Byrd announces federal funding for economic development projects in West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., who serves as the senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced Senate approval of $6.25 million in federal funding that he has secured for four economic development initiatives in West Virginia. The funding was part of the FY 2010 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bill which passed the Senate Thursday by a vote 73-25.

Byrd secured funding for the following projects in West Virginia:

• $3 million for the Pocahontas County Wellness Center: The Pocahontas County Commission will construct the Pocahontas County Multipurpose Community Center in Marlinton. The new center will promote the health and wellness of county residents, and will provide youth and adult alcohol and drug prevention programs. Along with the prevention efforts, the center will offer alternatives to unhealthy behavior, such as after school programs, senior fitness and wellness programs, junior law enforcement programs, and health and fitness challenges;

• $1.5 million for the Spencer-Ripley Armed Forces Reserve Center: The Jackson County Commission will expand the drill hall and supporting facilities at the proposed Spencer-Ripley Armed Forces Reserve Center in Jackson County. The additional square footage at the center will provide much-needed multi-use space for the shared use by residents of the surrounding communities and Armed Forces personnel;

• $1 million for the Hampshire County Special Services Center (HCSSC): These funds will support the relocation of the HCSSC in Romney. The Center serves people with developmental disabilities and is the largest employer to people with developmental disabilities in the area. This relocation would allow for the expansion of the services provided by the center; and

• $750,000 for the Appalachia Service Project: The Appalachia Service Project Home Repair Program provides free home repair to low-income families in Southern West Virginia.