Capito, Manchin Announce More Than $1 Million for Entrepreneur Assistance Project in Bluefield

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced a $1,095,000 investment for the Center for Applied Research and Technology in Bluefield, West Virginia. This project will foster new businesses, diversify product lines of existing business, streamline manufacturing processes, and create and retain jobs throughout southern West Virginia. This funding was made available through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), and is expected to create 48 jobs, retain 48 jobs, and generate $2.2 million in private investment.

“Our small businesses in West Virginia are truly the backbone of our economy. It’s great to see this support heading into southern West Virginia to help our entrepreneurs recover from effects of the pandemic and foster new business opportunities. I’m thankful for the role that the Center for Applied Research and Technology is playing in Mercer County, and I commend all they do to create opportunities for economic development in the region. I can’t wait to see the positive impact this project will create in our communities,” Senator Capito said.    

“Today’s announcement on the EDA’s investment in Bluefield is great news for our state and will spur economic growth in southern West Virginia. The EDA continues to be a strong partner to the Mountain State and this investment to the Center for Applied Research and Technology will support and expand West Virginia businesses, promote new business growth in the region and create and retain good-paying jobs. I will continue to work with the EDA to advocate for funding to boost our economy in West Virginia and I look forward to seeing the economic growth from this project,” Senator Manchin said.

https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-more-than-1-million-for-entrepreneur-assistance-project-in-bluefield