U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing more than $2.2 million in federal funding he secured for the Beckley Intermodal Gateway Project.

"This project has long been close to my heart, and I am excited to see this first installment of the $24 million that I secured is finally on its way toward making the new intermodal facility a reality," said Rahall. "I look forward with great anticipation to the new jobs and economic opportunities the Intermodal Gateway will bring to the City of Beckley and all of West Virginia."

The $2,210,000 Department of Transportation funding will be used to develop the intermodal facility of the Beckley Intermodal Gateway, an economic and transportation improvement project geared toward the rejuvenation of downtown Beckley. Congressman Rahall is the second most senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which oversees the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"With the assistance of Congressman Rahall, the funding component of the Beckley Intermodal Gateway Project is now in place," said Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh. "Without his efforts, the project would be nothing more than a dream. Now, it's a reality."

"Transportation infrastructure improvements create jobs and open up new economic avenues that are absolutely vital to West Virginia's economy," said Rahall. "It's for these reasons that I have worked so hard to bring this investment for an intermodal facility to Beckley."

In 2005, Rahall was instrumental in winning Congressional passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA LU). It was in that legislation that Rahall secured the $24.07 million for the Beckley Intermodal Gateway.