Rural Infrastructure, Business Projects Receive $5.8 Million In Federal Funds

Eight projects seeking to bolster infrastructure and business in rural West Virginia will receive new federal funding through a $5.8 million budget allocated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The projects take part in the USDA Rural Development program, which offers grants and loans to projects bolstering economic development and public services.

In a press release Tuesday, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said the new funding would play an important role in strengthening the West Virginia economy.

“Investing in our communities is essential for economic development and for creating good-paying jobs,” he said.

The following projects received new loan and/or grant funding through the USDA:

• Town of Triadelphia: $1,600,000 to upgrade a sewer collection system.
• Town of Wardensville: $1,100,00 to improve wastewater services.
• Wayne County Building Commission: $1,087,000 to renovate a courtroom in the Wayne County Courthouse.
• Claywood Park Public Service: $940,000 to upgrade water lines in rural Wood County.
• Mason County Public Service District: $814,000 to improve sewer services.
• Brunetti’s Italian Bakery: $150,753 to buy and install a 167-kilowatt array.
• Rural Action: $78,000 to encourage recycling and composting efficiency.
• Woodlands Community Lenders: $51,005 for microloans and assistance to entrepreneurs in rural Randolph, Barbour and Tucker counties.