U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) met with Wood, Jackson, Wirt, Tyler, Ritchie, Pleasants, Ohio, Hancock, Marshall, Wetzel, Brooke, Monongalia, Marion and Preston county officials to discuss the benefits of millions of dollars in direct local funding coming to West Virginia’s cities and counties following passage of the American Rescue Plan. Senator Manchin voted to pass the COVID-19 relief package, which will bring roughly $4 billion in direct funding to West Virginia with $677 million of that dedicated to West Virginia’s cities and 55 counties. “Our local leaders know the needs of their communities best, and I want to make sure that they are able to get the resources they need to recover from the pandemic and address their most pressing issues. My experience serving as Governor helped me understand the needs of our small communities, and whether it’s water, sewer, broadband, police, fire departments or getting every West Virginian vaccinated, this direct relief funding from the American Rescue Plan will help our cities and counties bounce back from the pandemic and make investments in infrastructure that will create jobs and improve West Virginians' quality of life for generations to come. I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan because it will help West Virginia rebuild after this incredibly difficult year and jump-start our economic recovery,” said Senator Manchin. “Our cities and counties have been presented with a massive opportunity. Our office is here to ensure that this opportunity results in tangible results that benefit the lives of West Virginians. We must avoid the pitfalls of fraud, waste and graft. We know that transparency, communication and planning are how this is accomplished. We have built a team of people who will build this infrastructure, work with our local government partners and make sure all this information is available,” said West Virginia Auditor J.B. McCuskey.