W.Va. Looking at $1.4b slice of federal stimulus

The Associated Press reports that West Virginia could get $1.4 billion from the federal stimulus legislation now under debate in Congress.

The estimated share "includes $253 million to boost Medicaid funding over the next two years," the article said. "There's also $243 million for roads, $101 million for school construction and $4.3 million for dislocated workers. Other education-related funding in the proposed package tops $188 million."

The Manchin administration had presented $2.2 billion worth of projects it deemed eligible for the stimulus funds. AP notes that "the proposed bill would give West Virginia the 12th-highest amount when the funding is compared to state populations."

The Charleston Daily Mail details Manchin's roster of projects. MetroNews talks to one of the state's three U.S. House members in advance of the expected vote on the stimulus bill. The Charleston Gazette examines efforts by the coal industry, with help from the state's Capitol Hill delegation, to get in on the funding.

Update: Public Broadcasting also checks in with West Virginia's congressional delegation regarding the stimulus proposal. With audio.