U.S Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), joined U.S. Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV) in asking U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to approve the Interchange Justification Report for the proposed Harmony Grove Interchange in Morgantown, W.V.
In the April 27 letter to Buttigieg, the Congressmembers said the project would drive economic development in the area and bring jobs and businesses to the state.
“Morgantown and other communities along the I-79 corridor have seen significant growth in past years,” Capito said. “The Harmony Grove Interchange is necessary to facilitate more economic expansion and meet truck and passenger vehicle capacity needs. Approval of this IJR is critical to ensuring the continued prosperity of the Morgantown area and helping it meet its economic potential.”
The proposed infrastructure improvement would add exits on I-79 to provide greater access to the Morgantown Industrial Park, a move that will make the park more accessible to businesses and will enhance economic activity, the lawmakers said.
“In order to ensure West Virginia’s continued economic growth and job creation, we must regularly upgrade and improve infrastructure across the state,” Manchin said. “Last year, I was proud to help secure funding for a waterline extension through the Economic Development Administration to spur new investment at the Morgantown Industrial Park. With increased traffic and investment at the site, the proposed Harmony Grove Interchange is great news for Morgantown and the region, and will bolster transportation and economic activity across the entire state. I will continue working with Secretary Buttigieg to expedite the review process and bring these crucial changes to the Harmony Grove Interchange.”