Local News

Capito makes stops in Jackson and Wood counties

PARKERSBURG -- U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito made stops Thursday in Jackson and Wood counties where she toured businesses and learned how some of the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) awards she secured are being put to use.

On her first stop, Capito, R-W.Va., visited Jackson General Hospital in Ripley, where she toured the new expansion and met with executives to learn more about how they are investing in the wellbeing of West Virginians, according to a press release sent by her office.

"Jackson General Hospital is a vital part of this community, and it was wonderful to see firsthand how their new expansions will strengthen care for families across the region," Capito said. "I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the leadership team to hear about their priorities, their challenges, and the innovative steps they're taking to keep high-quality health services close to home," she said.

"We're always grateful when our representatives take the time to visit and support health care in our communities. We thank U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito for visiting," said Candace Miller, President and CEO of WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital.

Capito made two stops in Wood County. She first visited the Boys and Girls Clubs of Parkersburg, where she had the opportunity to see how they are utilizing a CDS award for outdoor renovations, which Capito secured, the release said.

"I was glad to visit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Parkersburg and see how they are putting their CDS award to work. These outdoor renovations will give even more young people a safe, supportive place to learn, grow, and just be kids. I appreciated the chance to meet with the staff and hear directly about their programming and the impact they are having each and every day," Capito said.

"We are thrilled to welcome Senator Capito to our Mary Street Clubhouse to share about our programming and Club kids. We are incredibly grateful for Senator Capito as she played a major part in releasing funds for after school care during the temporary pause last year," said Darlene Murphy, Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg CEO. "As we begin 2026 with so much enthusiasm and drive, we hope our community, state and region realize the crucial importance of youth development programming. We are so thankful for Senator Capito taking the time to meet with us and for the opportunity to share exciting updates regarding our outdoor renovation project funded by Congressionally Directed Spending."

Capito's last stop Thursday involved a visit to West Virginia University at Parkersburg's new Innovation and Technology School in Vienna, which was made possible in part by a FY24 CDS award Capito helped secure, the release said.

"It was great to visit WVU Parkersburg's new Innovation and Technology Center in Vienna and see how the university is putting their FY24 CDS award to work," Capito said. "This facility is a testament to WVU Parkersburg's commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening our workforce, and driving innovation in the Mid-Ohio Valley. I'm proud to support their efforts and excited to see the impact this center will have on our state."

"We are honored to have U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito visit our new Vienna location. The Innovation and Technology Center represents more than growth in square footage or programming. It represents a commitment to innovation, workforce alignment, and entrepreneurship. Our aspiration is not just to participate in innovation in West Virginia, but to lead it. We want WVU Parkersburg to be recognized as a place where ideas become action, where students are prepared not only for jobs, but for leadership and entrepreneurship in a changing economy," said Torie Jackson, WVUP President.