Published: September 04, 2008 10:45 pm         

Beckley’s BIG project receives more funding

A project thought of as a new gateway into downtown Beckley has received more federal funding, according to Rep. Nick Rahall.

Rahall, D-W.Va., announced Thursday the U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing $2,358,573 in federal funding for the Beckley Intermodal Gateway project.

“This project is of great importance to me and the people of Beckley,” Rahall said. “I am excited to see the $20 million that I secured bring the BIG project to life, creating jobs and economic opportunities for the city of Beckley and southern West Virginia.”

The funding will be used to develop the intermodal facility of the BIG project, an economic and transportation improvement project geared toward the rejuvenation of downtown Beckley, Rahall said.

“Additionally, the BIG project will also serve as a central bus depot for local transit and interstate bus lines as well as a taxi hub and car rental facility,” Rahall added.

“The efforts of Congressman Rahall are appreciated by the Beckley community,” Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh said. “The end result of the BIG project will be a new gateway into the city of Beckley. This project will be the linchpin for further development in the downtown.”

In 2005, Rahall was instrumental in winning congressional passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. It was in that legislation that Rahall secured $20.06 million for the BIG project.

“To date, the DOT has released $4,568,573 of the $20.06 million I secured for the project,” Rahall said.

“Transportation infrastructure improvements help make our roads and highways safer, create good jobs and open up new economic avenues that are absolutely vital to our economy,” he added.

“It is for these reasons that I have worked so hard to bring much needed federal investment for transportation projects in Beckley and across southern West Virginia,” Rahall commented.

— Fred Pace