PROCTOR, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today met with West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) Deputy Secretary Jimmy Wriston and local leaders along Route 2 in Proctor, W.Va. and received an update on the current expansion project.
“Improving and expanding Route 2 is critical not only for those traveling, but for the economic growth and potential development it is bringing to the northern region of the state,” Senator Capito said. “I’m thrilled to see all the progress being made to continue this project, and it serves as a reminder that our roads and bridges, also known as physical infrastructure, are what we need to be investing in moving forward.”
Prior to the stop, Senator Capito viewed progress made on updated water infrastructure to the Grandview-Doolin Public Service District in Proctor, W.Va. In November 2020, Senator Capito helped secure a $1.9 million grant through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for improved water service at their facility.
BACKGROUND ON ROUTE 2 EXPANSION:
In May 2019, Senator Capito wrote to then-Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in support of West Virginia Division of Highways’ INFRA grant application for the project, explaining:
“West Virginia’s economy is experiencing a remarkable turnaround that is being led by the northern region of the state. The dynamism of the natural gas industry has engendered growth and opportunity for thousands of West Virginians working in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations. In order for these communities to continue to thrive and capture new downstream industries, however, investments in modern, dependable infrastructure are needed.
“As we have seen across the United States, targeted infrastructure investments can contribute to economic growth and support vital industries like energy production. West Virginians recognize this fact, and in 2017 voters overwhelmingly approved a bond referendum to fund important projects like the widening of Route 2. Once completed, this project promises to facilitate the movement of goods and workers in an area primed for continued economic development.”
The full letter is available here.
The following month, Senator Capito hosted Secretary Chao in West Virginia to discuss the state’s infrastructure challenges and opportunities, including the Route 2 project.
In July 2019, as then-chairman of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, Senator Capito announced $9.4 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant to fund this project.
Photos from today’s event:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) receives an update on the current Route 2 expansion project in Proctor, W.Va. on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) receives an update on the current Route 2 expansion project in Proctor, W.Va. on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
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