Congressman Riley M. Moore Secures More Than $13 Million in Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Wins for West Virginians

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Riley M. Moore announced that five Community Project Funding requests for West Virginia's Second Congressional District were approved by the House Appropriations Committee as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act. The legislation now advances to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

"These Community Project Funding requests represent targeted investments in the infrastructure and economic development priorities that matter most to the people of West Virginia's Second District. I fought to secure funding for projects that will strengthen our communities, create jobs, improve our infrastructure, support economic growth, and enhance quality of life across our region. While these projects must still be approved by the full House and signed into law, I am pleased to see them advance through the Appropriations Committee, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for these important investments."

Major Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Investments Advancing for West Virginia:

• $6,000,000 for Oglebay Grow Center and Grounds. The Oglebay Grow Center and Festival Grounds Project is a $6 million initiative that will expand hydroponic food production, improve access to healthy locally grown foods, support workforce development, and create new opportunities for farmers and small businesses. Building on the success of Oglebay's GrowLab, the project will construct a new greenhouse, modernize community event facilities, strengthen food security, and boost tourism while promoting agricultural education and economic growth across the Ohio Valley.
• $3,190,000 for WVU Life Science and Biotech Incubator Space. The WVU Innovation Corporation Life Science and Biotech Incubator Project will create a 20,000-square-foot incubator within the former Mylan Pharmaceuticals plant to support startup companies developing cutting-edge technologies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health sciences. The facility will provide entrepreneurs with access to specialized laboratory space, advanced research equipment, and business support resources needed to commercialize new innovations, attract private investment, and compete for federal research funding. Building on a site that has already helped create or attract approximately 600 jobs, the expansion will foster new industries, accelerate economic growth, improve health outcomes, and create hundreds of additional high-skilled jobs in West Virginia.
• $2,171,000 for Randolph County Industrial Park Infrastructure Improvements. The Randolph County Development Authority's Industrial Park Infrastructure Project will transform a publicly owned site in Elkins into a fully development-ready industrial park by extending water and sewer service and constructing a new access road. These critical infrastructure improvements will make the site shovel-ready, attract private investment, support job creation, and strengthen Randolph County's ability to compete for new business and industrial development.
• $1,200,000 for St. Marys Marina & Riverfront Improvements. The St. Mary's Marina Improvement Project will revitalize the city's Ohio River waterfront through expanded docks, a new riverwalk, ADA-accessible fishing pier, upgraded kayak and paddleboard access, improved public facilities, and enhanced security infrastructure. The project will strengthen tourism, outdoor recreation, public safety, and economic development while supporting conservation and research efforts along the Ohio River. By enhancing a key regional destination, the project will attract more visitors, support local businesses, improve quality of life, and preserve public access to one of West Virginia's most valuable natural and recreational assets.
• $1,000,000 for Shepherd University Health Simulation & Infrastructure Modernization. This investment will modernize Shepherd University's Stutzman-Slonaker Hall and Science Center to support growing nursing, STEM, and allied health enrollment. The project will upgrade labs, HVAC and safety systems, backup power, and research infrastructure, while adding modern simulation and 3D medical training technology. These improvements will expand hands-on learning, strengthen workforce training for healthcare and science students, and better prepare graduates to serve West Virginia's growing Eastern Panhandle and statewide healthcare needs.

The legislation was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday and will now advance to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

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