U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the Mingo County Commission funds to start construction of the Twin Branch Motorsports Complex. The commission had requested $1.2 million dollars from the EDA, to go along with the Commission's own $800,000, for the $2 million project and the grant was awarded in full. Congressman Rahall has fully supported the project and worked throughout the entire process to have the grant awarded.

"A motorsports complex like the Twin Branch Complex will thrive right here in the heart of Appalachia in southern West Virginia," said Rahall. "I congratulate the EDA on recognizing the need and importance of this project, and of course I also congratulate the people of Mingo County and the Mingo County Commission. Many people have put many hours of work into this project and all their hard work has paid off. This complex will not only give our racing fans a new premiere venue, but it will create jobs, diversify the economy and promote tourism in Mingo County. Mingo County and southern West Virginia are taking the checkered flag with this project!"

The project will create many jobs in southern West Virginia during construction as well as after the complex is operational. The plan calls for the complex to be built at a former mine site and will provide many opportunities for local entrepreneurs. There are already proposals to build a new hotel near the site and to open a new Harley-Davidson store nearby.

"This is a great day for Mingo County and I am glad to be a part of it," said Rahall. "Of course it wouldn't be possible without all the hard work of so many people, including the Delegates Harry Keith White and Steve Kominar, Senators John Pat Fanning and Truman Chafin, Mike Whitt and Hootie Smith and all the others who have contributed to this project."

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Mingo County and without the support of Congressman Rahall with this EDA grant, which puts utilities to the motorsports complex, this project would not be possible," said Mike Whitt, Director of Mingo County Redevelopment Authority. "We are convinced that the economic potential for the track will be as great, if not greater, than other motorsports complexes have enjoyed in other locations."

Gregg Hootie Smith, President of the Mingo County Commission, said, "We as a Commission are thrilled that thanks to Congressman Rahall our race track project will be a reality. It will be a huge step towards diversifying our economy in Mingo County and will be a great example how coal mining is assisting us in achieving diversification by granting us flat ground to develop." Other members of the Mingo County Commission are Halcy Hatfield and John Mark Hubbard.

"You can imagine how excited we are in southern West Virginia for this new motorsports complex," said Senator Truman Chafin. "This project will have a great economic impact on our area and it would not be possible without the guidance and leadership of Congressman Rahall. I would also like to thank Don Blankenship for generously donating the land for the track."

"This is a great project with tremendous potential for Mingo County," said Senator John Pat Fanning. "We have a lot of people in this country who are involved in motorsports and this will be a great addition to our local economy."

"This project will be a tremendous economic boost for southern West Virginia," said Delegate Steve Kominar. "This motorsports complex will be a golden opportunity for sportsmen all over the country to come see how beautiful it is in Mingo County."

"We have so many racing fans in West Virginia and there are more and more every day," said Rahall. "Motorsports are growing in popularity across the country and all these new fans will come to visit the Twin Branch Motorsports Complex in Mingo County. I am so glad that I was able to help secure this EDA grant for the complex, but it wouldn't have been possible without such a great proposal from the Mingo County Commission and all the hard work that everyone put in to getting this project going."

The full $2 million will be used to complete Phase 1 of construction. Phase 1 funding includes construction assistance for roadway, water, wastewater, storm water, sediment control, utilities, engineering and administration costs.

"I will continue to do everything within my power to help ensure the Twin Branch Motorsports Complex is host to many races in the future," said Rahall. "I look forward to watching the races at the complex with everyone else who is working to make it a reality."