WESTOVER, W.Va. — The Westover VFW Post 9916 will receive some help from the state to address repairs to their aging building.
Monongalia County State Senator Mike Oliverio announced that the West Virginia Local Economic Development Assistance Grant Fund awarded $6,000 to help renovate parts of the VFW’s Holland Avenue headquarters in Westover. Oliveiro formally presented the funds during the Monongalia County Commission’s regular meeting Wednesday.
“I have a check from our Local Economic Development Assistance Grant Fund, requested by Senator Mike Caputo and myself, to support the Westover Post 9916 VFW,” said Oliverio, presenting the funds during the Monongalia County Commission’s regular meeting Wednesday.
According to Oliverio, the effort to have Local Economic Development Assistance Grant Funds awarded to the Westover VFW Post 9916 involved both his office, State Senator Mike Caputo, and VFW representatives. The funds will be used to support roof repairs that are a part of a multi-phase renovation of the VFW Post 9916 location that was needed after water pipes burst during the Christmas 2022 deep freeze. With over $100,000 in contributions from various community members to make repairs to the bar, the front facade of the building, among other repairs, Oliverio and Caputo both felt the state could find a way to contribute as well.
“As you know, they had some facility damage a while back, and they have made a number of facility improvements and continue to do so,” said Oliverio regarding the long-term efforts to improve the VFW Post 9916. “And they have needed additional dollars to do that,” he said.
When Oliverio addressed the commission, he mentioned that the Westover VFW 9916 was awarded the state funds, in part, due to their numerous contributions to Morgantown area communities. Along with services such as the veteran honor guard used in various ceremonies and parades, the Holland Avenue facility is also home to numerous Westover community events, with the most recent being the first annual Westover Winterfest, which hosted activities on the second floor of the VFW. Oliverio, who was in attendance, reflected on the building’s ability to still contribute to the community.
“I know that you all really value the contribution that they make to our community, particularly with the honor guard that they do and all of the other programs and services,” Oliverio said.
The hope for state leaders, the Monongalia County Commission, and representatives of the Westover VFW 9916 is to have the roof renovations completed sometime in 2025. This will not only complete a much-needed improvement to the building that has already seen over $100,000 in repairs, but will also complete a multi-year effort on a building that had water damage to both the first and second floors of the building. With contributions already made by the City of Westover and the Town of Granville, Oliverio
“I think their facility offers great potential for programs in the future,” said Oliverio. “And we want to try and make that facility as safe and handicap accessible and available for events moving forward,” he said.