The governor said $10 million has been designated to repair and improve the Market Street Bridge. The money is coming from the federal stimulus package, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Manchin said because of the stringent requirements that come with stimulus money, the work will have to move along fast.

He said pleas from Brooke County leaders and Emergency Management Agency officials were heard loud and clear in Charleston.

Local leaders had said they wanted the bridge to stay open to help promote interstate commerce. They said the Ohio River should connect communities rather than separate them.

Manchin said he also wants to see the bridge repainted for the sake of aesthetics.

He said the faster bridge work is done, the faster people can move on to other projects.

Officials did not have a set date when the bridge work would begin.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: February 19, 2009: Results Of Market Street Bridge Study To Be Available Soon January 22, 2009: Market Street Bridge To Remain Open August 26, 2008: Market Street Bridge Under Inspection April 9, 2008: WVDOH: Market Street Won't Close Until New Bridge Opens April 8, 2008: No Immediate Plans To Close Market Street Bridge