BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today made multiple stops in the Eastern Panhandle to discuss broadband deployment, infrastructure projects, and economic development with local leaders and employers in the region.
“There are so many people in the Eastern Panhandle working to grow and strengthen our communities, and the results speak for themselves,” Senator Capito said. “The efforts of everyone – from Paw Paw Mayor Darlene Abe to other county and city officials, to local employers that are a point of pride like Gat Creek Furniture – are the reason why this is one of the fastest growing areas in West Virginia. Today was a great opportunity to discuss this progress, work together to overcome existing challenges, and see firsthand how broadband deployment and other infrastructure projects play such a major role in the expansion and success of our state.”
First, Senator Capito met with Ron and Jeff Martin of Morgan Wireless to learn about the start-up that is providing broadband to underserved areas of Morgan and western Berkeley counties.
Senator Capito then met with members of the Berkeley County Council to discuss the latest efforts to increase access to affordable, high-speed internet access throughout the county. Senator Capito also highlighted the stories she’s heard from constituents in the area about their broadband experiences as part of her Capito Connect Share Your Stories initiative.
Senator Capito also met with Paw Paw Mayor Darlene Abe in Morgan County to receive an update on the latest town improvements, discuss creative ways to make broadband more widely available, and work together to help revitalize Paw Paw.
Following the meeting, Senator Capito attended the Region IX Planning and Development Council meeting at Cacapon State Park to provide council members with an update on the latest in Ukraine, broadband funding, and upcoming water and wastewater improvement projects as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Finally, Senator Capito toured Gat Creek Furniture in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. Donna Burdock, Gat Creek’s chief operating officer, led the tour and discussed the plant’s current $7.2 million expansion that will add 65 employees over three years. They also provided an update on water and sewer expansions planned for the Route 522 South corridor. As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Senator Capito negotiated and wrote, $55 billion in water resource development projects will be invested across the country.
Photos from today’s visit included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in a Morgan Wireless meeting focused on broadband in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Monday, March 7, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Region IX Council staff and Paw Paw officials, including Mayor Darlene Abe, on Monday, March 7, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in a Region IX Planning and Development Council Meeting in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Monday, March 7, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Gat Creek Furniture in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Monday, March 7, 2022.
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