West Virginia’s two U.S. Senators are asking for millions to fund projects in Mercer County.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., requested $7 million to fund the construction of an emergency services campus -- and a new home for Bluefield Police, Fire and Rescue Squad --near the intersection of Bland and North Streets.

The rescue squad would move from Stadium Drive where access can be tricky during games and other events at Mitchell Stadium, Police Chief Dennis Dillow said.

The police department and fire department are currently located at city hall.

“The fire department would be centrally located and, of course, the police department, I like the area there because it injects us into a troublesome part of our city,” he added.

The current facilities have seen better days, Dillow continued.

“The advancement of a new facility would be just absolutely amazing because, I mean, the one that we have here is just rundown,” Dillow said. “It’s got some problems. And, you know, something more state of the art would be just phenomenal for our department.”

Capito and Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., also asked for $8.68 million each to fund a runway extension at the Mercer County Airport.

Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va. requested $5 million to fund the Bluefield Arts Revitalization Corporation’s affordable housing initiative.

Capito sought $4.77 million for technology upgrades at Bluefield State University.

Justice also requested $4 million to fund the Bluefield Economic Development Authority’s effort to convert an abandoned building into a healthcare campus.

Capito asked for $400,000 to enhance communications for the county emergency operations. Justice requested $335,000 for Glenwood Park upgrades.

The requests represent meaningful investments in the future of Mercer County, Bluefield and Mercer County leaders said in a statement.

“We are grateful to Sens. Capito and Justice for listening to our needs, championing these projects and remaining responsive and engaged as we work to strengthen Bluefield, Mercer County and all of southern West Virginia,” the leaders added.

Capito and Justice’s requests have been included in the Senate’s initial draft of spending bills.

Those spending bills are expected to be revised by a Senate committee before being considered by the full Senate and House later this year.

“We are encouraged that these projects have successfully navigated the first round of the appropriations process and remain hopeful they will continue through round two and receive final approval,” the leaders said. “We deeply appreciate both senators for doing everything they can to help move our region forward.”