August 02, 2012

Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce Federal Funding for Transportation Projects in West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) along with U.S. Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (both D-W.Va.) Thursday announced seven highway and scenic byway improvement projects in West Virginia would be awarded more than $2.2 million in federal funding through the enactment of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012.


“Our scenic byways help bind important sectors of our growing tourism industry to promote small business jobs," said Rep. Rahall, the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "As we connect our historical, cultural, and natural resources, we make it easier for people to plan fuller, longer vacation stays in Almost Heaven.  Smart investments like these, and our other trail systems we are promoting and networking, will pay great dividends with economic drivers like the Boy Scouts of America.”

“Upgrading roads and highways is essential to guaranteeing that people are safe when driving, enabling communities and small businesses to grow, and encouraging tourism in our state,” said Senator Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and a lead author of the surface transportation bill that made this funding possible.  “Safety is one of my top concerns when it comes to our transportation network, and this funding is helping to lessen any problems through vital upgrades while also creating jobs and improving the capabilities of our roads.”

“As I have always said, it just makes common sense to invest in our nation’s infrastructure,” Senator Manchin said. “By investing in our highways, railroads, bridges, as well as water and sewer systems, not only can we create good American jobs, but we can lay the foundation for economic growth for tomorrow. These grants help move us in the right direction for reaching these goals.”


The Elk River Scenic Byway Identification Signage Project was awarded $16,000 to design, purchase, and install approximately 40 wayfinding signs along the Elk River Scenic Byway to promote safe travel along the route.

Sistersville Ferry Vessel and Landing Improvement project was awarded $45,600 to make dock improvements and replace the vessel navigation system; $400,000 was awarded for safety improvements on US-60W near Charleston. The project will improve safety for motorists and workers by reducing construction time and will extend the life of the pavement by using a precast concrete paving system.   A new truck parking project on SR 817 in Nitro at Exit 44 on I-64 in Nitro will receive $300,000 to add 10 new truck parking spaces, addressing a severe shortage of truck parking spaces in the Charleston area.

Camp 70 Road/Overlook Accessibility Improvement project was awarded $480,000 to reconstruct a 1.5-mile section of road, construct a 20-vehicle ADA-compliant parking lot, create an overlook with informational and interpretive kiosks, and facilitate trail connections at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. South Chestnut Street Slip Repairs and Widening and Realignment was awarded $1,000,000 to help repair, widen and realign South Chestnut Street (from the intersection of Horner Avenue south to the intersection of Harvey Street) in Clarksburg. 

The grants announced today were made available on a competitive basis by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These programs were authorized by Congress to support projects that improve roadway safety, maintain the nation’s roads and bridges and make communities more livable.