U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.4 Million for Building Renovations to Support Job Creation and Business Development in Charleston, West Virginia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.4 million grant to Advantage Valley, Inc., for renovations to the former Vossloh Track Building.

This grant will support job creation and private investment by attracting new businesses to the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $857,750 in local funds.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a commitment to communities in West Virginia and across the country to deliver the resources needed to grow strong, resilient regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support infrastructure improvements at the former Vossloh Track Building that will grow economic opportunity, support job growth, and spur private investment in Charleston.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-driven disaster recovery and resiliency plans,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will improve critical public infrastructure in Charleston, bringing new business opportunities and creating a stronger regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration continues to be a strong partner for bolstering West Virginia’s economy and this announcement is proof of that,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “Renovating the former Vossloh Track Building will create good-paying jobs and spur economic opportunity throughout the entire Metro Valley. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this project, and I will continue advocating for resources that support economic growth and resiliency across the Mountain State.”

“As the Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I work closely with the EDA to identify local projects that have the potential to create jobs and grow our communities. I’m excited for this funding to help renovate and revitalize the former Vossloh Track Building and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the Charleston area for years to come,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC). EDA funds RIC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.