PHOTOS: Capito Tours CDS Projects in Eastern Panhandle

EASTERN PANHANDLE, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, made stops in Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, and Martinsburg to receive updates on community projects and receive updates on plans for projects supported by Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) investments she helped secure.

To begin the day, Senator Capito traveled to Harpers Ferry where she received updates from local leaders on a project funded through a recent Congressionally Directed Spending allocation. The purpose of the project is to improve water quality and service for the towns of Bolivar, Harpers Ferry, and Jefferson County.

"I was glad to join local leaders here in Harpers Ferry in receiving updates on the funding I helped secure through recent Congressionally Directed Spending allocations," Senator Capito said. "These investments will help ensure residents have access to safe, reliable water infrastructure, while supporting continued growth and development across the region."

"The historic Town of Harpers Ferry is incredibly grateful to Senator Capito for recognizing and supporting the rehabilitation of our aged and severely compromised water distribution system. Through the Senator's efforts the enhancements to our system will now better service our residents, businesses and the hundreds of thousands of visitors and tourists Harpers Ferry hosts annually," Gregory Vaughn, Mayor of Harpers Ferry, said.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with local leaders in Harpers Ferry, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) discusses recent Congressionally Directed Spending allocations with local leaders in Harpers Ferry, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Next, Senator Capito traveled to Charles Town to visit the Charles Town Police Department where she reviewed progress on CDS-supported projects benefitting the police department. During the visit, local officials provided updates and a tour of the facility to highlight new technology that was purchased through CDS funding.

"It's great to be back in Charles Town to receive updates and view upgrades to the police department-a project I was proud to support through the Congressionally Directed Spending process. By making needed upgrades to the technology that is used by the department, the city will be better equipped to respond to community needs and deliver service to residents effectively," Senator Capito said.

"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Senator Shelley Moore Capito for her steadfast commitment to public safety and her continued support of the Charles Town Police Department. Through this grant opportunity, the department was able to procure critical equipment, including ballistic shields, tire deflation devices, first aid and trauma kits, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and other essential emergency response equipment," Christopher Kutcher, Chief of Police for the Charles Town Police Department, said. "These resources have already proven invaluable, significantly enhancing our officers' preparedness and their ability to respond effectively to a wide range of calls for service within our community. We are truly grateful for this investment in the safety and well-being of both our officers and the citizens we proudly serve."

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the Charles Town Police Department in Charles Town, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the Charles Town Police Department in Charles Town, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the Charles Town Police Department in Charles Town, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Next, Senator Capito visited the Jefferson County Government Complex where she received updates on the expansion of the Jefferson County Health Department-a project that Senator Capito supported through the Congressionally Directed Spending process.

"The work underway in Jefferson County reflects a strong commitment to protecting public health-an effort I've been proud to support through the Appropriations process," Senator Capito said. "I appreciated the opportunity to receive updates on the expansion of the Jefferson County Health Department. Through the CDS process, I've worked to support priorities that ensure families have access to quality care. Jefferson County is making meaningful progress, and I'm proud to partner with local leaders to help advance these important initiatives."

"The relocation and expansion of the Jefferson County Health Department is a critical need for our county, and Senator Capito delivered. The new facility will be located in the heart of the population it serves with access to public transportation," the Jefferson County Commission said. "This investment, made possible through the Senator's support, is a significant step forward in improving access to care, strengthening public health, and better serving our community."

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the Jefferson County Government Complex to receive updates on a project funded through Congressionally Directed Spending in Charles Town, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) receives updates on a project funded through Congressionally Directed Spending at the Jefferson County Government Complex in Charles Town, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

To end the day, Senator Capito traveled to Martinsburg where she visited the Martinsburg Fire Department. During the stop, she reviewed progress on CDS-supported projects benefitting the fire department, received updates from local officials, and went on a tour of the facility that showcased some of the equipment purchased through CDS funding.

"I was glad to visit the Martinsburg Fire Department and see firsthand the progress made possible through Congressionally Directed Spending funding I helped secure," Senator Capito said. "These investments are providing our local first responders with the equipment and resources they need to better protect and serve their communities."

"We are extremely grateful to Shelley Moore Capito for her continued support of the Martinsburg Fire Department and the city we serve. The funding she helped secure for our new ladder truck is critical to improving our operational capabilities and ensuring the safety of both our firefighters and the public. This investment will have a lasting impact on our ability to respond effectively to emergencies across the City of Martinsburg and Berkeley County," Martinsburg Fire Department Chief Bradley Knieriem said.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Martinsburg Fire Department in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

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