Charleston Leader

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – 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, announced a $25,547,532 grant for the City of Bluefield, W.Va. through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

This funding, made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will support infrastructure improvements along U.S. Route 52 by converting four intersections to roundabouts and increasing pedestrian safety through additional sidewalks, crosswalks, and street lighting. Senator Capito authored a letter in support of the City of Bluefield’s application for this project in May.

“As I was working to negotiate and craft the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, I knew there were substantial opportunities to improve aspects of West Virginia’s surface transportation infrastructure. U.S. Route 52 as it crosses through Bluefield is a transportation hub for the southern part of our state, and making key improvements will serve to both increase the safety of our residents and spur economic development opportunities within the city. I was proud to advocate for this project and I’m thrilled to secure the funding needed to get this initiative underway in Mercer County,” Ranking Member Capito said.

“Today’s announcement of over $25 million for improvements to U.S. Route 52 in Bluefield represents generational change for not only our city but all of Southern West Virginia. We are very appreciative of U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Governor Jim Justice, and West Virginia Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston for their support and entrusting us with this funding, which will modernize downtown Bluefield, create a gateway to Bluefield State University, and improve the safety and quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” Cecil Marson, Bluefield City Manager said.