Charleston Leader

On August 28, 2024, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced grants from various federal agencies for projects she helped secure funds for in West Virginia. These projects span healthcare, education, research, environmental cleanup, infrastructure, economic development, and drug use prevention.

Senator Capito highlighted significant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including $3.2 million each for the Money Follows the Person program and Ryan White Part B Supplemental program funding to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WV DHHR). Other notable HHS grants include $1.3 million for Early Head Start Program funding to Raleigh County Community Action Association and $1.25 million for substance abuse prevention to WV DHHR.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provided substantial support through various programs in West Virginia. This includes $3.8 million to Clarksburg Water Board for clean water projects and nearly $1.7 million to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for stormwater management and nutrient management plans.

Additionally, Senator Capito secured Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants totaling over $4.5 million for water system improvements in Philippi and Sand Fork.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded several academic research grants to institutions such as West Virginia University (WVU), Concord University, and Marshall University. These awards include a $1.6 million grant to WVU for sustainable forestry research and a $1 million grant to Concord University aimed at building science identity among students.

Further funding was obtained from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), with a notable $5 million grant to WVU for a project in partnership with NASA focusing on solar-thermal integration with hydrogen production.

Transportation projects received support from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), including over $6.5 million to Greenbrier County Airport Authority for runway rehabilitation.

Economic development initiatives were bolstered by grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), including nearly $1.5 million to establish the WV CREATE Center in Princeton.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) allocated funds towards supporting sexual assault crisis centers and improving responses to domestic violence cases in Mercer County.

The National Parks Service (NPS) provided funding for several Land and Water Conservation Fund projects as well as historic building preservation efforts across West Virginia.

Veterans' assistance programs received significant backing from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with grants totaling over $3 million aimed at supporting homeless and at-risk veterans through various organizations.

Lastly, agricultural development was supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Rural Development Program, which included over $5 million allocated to upgrade Montgomery Building Commission facilities in Welch.