June 28, 2011

Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce $372,400 in Funding for Rural Development Projects in Wayne and Weirton

U.S. Department of Agriculture funds will go toward building a 911 center in Wayne and renovating a building in Weirton that will house support services for businesses

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Representative Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.) today announced funding for two rural development projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will improve public safety services in southern West Virginia as well as create jobs and bolster business in the Northern Panhandle.

The Wayne County Building Commission in Wayne will receive a Community Facility Direct Loan of $300,000 to continue the construction of a new 911 Center for Wayne County. 

Valley Ventures, Inc. in Weirton will receive $72,400 to renovate and refurbish an existing building that will be used as a “business incubator,” or a place where local businesses can go to receive technical support and other support services that might be critical to their operations. Valley Ventures, Inc. is a non-profit organization that works to help businesses innovate and expand in the Upper Ohio Valley region. This development project is projected to create 40 jobs and assist 15 businesses. 

“Two of my top priorities are to create jobs and to keep Americans safe at home and abroad,” Senator Manchin said. “These funds help meet those priorities by creating local jobs and supporting businesses, which will help rebuild our economy. In addition, they will help ensure that our emergency responders in West Virginia are able to promptly respond when they are called.”

“These facilities are extremely important additions to Wayne County’s emergency response team and to the Northern Panhandle business community,” said Rockefeller.  “Community safety is one of my highest priorities, and modern resources and facilities are necessary for our first responders to do their jobs.  I’m also pleased that Weirton will be able to provide more resources for local businesses and startup companies. It’s vital that we continue to maximize grants and loan resources like this Rural Development Community Facility Direct Loan to invest in our communities throughout the state.”

“Ensuring the health and safety of citizens in rural areas depends on the quality and availability of emergency services at the local level,” said Rahall.  “We must ensure sufficient funding for USDA Rural Development programs like this one that are vitally important for building stronger, more vibrant communities all across southern West Virginia.”

USDA’s Rural Development program helps improve the economy and quality of life in rural areas across the United States of America.  Rural Development achieves its mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.