GLEN JEAN/RICHWOOD, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made stops in Fayette and Nicholas counties today where she met with local leaders about tourism and economic development, and hosted a Girls Rise Up event with Richwood Middle and High School students.

Senator Capito first visited New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Headquarters in Glen Jean, W.Va. to meet with Acting Superintendent Leslie Reynolds for an update on the park’s first anniversary, the latest upgrades, and how we can address park infrastructure and capacity. Senator Capito sponsored the legislation that designated New River Gorge as a National Park and Preserve.

“The results we’ve seen from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve designation have been outstanding for our state,” Senator Capito said. “The increase in visitors and the boost it’s given to local businesses presents us the opportunity to build on our momentum and continue spreading the word about all the Gorge has to offer. I appreciate the work of Acting Superintendent Leslie Reynolds and look forward to supporting her efforts to improve, upgrade, and make accommodations to the park and preserve now and in the future.”

Senator Capito then visited Richwood, W.Va. to meet with Mayor Gary Johnson and community leaders to discuss the latest on water and broadband projects, as well as continued recovery efforts from the 2016 flood.

“Mayor Johnson and I had a productive discussion with Nicholas County leaders today in Richwood,” Senator Capito said. “Strong partnerships are critical for the success of our cities, counties, and state as a whole, and I know we’ll continue working closely on key projects like deploying broadband, restoring our water systems, and economic development projects in Richwood and the surrounding area.”

Finally, Senator Capito hosted a Girls Rise Up event at Richwood Middle and High Schools. Senator Capito launched the West Virginia Girls Rise Up program in 2015 to instill confidence in young West Virginia women and empower them to be strong and kind female leaders. The program focuses on three areas: education, fitness, and self-confidence. Today’s program marks the 25th Girls Rise Up event overall.

“I’m so excited to kick off a new year of Girls Rise Up with Richwood Middle and High School students today,” Senator Capito said. “I’m confident these female students at Richwood will go on to be successful, and most importantly, build each other up each and every day. If they dedicate themselves and put their minds to it, there is nothing West Virginia girls cannot do.”

Photos from today’s event are included below:


1-25 nrg mtg

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Leslie Reynolds in Glen Jean, W.Va. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

1-25 richwood mtg

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Richwood Mayor Gary Johnson and local leaders in Richwood, W.Va. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

01-25-2022 GRU 111

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event in Richwood, W.Va. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

# # #