CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Economic Development Administration is providing West Virginia with $10.1 million for economic development efforts in the state.
The money will go toward projects in Huntington, Bridgeport, Wayne and Scott Depot, which the agency says will create and retain more than 2,500 jobs and stimulate $69 million in private investment:
— Huntington Stormwater Utility in Huntington will receive $5.2 million for repairing the Huntington Floodwall and protecting downtown businesses from future flooding. The project is expected to receive a $1.3 million match in local funds.
— Benedum Airport Authority in Bridgeport will receive $2 million to renovate airport facilities, and the project is expected to receive $499,000 in local funds.
— Coalfield Development Corporation in Wayne will receive $1.7 million to rehabilitate three Matewan buildings for a “job-creation hub and training facility.” The project will be matched with $437,000 in local funds.
— The Putnam Public Service District in Scott Depot will receive $1.2 million for upgrading the community’s water capacity. The grant will be matched with $1.2 million in local funds.
U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., announced the funding on Monday.
“Improving our economy, revitalizing communities, and creating opportunities for West Virginians has been a top priority of mine since day one,” Capito said. “The EDA has been a tremendous partner as I’ve worked to make this a reality in West Virginia, and today’s grant announcements are welcome news as we continue our work together to provide needed support to projects across the state.”
Manchin and Capito spent part of Monday in South Charleston with Dana Gartzke, who leads the agency, and municipal leaders.
This morning, I’m in South Charleston with @US_EDA announcing more than $10 million in grants to several projects across #WV, including:
✅ Repairing Huntington’s floodwall
✅ Renovating the Clarksburg airport pic.twitter.com/IBfxfSobXT— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) August 3, 2020