MORGANTOWN/BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, made stops in Morgantown, W.Va. and Bridgeport, W.Va. During the visits, Senator Capito met with education and city leaders to receive updates on projects that will expand educational opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
First, Senator Capito traveled to Morgantown, W.Va. to celebrate and announce the progress made for renovations at WVU’s School of Dentistry. The renovations, which Senator Capito supported through the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process, improved the educational needs and care of patients provided by WVU Medicine. About 82% of dentists practicing in the state of West Virginia are graduates from WVU’s School of Dentistry.
“As West Virginia’s only dental school, WVU plays a critical role in training the next generation of dentists and expanding access to oral health care across our state,” Senator Capito said. “That’s why I was proud to support these renovations through the Congressionally Directed Spending process—because investing in this program means investing in the health and well-being of West Virginians. I was proud to celebrate these renovations at WVU today, and I look forward to seeing all the great work that will come from this facility in the years ahead.”
“As the state’s flagship, land-grant university, and the only dental school in West Virginia, the WVU School of Dentistry is committed to providing excellence in student-centered education and patient-centered care. This renovation and modernization initiative will ensure we are able to meet the current and future needs of those entrusted to our care by transforming and improving access to oral healthcare across West Virginia,” Dr. Stephen Pachuta, Dean of the WVU School of Dentistry, said.
In the afternoon, Senator Capito traveled to Bridgeport, W.Va. where she met with Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang, as well as leadership from the Benedum Airport Authority and the City of Bridgeport, to discuss progress made on the new Airport Terminal Project at the North Central West Virginia Airport. The group also discussed the impact this project will have on both the aviation and tourism industries in the region and across the state.
“I was glad to have the opportunity to sit down with leaders from the City of Bridgeport and the Benedum Airport Authority to discuss the exciting progress made on the new terminal at North Central West Virginia Airport. This project is a game-changer for our state’s aviation and tourism industries, improving connectivity, attracting new businesses, and making travel more efficient for residents and visitors alike. I’m proud to support investments like this that drive economic growth and open new opportunities for West Virginians,” Senator Capito said.
Photos from today’s visits are below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Dentistry in Morgantown, W.Va. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Dentistry in Morgantown, W.Va. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with leadership from the Benedum Airport Authority and the City of Bridgeport to learn more about the progress made on a new terminal project at the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport, W.Va. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
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