Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, made several stops in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle today, focusing on economic development and Congressionally Directed Spending.

Senator Capito first attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-renovated Wheeling Heritage Artisan Center in Wheeling, W.Va., a project funded through a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award she secured.

“West Virginia has a heritage that we are incredibly proud of, and it’s important we do all we can to preserve and maintain the places that make up our heritage, our history, and our traditions so that future generations can cherish them. That is where places like Wheeling Heritage come in. I was proud to secure the funding that helped relocate and make needed improvements to the Wheeling Artisan Center at Wheeling Heritage, which will help them better engage the community. I am confident that these renovations will go a long way in helping to add to the city’s efforts to bring in visitors, preserve the city’s rich history, and grow the economy,” Senator Capito said.

“This project is exciting on so many levels. It really is a community space which would not have been possible without the support of Senator Capito and her team,” Scott Shenerlein, Executive Director of Wheeling Heritage, stated.

Senator Capito then visited the Market Street Bridge connecting Follansbee, W.Va., and Steubenville, Ohio. In July, she announced $87.5 million for its replacement through funding from the Bridge Investment Program (BIP), established by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee's Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“As we wrote and negotiated the IIJA, we made it a priority to provide specific funding to repair and replace major bridges like the Market Street Bridge, which is a crucial thoroughfare for workers, residents, and visitors in our state every day. After seeing the condition of the bridge today, it only emphasizes the need to replace it and I look forward to getting it done,” Senator Capito commented.

Lastly, Senator Capito participated in Weirton's groundbreaking ceremony for expanding its Water Treatment Plant. This project will double its capacity impacting nearly 20,000 residents across Weirton as well as Hancock and Brooke counties. The effort was also supported by CDS funds secured by Senator Capito.

“The economic development taking place in Weirton is creating jobs and growing economy. I have seen this growth firsthand and I am thrilled to not only see critical resources I advocated for reach city but also celebrate this important milestone here in Weirton today,” SenatorCapito said.“This funding will double city's water system treatment capacity allowing expansion services for residents current future redevelopment.I will continue supporting investments like this – which have direct benefit for West Virginia – through my role on Senate Appropriations Committee.” 

“This awesome infrastructure investment of Congressionally Directed Spending matched with State of West Virginia grants West Virginia Water Development Authority funds as well local dollars totaling $44 million cements fact Weirton's best days lay ahead not past,” Butch Mastrantoni Weirton Utilities Director said.

Photos from today’s events are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) speaks at ribbon cutting ceremony for newly-renovated Wheeling Heritage Artisan Center in Wheeling W.Va Tuesday August 20 2024.

U.S.Senator Shelley Moore Capito(R-W.Va.) visits Market Street Bridge overlooking West Virginia from Steubenville Ohio Tuesday August 20 2024

U.S.Senator Shelley Moore Capito(R-W.Va.) participates groundbreaking ceremony Weirton Water Treatment Plant expansion project Weirton W.Va Tuesday August 20 2024