Mercer County Community leaders are expressing their appreciation to West Virginia senators for their support of projects in the area.

U.S. Senator Jim Justice and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito have advocated for multiple local projects, several of which have advanced through the first round of congressional appropriations requests. Local leaders remain hopeful the projects will continue through round two and ultimately receive final funding approval.

In a joint statement, local leader said the following:

“These requests represent meaningful investments in the future of our communities. We are grateful to Senator Justice and Senator Capito 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.

  • Mercer County Airport Authority: Senator Justice requested $8,683,000 and Senator Capito requested $8,684,000 in the Transportation-HUD (THUD) Appropriations bill to extend Runway 23 at the Mercer County Airport.
  • Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation: Senator Justice requested $5,000,000 in the THUD account to support an affordable housing initiative.
  • Mercer County Communications Center Authority: Senator Capito requested $400,000 in the THUD account to augment emergency communications capabilities.
  • Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority: Senator Justice requested $4,500,000 in the THUD account to convert a blighted facility into a healthcare campus.
  • Mercer County Commission: Senator Justice requested $335,000 in the THUD account for Glenwood Park facility upgrades.
  • Bluefield State Applied Research Foundation: Senator Capito requested $4,770,000 through the Labor, Health and Education Appropriations Subcommittee to expand workforce-focused education through a technology-enabled learning environment designed to prepare students with practical, job-ready skills in engineering, technology, teacher preparation, and business disciplines.
  • City of Bluefield: Senator Capito requested $7,000,000 in the THUD Appropriations bill to construct a public safety Emergency Services Campus that would co-locate police, fire, and EMS operations to improve emergency response coordination, reduce response times, and strengthen life-safety services for Bluefield and surrounding rural communities.