2024 earmarks remain uncertain for West Virginia projects

A temporary spending plan was signed into law recently, preventing a government shutdown. However, it may have ended funding for many projects in West Virginia. The plan did not include earmarks for the 2025 fiscal year, which has raised concerns among local officials about previous funding. West Virginia University (WVU) has been waiting for $6.4 million in earmarked funds from the 2024 fiscal year. This money is meant for improvements to the university's Personal Rapid Transit system. The project includes updates to stations and other transit facilities. However, much of this funding is currently frozen, creating uncertainty for the work planned for this summer. WVU is working with Senator Shelley Moore Capito's office to clarify the situation. They are hopeful that funding will be secured for vital projects. Morgantown City Councilor Danielle Trumble expressed her worries after meeting with Capito in Washington D.C. She noted that while the 2025 earmarks are definitely cut, the status of the 2024 funds seems uncertain. Trumble believes that many grants awarded to the city may also be paused. This situation is causing concern as they had expected to rely on this federal funding. Senator Capito's office acknowledged the frustrations but reaffirmed commitment to supporting West Virginia initiatives.