HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today made multiple stops in Huntington, W.Va. to meet with first responders, participate in roundtable discussions with leaders at Marshall University, discuss federal funding she secured for local projects, and meet with the Marshall Head Football Coach and team.

First, Senator Capito met with Huntington Police Chief Karl Colder and Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, and toured the Compass First Responders Wellness Center. The Compass project is designed to provide first responders with tools ahead of time, which will improve their ability to deal with high-stress situations in the moment, as well as strengthening their resiliency to process any effects of that stress.

“Chief Colder and the entire Huntington Police Department do an outstanding job each and every day, and they are a point of pride in this community,” Senator Capito said. “They serve and protect the city of Huntington, and it’s equally important that our men and women in uniform have access to resources that ensure their mental and physical wellness, as well as overall morale. The Compass First Responders Wellness Center provides this boost to our law enforcement and it was encouraging to see the impact it’s having firsthand today.”

Senator Capito then visited Marshall University’s Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) to discuss apprenticeship programs and workforce development partnerships. Senator Capito secured $4.5 million in direct funding that will go toward boosting RCBI’s nationally recognized apprenticeship program.

Senator Capito then participated in a roundtable discussion at Marshall’s Institute for Cyber Security. Senator Capito also secured direct funding for two separate projects in the amount of $1.75 million for a new Law Enforcement Training Center and $1.5 million for a new cyber virtual center technology and equipment.

In total, Senator Capito secured $241,135,000 in direct spending measures across West Virginia through the FY 2022 appropriations omnibus package.

Following the roundtable, Senator Capito met with Marshall Football Head Coach Charles Huff and spoke with the team.

“Marshall University is leading the way in a range of fields, including workforce development, job training programs, and cyber security,” Senator Capito said. “It’s why I was happy to direct federal funding to several of the programs and projects that have proven to be successful in preparing our students, connecting them with employers, and keeping our nation safe. I appreciate the leadership of President Smith and it was a pleasure to see the great work being done by students, faculty, and staff today. Getting the chance to visit with Coach Huff and speak to the football team was a treat, and they’ve got a solid foundation for success this fall. Go Herd!”

Photos from today’s visit included below:

04-22-2022 1

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Compass First Responders Wellness Center with Police Chief Karl Colder in Huntington, W.Va. on Friday, April 22, 2022.

 
04-22-2022 2

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Robert C. Byrd Institute at Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va. on Friday, April 22, 2022.

 
04-22-2022 3

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in a cyber security roundtable at Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va. on Friday, April 22, 2022.

  04-22-2022 4

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) with Marshall Football Head Coach Charles Huff in Huntington, W.Va. on Friday, April 22, 2022.

 

# # #