CHARLESTON Boone Memorial Health was awarded millions in funding from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

US Senator Shelly Moore Capito announced the $16,898,983 in federal grants and loans with a statement Tuesday. The funding will be used to invest and expand public works projects and facilities, as well as hospitals and affordable housing.

“I’m glad to see this funding headed to West Virginia through USDA’s Rural Development program, which will help support our rural communities and help them better meet the needs of the people who live there. I will continue my efforts to secure resources that increase the availability of health services, strengthen our infrastructure, and improve the lives of our residents in West Virginia.” Senator Capito said.

USDA presented Boone Memorial Health with a $14 million check toward renovating the former Magic Mart into a new health and wellness center. The center is expected to provide outpatient healthcare and wellness services for approximately 32,200 residents.

The other projects benefiting from the funding include:

  • $14,361,000 Loan for Boone Memorial Hospital Inc. will be used to renovate a facility into a health clinic as an expansion of the current hospital.

  • $1,000,000 for the town of Bradshaw to convert its wastewater system into a traditional gravity system

  • $904,783 loan to the Forrest Place Preservation Association rehabilitation at the Forrest Place Apartments in Kermit. Fifteen one- and 24 two-bedroom units will be improved for better conditions for the current and future tenants.

  • $616,000 to the Lavalette Public Service District to upgrade the German Ridge and Dickson areas to a eight inch waterline.

  • $17,200 to the City of Smithers to buy a new commercial tractor for the Street Department.