FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, December 23, 2023
|
|
West Virginia Week in Review
|
|
Gov. Justice cuts ribbon to open much-anticipated Grant Street Bridge in Bluefield
|
|
Gov. Justice held an event to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of the Grant Street Bridge, reconnecting the city's North End and East Side with downtown and Princeton Avenue for the first time since the structure’s closure in 2019.
The new bridge is 330 feet long and features a modern design to improve safety and traffic flow. Federal, state, and local grants funded the $10.5 million project.
"This is another example of us pulling the rope together to get a meaningful project done," Gov. Justice said. "There were a few hurdles along the way, but we didn't let them stop us from getting this project across the finish line, and I'm proud to see us cutting the ribbon today. Bridges are more than just crossings from one side to the other. They act as connections between people, communities, and opportunities. This new bridge symbolizes our collective commitment to develop connections and economic prosperity for the City of Bluefield."
|
|
Residents impacted by the closing had been forced to use a very narrow road, which was hazardous and resulted in increased response time for emergency vehicles.
The $10.5 million project, funded by federal, state, and local grants, encountered obstacles due to the necessary approval from Norfolk Southern Railway, who co-owned the old bridge with the city.
|
|
|
Gov. Justice welcomes West Virginia National Guard's 156th Military Police Detachment home for the holidays
|
|
Gov. Justice announces Water Development Authority approves over $26 million in economic enhancement projects
|
|
Gov. Justice announced the West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) has approved nine additional Economic Enhancement Grant Fund (EEGF) projects worth $26,320,768.00 million.
The WDA manages the fund, which provides matching grants to municipalities for upgrading infrastructure such as water, sewer, economic development, commerce, and tourism projects.
In April 2022, Gov. Justice called a special session to fund the Economic Enhancement Grant Fund, at the time securing an initial amount of $250 million.
Since then, the program has seen exceptional success, and the WDA has approved EEGF projects worth $330 million, impacting over 500,000 West Virginians. All in all, these projects will affect residents statewide.
|
|
Gov. Justice awards $1 million grant to West Virginia Chamber Foundation, boosting Jobs for West Virginia Graduates Program
|
|
Gov. Justice presented a $1 million check to the West Virginia Chamber Foundation, bolstering their Jobs for West Virginia’s Graduates (JWVG) program and securing brighter futures for countless students across the state.
Gov. Justice joined Chamber Foundation representatives, program beneficiaries, and dedicated educators who champion JWVG’s transformative work for the ceremony at the State Capitol.
|
|
|
WATCH: Gov. Justice announces new state record for the largest blue catfish
|
|
Gov. Justice orders flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, December 23, in honor of former Delegate Larry Faircloth
|
|
Gov. Justice has issued a proclamation, ordering all United States and West Virginia flags at the Capitol Complex and all state-owned facilities in Berkeley County be displayed at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Saturday, December 23, 2023, in commemoration of the distinguished life and service of former West Virginia House of Delegates member, Larry Faircloth.
|
|
|
|
