CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Schools in 14 West Virginia counties will receive federal funding from the Secure Rural Schools program.
The more than $1.7 million total comes after U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., questioned a U.S. Department of Agriculture official during a hearing last week about the lapse in funding.
“While it’s unacceptable the payments have lapsed this long, I am relieved the Forest Service has responded to my continued urging and finally issued these overdue payments. I hope they will work with us in the coming months to find a long-term solution that provides our counties the financial stability they deserve,” Manchin said.
The funding is split between the counties:
— Barbour County; $9.31.
— Grant County; $35,255.41.
— Greenbrier County; $172,953.33.
— Hampshire County; $4,471.98.
— Hardy County; $76,462.81.
— Mercer County; $92.89.
— Monroe County; $34,635.66.
— Nicholas County; $51,413.62.
— Pendleton County; $225,565.28.
— Pocahontas County; $487,426.36.
— Preston County; $7,105.26.
— Randolph County; $335,374.72.
— Tucker County; $135,647.26.
— Webster County; $198,529.85.