Water and sewer development projects in three West Virginia counties have secured new funding through a state grant program.
The West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council will provide a cumulative $2.5 million in grant dollars to projects in Barbour, Calhoun and McDowell counties, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced during a Tuesday press conference in Welch.
The Town of Bradshaw in McDowell County was awarded a $1 million grant to address “serious deficiencies in the sewer system” affecting more than 100 residents, Morrisey said.
The new funds make up just a fraction of the more than $8.5 million price tag on the project, which has been met with grant funding from other sources like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, according to the governor’s office.
In Barbour County, the Town of Junior received a $1 million grant to replace existing water lines, valves, water meters and fire hydrants.
Meanwhile, the Pleasant Hill Public Service District in Calhoun County received a $500,000 grant “to extend clean, reliable water service” to new parts of the county, Morrisey said. The expansion will reach 62 new customers in the communities of Big Root, Bull River Run and Cain, according to the governor’s office.
Morrisey said he hopes the projects can help facilitate water access, public health and economic development for the three counties, especially for communities where current water and sewer services may be lacking.
“We want to be as helpful as we can with the limited dollars available,” Morrisey said. “We’re going to continue to fight to build a stronger, healthier, more connected West Virginia.”
In the future, Morrisey said his office would look for additional sources for funding for future water and sewer upgrade projects, especially in McDowell County.
