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CHARLESTON -- Multiple local projects will receive millions of dollars in federal funding Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has secured in Congressionally Directed Spending in the 2024 budget.
"I am proud to secure more than $312 million for critical infrastructure and other job-creating projects that will make the Mountain State safer, stronger, and even more competitive for new economic opportunities," Manchin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said.
Local projects to receive funding include $6 million for Pocahontas Memorial Hospital in Buckeye, to build an addition onto the hospital; $529,000 for Broaddus Hospital Association in Philippi, to replace a back-up emergency generator for Broaddus Hospital; and $60,000 for the City of Elkins to create a water and wastewater apprenticeship program.
These three projects will be funded under the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriation bill.
Under the Homeland Security appropriations bill, the town of Hendricks in Tucker County will receive $1,296,000 to replace the stormwater system to reduce the risk of future flooding.
As part of the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appropriations bill, the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library will receive $2.2 million to expand and renovate the library, which has been closed for several years due to water damage; the Randolph County Development Authority in Elkins will receive $1.25 million to construct a 26,000-square-foot conference and event center; Tucker County will receive $1.26 million for a construction and management of a new, fully accessible and modern visitors center situated at the gateway to downtown Davis; and $132,000 to the Blackwater Ministerial Association to construct and buy equipment for a food pantry in Davis and Thomas in Tucker County.
In the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriation bill, the Augusta Heritage Center will receive $750,000 to redevelop the historic Wilt Building in Elkins; and Woodlands Development Group will receive $315,000 to support the planning and development of viable commercial storefront spaces in Philippi.
As part of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill, West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon will receive $795,000 to establish a Center for Ethical Professional Development in Criminal Justice.
"Congress has a responsibility to work together and pass these funding bills in a timely manner to avoid wasting billions on a stopgap funding bill that will create economic uncertainty for West Virginians," Manchin said.
The Senate Appropriations Committee allows members of Congress to submit CDS requests, which provide opportunities for state and local governments, non-profits, and other public entities to receive targeted federal funding for projects that bolster their communities.