Fairmont State University announced on Mar. 26 that it has been awarded more than $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending funds for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The funding, supported by Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Senator Jim Justice, includes $643,000 for campus police resource upgrades and $1,650,000 for aviation equipment.
The allocation aims to support the university’s priorities of campus safety and the expansion of its aviation program. President Mike Davis said, “Fairmont State University is profoundly grateful for this federal funding, which will bolster two critical priorities for our institution: the safety of our campus community and the continued growth of our aviation program.”
Davis also thanked Capito and Justice for their backing. “I want to thank Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Senator Jim Justice for their support of West Virginia and for recognizing the importance of these investments. These funds will equip our police officers with advanced resources to help keep our students, faculty, staff, and visitors safe, while also allowing our Aviation program to expand capacity to prepare highly skilled pilots for a workforce that is urgently needed in West Virginia and across the nation. This support strengthens the student experience at Fairmont State, advances economic development, and expands workforce opportunity throughout North Central West Virginia.”
The university plans to use part of the funds to provide updated resources to its Police Department (UPD), enhancing crime prevention efforts on campus. UPD has mutual aid agreements with other agencies that allow law enforcement cooperation between jurisdictions when requested. The new resources are expected to improve interoperability with Marion County Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management DHSEM/911.
Funding directed toward Fairmont State’s Aviation program will be used to purchase additional aircraft as part of efforts to increase flight center capacity. The university operates a Federal Aviation Administration Part 141 flight training center graduating about a dozen commercial pilots each year; officials say new aircraft will help meet high demand within North Central West Virginia’s aerospace sector.
In conclusion, Fairmont State officials said this appropriation reflects ongoing collaboration with elected leaders at both state and national levels—support they describe as essential in maintaining opportunities for learning, work, and community life.
