PHOTOS: Capito Tours CDS Projects in Bluefield and Princeton

MERCER COUNTY, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, made stops in Bluefield and Princeton, W.Va. to tour community projects, view ongoing revitalization efforts, 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 Bluefield, W.Va. where she met with city officials and community stakeholders to discuss economic development priorities and tour several key sites that are a part of the city's ongoing revitalization efforts. Stops included Mercer County Airport, The Emergency Services Campus, and Hotel Thelma to learn more about proposed improvements and future plans.

"The City of Bluefield is in the middle of an exciting revitalization period- one that I have been proud to support through the Appropriations process," Senator Capito said. "I appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand how federal resources are helping drive revitalization across the community. Through the CDS process, I've worked to support local priorities that strengthen downtown, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for families and businesses. Bluefield has momentum, and I'm proud to partner with local leaders to keep that progress moving forward."

"We were very honored to host Senator Capito today as she has been instrumental in assisting us in moving Bluefield forward. We are very excited about the forward-progress we are making and none of this would be possible without the senator's help and willingness to work with us. It is a team effort moving southern West Virginia forward, and we truly appreciate all she does for us," Cecil Marson, Bluefield City Manager, said.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours key sites in Bluefield, W.Va. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours key sites in Bluefield, W.Va. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours key sites in Bluefield, W.Va. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Next, Senator Capito traveled to Princeton to visit the Princeton Municipal Building where she reviewed progress on CDS-supported projects benefiting the Community Center and Police Department. Local officials provided updates on the broader effort that began in 2017 to consolidate the city's administrative offices, including Public Works, the fire department, and the police department, into a single facility. The project is intended to improve coordination among departments and foster a more efficient way to better serve residents.

"It's great to be back in Princeton to see the continued progress on the community center and police department-two projects I was proud to support through the Congressionally Directed Spending process. By housing these essential services under one roof, the city will be better equipped to respond to community needs and deliver service to residents effectively," Senator Capito said.

"On behalf of the City of Princeton, I would like to thank Senator Capito for taking time out of her busy schedule to receive updates on the City's Wavepool, Community Center, and Police Department Projects. Senator Capito has been, and continues to be, an advocate for our community and for new incredible facilities, which will provide an array of quality public services to our area. Public projects take many partners to be successful, and Senator Capito has delivered on many opportunities that will help realize crucial projects. Again, we thank her and her team," Samuel Lusk, City of Princeton Economic Development Director, said.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Princeton Municipal Building in Princeton, W.Va. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Princeton Municipal Building in Princeton, W.Va. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Princeton Municipal Building in Princeton, W.Va. on Friday, February 20, 2026.