West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin joined Senator Robert C. Byrd, Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito and State Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox at the Washington High School auditorium to celebrate the construction of a 1.23-mile section of the high way running from the proposed Shenandoah Bridge to the Virginia State Line. The project is being funded with more than $16 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

"A completed West Virginia Route 9 means less congestion, means less waste, means fewer fatalities, means more economic activity, and means more jobs. J-O-B-S," Senator Byrd said. 

The ceremony capped a week of milestones for Senator Byrd. Wednesday the Senator was recognized in Washington, D.C. as the longest serving member of Congress in U.S. History. That same day in Charleston leaders from the West Virginia Legislature declared November 18th Robert C. Byrd Day. Friday was Senator Byrd's 92nd Birthday.

After a delay, the ceremony got under way and began with an invocation and the singing of the National Anthem by one of Washington High School's choirs, the Washington Cameratta. Remarks from U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller, who was unable to attend, were read.

Next Tom Smith with the West Virginia Division of the Federal Highway Administration spoke. He said the people of West Virginia and the West Virginia DOT have created a strong partnership that is a model for how state and federal government should work together.

Second District Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito commended Senator Byrd for his good works and the progress he has helped create in West Virginia. She said that although she did not vote for the stimulus herself, she did feel that projects such as Route 9 were truly stimulating the economy and would be part of pulling the nation out of these troubling economic times.

"I'd like to see more of these projects move forward as we try to pull ourselves out of an era of high unemployment and a slow down in our economy," Capito said.

Secretary Mattox took the stage next to talk about the continuing progress being made on Route 9. He said the world and the Eastern panhandle have changed since the original road was designed in 1930. He said the upgrade to a four lane divided high way is the inevitable and necessary for the region.

"The many years this project has been in the works serves as a shining example as to what can be accomplished when many share a similar vision, a common goal, and a steadfast dedication," Mattox said.

Governor Manchin followed Secretary Mattox and started by honoring Senator Byrd on his birthday by describing the scene on Wednesday when he joined state leaders in marking November 18th as Robert C. Byrd Day in West Virginia. Manchin spoke about the long process of getting a transportation plan in place and how Route 9 was one of the top priorities when the final draft was complete.

The highest two roads in West Virginia that needed to be attended to immediately, Route 9 and Route 35 (Putnam County). I knew that and everyone who traveled around the state knew. We made that a commitment," the governor explained.

Finally, West Virginia's Senator Robert C. Byrd spoke from his wheelchair. He touted his accomplishments in obtaining $2 billion for roads in the mountain state. He also pointed to the work done by Governor Joe Manchin. Byrd said no one has been more vigilant in helping West Virginia in this area than Manchin, who he said made the decision to direct the American Recovery funds to Route 9.

"We can build roads and stimulate economic growth and opportunity and protect the beauty and the heritage that is ours. O-U-R-S. Ours. Your and mine, here in West Virginia," Byrd said.