Rep. Jenkins Announces Grants for Bluewell Water Project, New River Gorge Development Authority

Press Release

U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) announced today two major federal grants for the Bluewell Public Service District in Bluefield and the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority.

The Bluewell Public Service District will receive $1.5 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission and $1 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to expand municipal water service to the Mercer County Airport. The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority will receive $967,000 from the ARC and $120,000 from the EDA.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Jenkins helped secure $50 million for the ARC to invest in Appalachia, as well as $15 million for the EDA to help coal communities hurt by the downturn in coal.

"This announcement is critical for southern West Virginia's economic growth. Expanding city water service out to the Mercer County Airport will allow us to fully develop the airport and its surrounding land, creating exciting new opportunities for Bluefield and the surrounding counties. The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority will use these funds to help our small businesses grow and to launch new startups, turning our region into a hub of economic development and jobs. I am so pleased these two projects are receiving these much-needed funds and know they will make a true difference in our state," Rep. Jenkins said.

Bluewell Public Service District project

The Appalachian Regional Commission is awarding $1.5 million to the Bluewell Public Service District in Bluefield, which will be used for the Mercer County Airport Development and Diversification Initiative. The Economic Development Administration is awarding an additional $1 million for this project.

These grants will allow the Bluewell PSD to expand public water service to the Mercer County Regional Airport and along Route 52 and Airport Road. It is expected to create 38 new jobs and expand economic development opportunities at the airport and along the roads.

Rep. Jenkins joined Mercer County Airport Manager Clint Ranson and Region 1 Planning & Development Council Executive Director Jason Roberts at the airport on Aug. 10 to discuss the Bluewell project and its critical role in helping the airport and the region's economy grow.

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority project

The ARC is awarding $967,000 to the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority in Beckley for its New River Gorge Region -- Developing an Entrepreneurial Economy project. This hub will provide hands-on technical support for start-up businesses, giving them the coaching and mentoring they need to launch their small businesses. This project is expected to create 225 new small-business jobs, grow 294 existing businesses, and launch 15 new businesses.

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