CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin is in Charles Town to cut the ribbon on a new finance center at American Public University System.

President and Chief Executive Officer Wallace Boston is among the officials celebrating the opening of a 105,000-square-foot, energy efficient building. It will house office and meeting space for more than 400 finance and administrative staff.

The school also hosted an open house for the public Tuesday afternoon.

APU offers 87 online degree programs through American Public University and American Military University.

Since relocating its headquarters to Charles Town 10 years ago, APU has invested more than $47 million in local construction and building renovation projects, including the state's largest solar array opened earlier this year.

APU employs more than 500 people in Charles Town.