Charleston Leader

On January 8, 2025, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito announced four grants totaling $32,310,286 through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. The funding will support transportation projects across West Virginia.

"Modernizing West Virginia’s infrastructure is critical to our future success, and I am glad to see these resources heading our way," Senator Capito stated. She expressed confidence that the projects would benefit communities like Martinsburg and Morgantown in the coming years. "I was also proud to author letters of support to the Department of Transportation for several of these projects, and I look forward to seeing their completion benefit our state."

Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles highlighted a project creating 6.2 miles of multi-use trails along Tuscarora Creek. "This investment will not only enhance connectivity and recreational opportunities but it will also address critical infrastructure needs," he said. He thanked Senator Capito for her support, describing the project as a significant advancement for Martinsburg.

Damien Davis, Acting City Manager of Morgantown and Director of Engineering and Public Works, shared enthusiasm for receiving the RAISE grant. "This project will transform one of the city's major routes in southern Morgantown," he explained. The initiative aims to improve safety along Dorsey Avenue and South High Street, impacting schools, parks, neighborhoods, and downtown areas.

The individual awards include $20,820,536 for Martinsburg's Greenway Trail; $8 million for Morgantown's Multimodal Project; $3 million for Cedar Grove's VITAL initiative; and $489,750 for a Fixed Stop Transit Accessibility Study by the West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Public Transit.