Sen. Manchin, Capito announce $54.3 million for I-79 Chaplin Hill Project
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Federal funding for the Chaplin Hill Gateway Project has been secured, according to both of West Virginia’s United States Senators.
In press releases from both U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, they announced approximately $54.3 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation will be appropriated to support the project. The funding will address a variety of repairs and new construction around the Exit 155 interchange that range from the repairs of new bridges, construction of new trail networks and a reconstruction of the Exit 155 interchange and the west-bound I-79 flyover.
“I am proud to announce this $54 million investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to complete the I-79 Chaplin Hill Gateway Project, which will create job opportunities for surrounding communities, bolster economic growth and improve safety for local travelers,” said Senator Manchin in his release announcing the funding.
The funding was secured as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with the appropriation being delivered through the Mega Grant Program. Along with the long list of road infrastructure projects, the $54.3 million directed for the Chaplin Hill Gateway Project will also support the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle connection between the Star City bridge as well as a regional rail-to-trail network.
“The Chaplin Hill Gateway Project will help improve traffic, increase safety, and upgrade core transportation infrastructure in Monongalia County.” said Capito in her statement via the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “For all those who live and work in the area, as well as those traveling through, this funding will make a transformational difference and I’m excited for this project to move forward.”
This will be separate from the $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending requests secured for I-79 Exit 155 repairs and rehabilitation earlier this year.