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 Update on Melrose Plaza from Goodwill Industries of the Valleys Gene Marrano April 8, 2026 Film focusing on the Black and Jewish alliance is a conversation starter Denise Membreno April 8, 2026 Walk & Roll safety event is about showing kids how to be safe when walking or biking along busy roadways Gene Marrano April 8, 2026