Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and other state and local leaders to provide an update on the $24,995,250 recently announced funding needed to begin construction of the Capital Connector Project in Charleston, W.Va. The funding, which Senator Capito secured, was through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.

“Completing the Capital Connector Project is critical to the upgrade and redesign of Kanawha Boulevard, and will have a dramatic impact in our downtown area,” Senator Capito said. “That’s one of the many reasons I have been proud to lead the effort in personally advocating for and securing the necessary resources for this project to make sure it is able to move forward successfully. Sound infrastructure is important to the economic development of West Virginia, and investments in our roads and communities – like this one – will raise the quality of life for all who live in and visit our capital city.”

“Senator Capito and Senator Manchin have been instrumental in securing a $1.75M RAISE planning grant and a $25M RAISE construction grant for this transformative infrastructure project. Our Senators’ continued commitment to the City of Charleston, combined with support from the WV Department of Transportation, has positioned us to take the Capital Connector project from shovel-ready through construction,” Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said. “This project will catalyze over $100M in new economic revitalization projects – including the expansion of downtown housing, investment in a new headquarters for TC Energy that will bring 450 jobs to downtown, and key events such as USA Cycling’s Pro Road National Championships which will take place in our Capital City through 2028.”

Timeline:

July 2021: Senator Capito wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating for DOT RAISE grant funding for Charleston’s Capital Connector Project design phase.

November 2021: Senator Capito secures $1,750,000 for Charleston’s Capital Connector Project through a DOT RAISE grant.

November 2021: Senator Capito joins Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and other state and local leaders for a press conference announcing a $1,750,000 DOT RAISE grant.

February 2024: Senator Capito wrote another letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating resources for beginning construction on Charleston’s Capital Connector Project.

June 2024: Senator Capito secures $24,995,250 for Charleston’s Capital Connector Project through a DOT RAISE grant.

The City of Charleston plans to use these funds alongside support from West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) partners. The project aims at transforming Kanawha Boulevard along its riverfront section while enhancing safety features including pedestrian accessibility from Magic Island up until Greenbrier Street gateway points such as Washington Street among others like improved walkability/bike-ability options around Southside Bridge areas too.

Photos from today’s event are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joins state/local leaders discussing about receiving recent Raise Grant supporting ongoing work towards developing/constructing what they call "Capital connector" located within region i.e.,Charleston,WVa during Friday's press conference held June28th year2024

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