Capito Announces CDS Awards for Economic Development Projects

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support economic development projects across West Virginia. These awards, which were secured through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests made by Senator Capito in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, will help support business incubation, economic revitalization efforts, and education programs. “These awards are a significant investment in the economic development of West Virginia,” Senator Capito said. “I am proud to have helped secure funding for these projects, which will support the growth of our small businesses and improve the quality of life for West Virginians. I will continue to work to deliver results that benefit our communities and strengthen our state’s future.” Individual award details listed below: $2,502,000 CDS award to Marshall University Aviation Program (Charleston, W.Va.) to increase capacity at Marshall University Aviation with additional training tools and equipment. $800,000 CDS award to the Capital Area Development Corporation of West Virginia and Charleston Area Alliance (Charleston, W.Va.) for renovations to the historic Small Business Incubator and Business Hub, which supports small business development, entrepreneur training, and economic growth in Kanawha County and serves as a catalyst for development in downtown Charleston. $750,000 CDS award to the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (Beckley, W.Va.) to implement a public-private cohort model that expands access to affordable childcare by engaging local employers in a shared subsidy structure, stabilizing an existing childcare facility, and piloting a sustainable framework for rural communities. $750,000 CDS award to the WV Hive Network, Inc. (Beckley, W.Va.) to provide direct technical assistance to entrepreneurs, helping eliminate early-stage barriers through expert support in legal structure, marketing, accounting, website development, and business planning. $748,000 CDS award to West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, Inc. (Charleston, W.Va.) to strengthen West Virginia’s agricultural economy by supporting small businesses and local producers in bringing value-added products to market. $500,000 CDS award to the Putnam County Development Authority (Hurricane, W.Va.) to provide ready-to-use industrial space in the Putman County, West Virginia area. $500,000 CDS award to the Hatfield McCoy Convention and Visitors Bureau (Logan, W.Va.) to promote small business formation and growth in the City of Logan and the Town of Man in cooperation with the Hatfield McCoy Convention & Visitors Bureau. $500,000 CDS award to West Virginia Women Work, Inc. (Morgantown, W.Va.) to help small businesses in West Virginia recruit and train skilled employees to bolster capacity and long-term economic growth. $371,000 CDS award to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (Charleston, W.Va.) to foster economic growth by promoting West Virginia’s agribusinesses through marketing support, resources, workshops, and events to prepare producers for domestic and international markets. # # #