U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, announced today that Forward Southern WV, Incorporated, has received approval by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) of a $500,000 grant for the Higher Education Mall in Beckley, which is slated to open for classes on August 20.

"With this new funding for equipment and furnishings, the doors of this educational building will finally be opened to the eager students of southern West Virginia," Rahall said. "The Educational Mall will enable these students to attain a world-class education, without having to leave the comforts and responsibilities of home."

This facility, located off Airport Road, parallel to Interstate 64, is the first center of its kind in West Virginia. It is designed to house and unite the curricula of eight colleges and universities from around the state.

The $500,000 provided by the ARC is being matched with $607,630 from the State of West Virginia. These funds will be used to provide the technology needed for allied health and computer classrooms, as well as equipment and furnishings for a lecture hall and science lab.

"The programs of the ARC are vital to economic growth in southern West Virginia," Rahall said. "I have proudly supported, and will continue to support, the ARC in its efforts to combat the complex set of economic challenges of our area, particularly when it comes to ensuring that our people have access to quality education."

As an ARC Caucus co-chair, Rahall has a long history of support for the ARC, including co-sponsoring successful legislation to extend the ARC and its service to West Virginians through 2011.