WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the National Park Service will invest $842,436.50 to fund recreation and restoration projects in state and local parks across West Virginia. This funding was secured when the historic Great American Outdoors Act—introduced by both Senators Capito and Manchin—was enacted last year, which made permanent full and mandatory annual funding of $900 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“I was proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition to introduce the Great American Outdoors Act, as well as champion provisions in the bill that help keep our state wild and wonderful. West Virginia is nationally recognized for our beautiful landscape and recreational opportunities. With that in mind, I have long supported the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which helps preserve our outdoor spaces for future generations. This funding will aid redevelopment efforts for locations across West Virginia, while also helping to improve the infrastructure of parks in communities important to our state. I am grateful for this support from the National Park Service and the LWCF, and I look forward to their future impact in West Virginia,” Senator Capito said.

“This significant investment in our state and local parks is fantastic news for West Virginia. With 54 of our 55 counties having received LWCF investments at some point, the benefits of LWCF can be felt across the Mountain State. These LWCF funds are critical to supporting our state’s strong and growing outdoor recreation economy and strengthening our local communities. I’m proud to have led my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in passing my Great American Outdoors Act last year, which provided full and permanent funding for the LWCF and allows our public land management agencies to continue their legacy of protecting and preserving West Virginia’s treasured public lands for generations to come,” Senator Manchin said.

Individual wards listed below: 

  • Huntington Park Gazebo – Huntington, – $197,714
  • Wheeling Park Bathhouse and Pool Upgrades – Wheeling – $166,678.50
  • Hazel Ruby McQuain Park – Morgantown – $120,000
  • Nitro Park Spraypad – Nitro – $105,000
  • Freedom Park Playground – Beckley – $86,565
  • Beech Bottom Playground Upgrade – Beech Bottom – $83,478
  • Richwood Pool Upgrade – Richwood – $70,000
  • Camp Sheppard Restrooms/Concession – Spencer – $13,000

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