Manchin Announces $585k For Eight Rural Development Projects In West Virginia

Manchin Announces $585k For Eight Rural Development Projects In West Virginia

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $585,957 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program for eight projects across West Virginia. The funding will support West Virginia's farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.

"It is imperative we get our farmers the resources they need so they can continue to feed families in West Virginia and this country," said Senator Manchin. "I am pleased that the USDA is investing more than $585K in these eight projects, which will support our farmers and ranchers and increase efficiency in our agriculture businesses. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to ensure our rural communities across the Mountain State have the resources they need to thrive."

Individual awards listed below:

• $156,594 - State of West Virginia, Kanawha County
  • This funding will provide technical assistance on post-harvest handling.
• $99,038 - West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, Kanawha County
  • This funding will provide technical assistance to rural grocers to expand value-added products and agricultural products.
• $95,289 - The 1982 Foundation, Calhoun County
  • This funding will support the purchasing and installation of appliances and equipment in three kitchens for a restaurant, community kitchen, and a learning kitchen.
• $95,000 - Capitol Market, Kanawha County
  • This funding will support upgrades to the outdoor market space with mobile storage, equipment, and develop supporting programs to attract and retain farmers and producers.
• $60,400 - New Roots Community Farm, Fayette County
  • This funding will be used to support the development of small and emerging agricultural businesses.
• $39,282 - Roane County Chamber of Commerce, Roane County
  • This funding will support emerging small businesses and provide technical assistance to local entrepreneurs.
• $23,354 - West Virginia Women Work, Monongalia County
  • This funding will be used to purchase property to serve as the headquarters for the organization, WVWW, and the Step Up For Women program to provide instruction and certifications in nontraditional occupations for women.
• $17,000 - Shepherd University, Jefferson County
  • This funding will be used to study agribusiness development and aims to improve the awareness and understanding of agritourism to enhance economic sustainability of local farms and rural communities.