As a result of the efforts of Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, $150,000 in federal funds has been designated in the FY 2007 Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill to the Southern WV Community and Technical College Allied Health and Technology Center for the new facility.

"West Virginia, along with the rest of the Nation, is facing a healthcare worker shortage," Rahall said. "Southern's new center in Logan will help citizens of the region attain degrees in this critical area and I am pleased to support such an important project. I applaud Southern President Joanne Tomblin for spearheading this initiative."

The funds would be used for needed technology, laboratories, distance learning classroom equipment and furnishings for the new center.

"The construction of this facility is crucial to the future of West Virginia," Rahall said. "A healthy West Virginia is a wealthy West Virginia and it's imperative that we do all we can to make sure our health professionals are getting the best education available."

Most graduates of Southern are from and remain in the local area. This past year, 500 applications were submitted for 185 positions in the college's allied health program.

"This expansion will mean more opportunities for young West Virginians interested in pursuing a rewarding career in healthcare," Rahall said.

Southern consistently graduates highly qualified allied health professionals and persons in the technology fields, including nursing, radiologic technology, medical laboratory technology, paramedic science, dental hygiene, electrocardiography, technical assistant, computer information systems, electrical engineering technology, gas and oil well tenders and underground and surface mine certifications. The college has a 100 percent placement of graduates and consistently one of the highest passage rates on allied health licensure examinations in the state.

"Southern has a proven record of success and is a leader in economic and workforce development for southern West Virginia," Rahall said. "This federal investment will undoubtedly pay dividends for years to come."