McKinley Meets With Top NASA Officials in Fairmont

Washington, D.C. – Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. welcomed NASA Administrator Major General Charles Bolden, Jr, and other top NASA officials in Fairmont, joining them in a briefing at the NASA IV&V facility and participating in a discussion about the role the facility plays and the importance of diversifying West Virginia’s economy.

“The mission of NASA’s IV&V program is extremely important and we must continue support its growth and expands its presence in Fairmont. Along with other federal agencies that have decided to locate in Fairmont, NASA serves as a linchpin for job creation and economic growth,” said McKinley. 

“Investing in research and new technologies will help grow the number of good paying jobs and keep America on top as the world’s innovative leader. As demonstrated with the I-79 Technology Park, West Virginia has enormous potential. NASA and others agencies like the FBI, NOAA, and the Department of Energy have led the way, and I’m looking forward to creating new partnerships to bring more opportunities to our area,” McKinley said.

Background:

The goal of NASA’s IV&V program is to provide the highest achievable levels of safety and cost-effectiveness for mission critical software. The facility opened in Fairmont, West Virginia in 1993 with a few dozen employees and since that time, the program has grown to include over 300 personnel. It is now one of several federal agencies, along with the FBI, NOAA, and the Commerce Department to open a facility in I-79 Technology Park.