CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than $58 million in funding is going toward water and sewer infrastructure upgrades across West Virginia.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who toured southern West Virginia this summer to hear from residents, announced a slew of funds on Thursday. He said that this funding will make a big difference in several areas.
“We’re bringing together state, federal, and local resources to get projects across the finish line that communities have been sometimes waiting on for years,” Morrisey said. “These investments are going to help bring public water to families who have never had it, they’re going to replace aging treatment facilities, and they’re going to make sure that communities have the infrastructure that they need to grow.”
The governor said a massive project has been funded in Buckhannon.
“We’re putting in $4 million in new dollars toward a new water treatment plant as part of a $47 million project,” Morrisey said. “This is terrific. This is going to modernize the city’s water system and provide dependable service for years to come.”
The $4 million comes through Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) funding, while the remaining $43.31 million required for the project be through federal loans and grants, additional loans, and principal forgiveness, the governor’s office said.
Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner expressed excitement about the announcement.
“I am deeply grateful to Governor Morrisey and the State of West Virginia for recognizing the importance of this project and making such a meaningful investment in Buckhannon’s future,” Skinner said. “We have worked hard to bring this project to fruition, and while there is still much work ahead, today’s announcement brings us one significant step closer to making it a reality. On behalf of the City of Buckhannon and Upshur County community, I extend my sincere appreciation for this partnership and for the confidence being placed in the future of our community.”
Meanwhile, Mingo and Wyoming counties are getting a boost with Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC) grants. Morrisey said a consistent message throughout his water listening tour was the “need for clean water.”
“We’re helping complete an $8.7 million water extension project,” Morrisey said. “That means better service for 236 customers in the Justice community, and the oppportunity to bring public water to another 215 customers in Hanover.”
The governor said that the project will also help homes who connect to private wells, in addition to enabling Huff Consolidated School and the R.D. Bailey Lake facility access to public water.
Morrisey said improvements, through IJDC money, are coming to Cabell County as well. He emphasized that infrastructure has to match economic growth.
“We’re supporting a $2.5 million upgrade to the Salt Rock wastewater treatment plant,” Morrisey said. “That facility serves nearly 5,000 customers in Ona, Milton, and Culloden; an area that’s seen significant housing and economic growth.”
The governor said that Fort Gay in Wayne County will receive IJDC funding.
“People may remember, we went down, we made a commitment to the community,” Morrisey said. “We’re following through with a $185,000 commitment. They have their engineering finished; I’ve approved their funding for their new connection to the town’s water supply.”
Morrisey said that this is a priority for his administration and teased more announcements to come.
“We’re on top of this, we’re going after it aggressively,” Morrisey said. “It means a great deal to me. I want to make a big difference for clean water for West Virginia. We’re not done yet. We know that families need reliable water, and we have to replace aging systems.”