The West Virginia Division of Highways within the West Virginia Department of Transportation recently launched a Medical Access Roads Program or MARP that will deploy $50 million worth of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act to improve transportation access for emergency personnel across the state.

“These projects focus heavily on paving, drainage, slips, slides, and any other issue that may make it difficult for emergency personnel to respond to calls,” explained Governor Jim Justice (R) in a statement. “We want to correct these issues and provide ease of access to medical services for all West Virginians.”

The West Virginia DOT added that local emergency medical professionals and County Office of Emergency Services were consulted in vetting and prioritizing MARP projects, which are located in all 55 of West Virginia’s counties.

“These projects not only meet the criteria, but also provide real improvements to roads used by our citizens and first responders … providing enhanced access to medical facilities during this time of heightened concern for health and safety,” added Jimmy Wriston, West Virginia DOT’s deputy secretary, who noted that work on MARP projects will begin immediately.

“When these projects are complete, it will be one less worry for people,” he added.