RAHALL, ROCKEFELLER, MANCHIN ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $2.9 MILLION FOR POCAHONTAS COUNTY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 12, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall and Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (all D-W.Va.), announced that  the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today released $2,922,000 in funds previously earmarked by the late-Senator Robert C. Byrd for the Pocahontas County Commission to construct a multi-purpose community center in Marlinton.

“This is a major investment in Pocahontas County that will provide a much-needed, after-school facility for our youth,” said Rahall, who is slated to visit Marlinton on Friday. “This funding is a good example of why I am a strong defender of the People’s representatives in Congress being able to steer federal funding to local needs.  This funding was made possible because this community made their needs known to our good Senator.  He believed, as I do, that we should not cede the power of the purse to faceless, unaccountable bureaucrats who have no understanding of our needs nor a requirement to respond to them.”

“Funding like this affects Marlinton and its residents in so many positive ways – it’s really important that people in a community, especially youth, have a place to gather, learn and be active,” said Rockefeller. “If we’re serious about investing in the future of our communities, then we must make sure they have the resources they need to stay healthy and productive.  The effects of this funding will be seen in Marlinton and all throughout Pocahontas County – this is great news.”

“The Multi-Purpose Community Center will be tremendously beneficial for residents of Pocahontas County, and I am proud to support this investment,” Manchin said. “Focusing on the health and wellness of our children is just common sense – and this center will offer activities that will keep Pocahontas County youth engaged in positive after school programs. This investment is a great example of the ways that federal dollars can make a worthwhile impact in our local communities, and I look forward to seeing the benefits the center is able to provide in the community.”

Speaking for the county as a whole, Martin Saffer, Pocahontas County Commissioner said, “We are very excited for this project which has exciting opportunities for young people in our county.  This community center will be a focal point of very positive activities for our youth.  We are grateful to Senator Byrd, who assured us last year before his passing we would have this earmark, and thankful for the assistance of Congressman Rahall, and Senators Rockefeller and Manchin.”

The HUD Economic Development Initiative funding awarded to Pocahontas County Commission is for construction of a multipurpose community center, which would promote the health and wellness of County residents, and provide youth and adult alcohol and drug prevention programs.