Trending
CHARLESTON -- Multiple projects in Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Upshur and Pocahontas counties will receive federal funding, Sen. Joe Manchin announced.
Manchin, D-W.Va, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $3,619,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program for eight projects that will spur economic development throughout West Virginia.
The biggest amount of funding among the eight projects will be a $1,772,000 loan for the Randolph County Development Authority, to support building a 26,500 square foot event center. Half of the building will be a theater-style seating setup and the other half will be a flexible open space for exhibits and events.
A $99,500 grant will to to the Randolph County Development Authority as well, to support purchasing equipment and furnishings to complete the conference and event center.
"Investing in our communities means long-term economic development that creates and supports good-paying jobs," Manchin said. "I am pleased USDA is investing more than $3.6 million in these eight vital projects across our state, which include building and renovating several community centers in Hancock, Pendleton, and Randolph counties, enhancing energy research efforts in Morgantown, and providing funding to support Woodlands Community Lenders.
"As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources that ensure rural communities across the Mountain State have what they need to thrive."
A $750,000 loan will go to Woodlands Community Lenders, to be used to make loans to small businesses in nine counties: Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Upshur, Webster, Pocahontas, Pendleton, Grant and Preston.
A $500,000 loan will go to Woodlands Community Lenders as well, to be used to make loans to small businesses in three counties: Randolph, Barbour and Tucker.
A $99,000 grant will go to the Pendleton County Economic & Community Development to support the creation of a rural business and entrepreneurial innovation center in Pendleton County.
A $50,750 grant will go to Experience Learning to support renovating and upgrading the Sweetwater Farm Trail Center in Pendleton County.
A $97,750 grant will go to the City of Weirton to support the building and development of a conference and event center in Hancock County.
A $250,000 grant will go to West Virginia University Research Corporation to support providing technical assistance services to 40 small businesses in Morgantown, and striving to develop energy assessments and energy audits for small business located in rural areas.