WASHINGTON – Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) visited with local constituents, business leaders and other local officials in Lewis County on Thursday.  She also announced new legislation – the Rural Information Technology Investment Act – to invest in information technology business in rural areas.

“We’ve seen the growth of high-technology industry and we need to capitalize on that growth in rural areas,” said Capito.  “Many high-tech support jobs can be performed almost anywhere in the world.  Instead of seeing some of those jobs move overseas, I’d like to see investment and incentives to keep those jobs here in West Virginia, to spur local economic growth and to provide lower costs for American businesses.” 

The Rural Technology Investment Act would provide grants of up to $250,000 for organizations that invest in Information-Technology Support Centers in a rural community.  The grants would be administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and priority would be given to applicants who partner with local colleges and workforce investment boards to train workers.   

Many rural areas often have high unemployment and face unique obstacles in attracting extensive business investment.  Information-Technology Support Centers present an opportunity to counter these economic obstacles to train local workers and create new economic opportunities. 

Capito noted that she will introduce the Rural Technology Investment Act when Congress reconvenes next week.

“We have an opportunity here to create economic opportunity, spur private-sector growth and create jobs,” she said.  “I call on my colleagues to support this bill.”

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