Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito visited Bluefield, West Virginia, to highlight various funding projects she has supported. The day began with a briefing from community leaders about the city's funding awards and the regional impact of a recent storm. Senator Capito toured the U.S. Route 52 modernization project, which is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Senator Capito remarked, “As I was worked to craft the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, I saw a generational opportunity to improve West Virginia’s surface transportation infrastructure. U.S. Route 52 is a crucial thoroughfare for Bluefield and these improvements will increase road safety and continue expanding economic opportunities in and around the city."

Bluefield City Manager Cecil Marson commented on the significance of this funding: "The funding Senator Capito helped secure for infrastructure projects in Bluefield represents generational change for not only our city, but all of Southern West Virginia."

Later, at Bluefield State University (BSU), Senator Capito discussed ongoing expansion projects with university leaders. She secured Congressionally Directed Spending for BSU to enhance its healthcare education facilities. Senator Capito stated, “This new center at Bluefield State University will provide students with the tools and training they need to succeed in the medical field.”

BSU Interim President Darrin Martin emphasized the impact of this investment: “This investment is a game-changer for our students and the communities they will serve."

In the afternoon, at Mercer County Airport’s Civil Air Patrol West Virginia Composite Squadron, Senator Capito presented Cadet Peyton Bogel with the Amelia Earhart Award.