January 13, 2015

Manchin Applauds U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Decision to Decline CVI Facility in Tucker County

This decision creates a greater opportunity for the National Youth Science Foundation to develop its long-awaited National Center for Youth Science Education

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today, following a call with the Regional Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife, applauded the agency’s decision not to take control of the Canaan Valley Institute’s (CVI) facility in Tucker County. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is continuing discussions with the National Youth Science Foundation (NYSF) regarding the transfer of the CVI facility that is a part of their planned National Center for Youth Science Education (NCYSE). The NCYSE would be used to expand and improve its programs and become a focal point that encourages youth in West Virginia and across the country to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“I applaud the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services for deciding to pass on the opportunity to use the Canaan Valley Institute facility for a new visitor’s center,” Senator Manchin said. “I am confident that plans are moving towards a potential agreement between the National Youth Science Foundation and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration for the transfer of the CVI facility to the National Youth Science Foundation. This new center would be a national hub for STEM education, which is critical in making sure our students learn the necessary math, science and technology skills to compete in a globalized world. This would be an extremely wonderful opportunity to expand education opportunities for students in Tucker County, across the Mountain State and around the country. Many of our nation’s brightest students, teachers and researchers would be coming to West Virginia, which is great for our economy, our education programs, and our next generation of skilled professionals. I applaud the efforts of the local residents, the Tucker County Commission, and all those who continue to work tirelessly to bring this state-of-the-art STEM education center to Tucker County.”

Last month, Senator Manchin wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and to the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker urging them to allow the National Youth Science Foundation (NYSF) to take control of the CVI facility.

To read Senator Manchin’s letter to Secretary Jewell, please click here.

To read Senator Manchin’s letter to Secretary Pritzker, please click here.

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