Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited Morgantown and New Martinsville in West Virginia to focus on economic development and broadband expansion.

In Morgantown, Senator Capito toured the Historic Post Office (HPO) to learn about its role in promoting local economic development and its plans for improvements funded by a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award she secured.

“It is great to see a building like the Historic Morgantown Post Office, which has such historic significance, continue to be utilized in the city,” Senator Capito said. “Through my role on the Appropriations Committee, I was able to secure funds to help support the building’s renovations. With these improvements, I am confident that more opportunities will open up for the HPO and Morgantown, and I look forward to seeing the city grow.”

Later in New Martinsville, Senator Capito attended the dedication of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ReConnect broadband project. This initiative will provide 87 miles of broadband internet fiber across Wetzel County, covering most homes and businesses along Route 20 and Route 7 up to Hundred, W.Va. Funding for this project was secured through appropriations in 2019.

“I helped create the ReConnect program within the appropriations process because I saw the need to close the digital divide in rural America," Senator Capito stated. "I’ve continued to support ReConnect enthusiastically because USDA uniquely understands the difficulties associated with implementing broadband in rural areas and is better equipped to tackle those issues head-on. Not only will this project help connect homes and businesses along an 87-mile route in Wetzel County, but it also demonstrates how collaboration among local, state, and federal partners can lead to results that help West Virginia homes and businesses in need."

Photos from today’s events are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) pictured in front of the Morgantown Historic Post Office in Morgantown on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in a dedication event for a USDA ReConnect broadband project in New Martinsville on Thursday, August 22, 2024.