use project in downtown Martinsburg. The Interwoven site has been vacant for decades, and the $100 million plus investment will bring hundreds of new residents and visitors downtown directly supporting existing and new businesses while also spurring additional economic development,” Chris Johnson, Principal of The Monument Companies, said.
Finally, Senator Capito visited the Commercial Metals Company’s construction site for a new steel recycling plant that will turn old steel into new rebar and spooled rebar. CMC plans to open the plant in 2025 and is expected to create around 250 jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic value.
“I’m thrilled to see CMC investing in Martinsburg and the entire state of West Virginia,” Senator Capito said. “Our state has a proud manufacturing history, and this plant will help support good paying jobs and create valuable, new tools and materials out of recycled steel. I look forward to seeing the opportunities this facility generates for the community here in Martinsburg.”
“Commercial Metals Company was pleased to host Senator Capito at our newest home, Steel WV in Berkeley County—the site of our next world-class, innovative micro mill,” Carlos Zanoelo, Director of Operations for CMC Steel WV, said. “It was an honor to talk with her about the project and our commitment to being a good neighbor in the county and West Virginia. We had the chance to speak about our team’s dedication to a sustainable economy by repurposing steel that will help build America’s future.”
Photos from the events are included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Route 522 construction site in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with leaders from The Martinsburg Initiative in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Friday, September 22, 2023.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours The Monument Companies’ Interwoven Mills renovation site in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Friday, September 22, 2023.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Commercial Metal Company’s leadership at their construction site for their new steel recycling plant in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Friday, September 22, 2023.
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