McAuliffe signs funding for Research Institute expansion Gene Marrano May 6, 2016 1 minute read With a stroke of the pen while in Roanoke, Governor McAuliffe authorized more than two-billion dollars in state capital improvement projects this morning. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has the story: Share: Post navigation Previous: Strawberry Festival kicks off in downtown RoanokeNext: Photos: Roanoke Police seek help to identify burglary suspect Related Stories Excel Center will welcome more students; holding job fairs as well Gene Marrano July 21, 2026 Roanoke councilman accuses colleague of racist remark Web Staff July 18, 2026 Roanoke metal studio crafts massive entrance sign for FloydFest 26 Ian Price July 17, 2026