WASHINGTON, DC (WOAY) – Senator Joe Manchin’s office has provided new details about the millions of federal dollars coming to southern West Virginia, as part of the appropriations package passed last week.
Federal funds are being spent on dozens of projects, ranging from upgrading out-of-date equipment to installing new sewer service in underserved areas.
However, the biggest recipients were the National Parks, Preserves, and National Recreation areas.
The New River Gorge National Park is getting $36.1 million to remove abandoned buildings, improve utilities, and address historic buildings and visitor facilities.
From that total, $500,000 will extend wastewater collections to the park from the town of Anstead.
Combined, The New River Gorge National Park and Gauley River National Recreation Area are receiving roughly $1.5 million in land and Water Conservation funds.
There is also funding for several high-profile projects throughout our area.
The Historic Fayette Theater will get $372,000 to fund its ongoing renovation project.
Southern Appalachian Labor School will get $975,000 to transform its school building in downtown Oak Hill into affordable housing. Manchin’s office describes the proposed housing as the “Historic Oak Hill School New River Apartments.”
The town of Gauley Bridge will spend $360,000 to demolish the old high school building. The town is also getting $70,000 to purchase new playground equipment and install boat docks.
The Boy Scouts of America will spend $1,400,000 on the Steven A. Antoline Family Conservation Complex and Sustainability program at its facility in Glen Jean.
First responders in several counties will get millions of dollars for new equipment and upgrades.
The Princeton Police Department will get $657,000 to complete its move into a newly renovated part of the Princeton City Hall Complex.
The Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department will receive $392,000 to buy 20 new body cameras and six fully outfitted police vehicles.
Nicholas County will also get $2,062,000 to fund its dispatch system upgrade.
The City of Beckley will spend over $1 million on emergency equipment purchases and upgrades. First, $93,000 will buy 10 new portable radios and 30 bulletproof vests for the Beckley Police Department. Then, $1,182,000 will fund a new fire truck for the Beckley Fire Department.
Infrastructure is also a focus, ranging from roadway work to new sewer and utility projects.
The city of Smithers will get $2,500,000 to prepare sites for water and sewer service.
Alderson will receive $500,000 to replace its gravity sewer main line.
Federal funds totaling $80,000 will help extend water service to the town of Cool Ridge in Raleigh County.
The Housing Authority of the city of Beckley will get $819,000 to alleviate flooding issues.
The West Virginia Division of Highways will spend $1,240,000 on infrastructure upgrades on the campus at WVU Tech.
The Center for Applied Research and Technology in Bluefield will get $656,000 to research and develop a carbon-managed distributed energy system.
The city of Smithers will get $2,500,000 to prepare sites for water and sewer service.
Alderson will receive $500,000 to replace its gravity sewer main line.
$80,000 will extend water service to the town of Cool Ridge in Raleigh County.
The Center for Applied Research and Technology in Bluefield will get $656,000 to research and develop a carbon-managed distributed energy system.
Local food banks are getting federal support, as well.
$51,000 will buy the New Beginnings Resource Center a refrigerated box truck for it’s food pantry.
Meanwhile, God’s Way Home in Rainelle is receiving $100,000 to fund its community kitchen and foodbank efforts.
Lastly, millions are being spent on tourism and historic buildings.
The city of Summersville will spend $1,800,000 to develop the Summersville Visitor Center.
The City of Hinton will get $1,830,000 to rehabilitate a vacant, historic structure at the New River Center for Housing and Retail Development.
The town of Union will spend $375,000 to replace the street lights in its downtown historical district.
In a statement, Manchin said the spending package was “historic.”
“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I fight every day to ensure West Virginia receives the federal resources we need to build stronger communities, spur economic opportunity, and strengthen our energy and national security,” Manchin said. “I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this legislation into law and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for West Virginian and American priorities while also working to get our fiscal house in order.”
A full list of Manchin’s earmarks can be found here.
