Manchin Secures Congressionally Directed Spending Funds for Fairmont State Aviation
Fairmont State University has received $270,000 for its Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) through a 2023 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request. The ACE will use these funds to expand its capacity and increase its ability to serve students by purchasing aviation equipment.
Joel Kirk, Director and Chief Instructor of the Aviation Center of Excellence spoke of the impact that receiving this request will have on the ACE.
“These funds will allow us to provide more training positions, increase the throughput rate for student completion, and improve the safety, proficiency, and quality of our programs,” Kirk said.
Senator Joe Manchin filed the CDS request in order to combat the shortage of workers in aviation nationwide and help West Virginian students excel.
“As our nation faces a workforce shortage in the aviation industry, programs like Fairmont State University’s Aviation Center for Excellence are as important as ever,” said Senator Manchin. “I proudly secured this funding to provide state-of-the-art equipment to the Center to properly train and prepare students for a career in the industry. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for funding through Congressionally Directed Spending and other programs to ensure West Virginia universities have the resources they need to help our students thrive.”
Fairmont State University’s Interim President, Dr. Dianna Phillips expressed gratitude to Senator Manchin for his contribution and described the influence these funds will have on Fairmont State’s Aviation program and the West Virginia aviation industry.
“We are extremely grateful for the advocacy and support Senator Manchin has provided Fairmont State’s Aviation Center for Excellence,” said Dr. Phillips. “By acquiring new training equipment and upgrading existing resources, Fairmont State will be able to educate more students and graduate more pilots, leading to a stronger airline workforce in West Virginia.”
