CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — $20 million in federal funding is coming to support an infrastructure repair project consisting of 19 bridges rated in poor condition along Interstate 79 in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia counties.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito announced Thursday the funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) discretionary grants program.
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called Capito on Thursday morning to deliver the news personally, according to her office.
? INFRASTRUCTURE NEWS: @SecElaineChao just called me to let me know #WV is receiving a $20 million BUILD grant to support an infrastructure repair project consisting of 19 bridges rated in poor condition along Interstate 79 in Harrison, Marion, and Mon counties.
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) September 10, 2020
“BUILD grants are extremely competitive, which makes today’s announcement very exciting. I’m proud my chairmanship and my personal relationship with Secretary Chao continue to deliver results in the form of federal investments in critical West Virginia infrastructure projects,” Senator Capito said.
“Our state’s topography means West Virginia is full of bridges, many of which are due for updates. This bridge project is a major undertaking and a priority of the West Virginia Department of Transportation, and this funding will go a long way in helping complete the project in a timely manner. Of course, these bridges in North Central West Virginia aren’t the only ones that need attention. That’s why I worked to ensure there was a specific set aside for bridges in the federal highway bill. As we look to renew and repair America’s infrastructure, we must ensure bridges aren’t overlooked.”
Capito told MetroNews the work will mostly be deck repairs, repaving issues and restructuring on the busy highway sections.
“We know we have bridges that get a lot of wear in that area so this additional funding will do a lot to make it safer and make those improvements and repairs that are so needed,” she said.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin released a statement on the funding Thursday:
“Many of West Virginia’s bridges are in critical condition and in desperate need of repair. These bridges are more than 40 years old and this investment on the part of DOT will create safer roadways for generations of West Virginians. I am pleased by DOT’s investment in fixing our bridges and will continue to fight for funding that addresses long term issues which affect West Virginians every day.”
GOOD NEWS: Following my urging earlier this year, @USDOT will invest $20 million into 19 West Virginia bridges in Harrison, Marion and Monongalia Counties, creating safer roadways for generations of West Virginians. MORE: https://t.co/xtqiyk8Ac1
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) September 10, 2020