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 Virginia Supreme Court allows redistricting referendum to go ahead Clark Palmer February 13, 2026 0 Congressional candidate voices support for Virginia Tech professor who was the subject of an alleged racist attack Clark Palmer February 12, 2026 0 Barn fire on property where Homeplace Restaurant set to reopen soon Gene Marrano February 12, 2026 0