WORTHINGTON, W.Va. — A Marion County town is getting an answer to its ongoing sewer system issues.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced some much-needed improvements for the Worthington system Wednesday during a news conference at the state capitol.
The problem started in June 2024 when a problem with the system was misdiagnosed following a major rain event. The operator resigned, and the investigation into the problem revealed years of mismanagement.
“I’m announcing we’re committing $2 million from an AMLER grant not just to replace the old pipes, but to make sure we’re going to eliminate concerns and risks to safety,” Morrisey said.
The problems were being addressed, but not to the satisfaction of the residents of the town. That’s when Del. Phil Mallow, R-Marion, got involved and started talking to Morrisey.
“Phil Mallow was dogged. Phil Mallow was determined, and Phil Mallow kept coming and telling me this really matters in my district; it makes all the difference in the world” Morrissey said. “So, we started looking at it and asked what we can do to help.”
Mallow emotionally thanked his wife and Morrisey for the support they displayed during the process.
“This is a big time for us,” Mallow said. “Obviously, I want to thank the governor. My wife stood with me through all of this, and she made it happen.”
Once the system is repaired, the state Department of Environmental Protection will no longer make inspections of Worthington.
“We all take water and sewer very seriously; I certainly do,” Morrissey said. “I’ve been looking for so many different ways to convert some of the dollars we have into putting more for the target on water and sewer. It’s not sexy, but it’s important that people have access to clean water.”