Tag: Tom Vilsack

French Creek Freddie Given Federal Reprieve, Will Forecast Friday

A one-day clearance from federal officials will allow French Creek Freddie to make his shadow-based prediction Friday, Feb. 2.

Note: This is a developing story and may be updated.

A one-day clearance from federal officials will allow French Creek Freddie to make his shadow-based prediction Friday, Feb. 2.

Initial reports Wednesday stated that the West Virginia State Wildlife Center would be closed Friday due to issues with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s annual relicensing procedure.

However, on Thursday morning Sen. Joe Manchin sent out a press release stating U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack assured him “that French Creek Freddie will have the opportunity to look for his shadow tomorrow morning.”

The press release went on to say work continues to fully reopen the wildlife center.

Shortly after, Gov. Jim Justice also sent out a press release with details about Friday’s ceremony.

According to the release, the celebration is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, February 2, at 10:00 a.m., when French Creek Freddie will emerge to reveal whether an early spring is on the way or if winter will continue for another six weeks. Members of the public are invited to attend at 9:50 a.m. for the opening ceremony. 

The event will also be live-streamed on Justice’s YouTube page.

USDA Offers Greenbrier County $75 Million For Water Projects

Gov. Jim Justice, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack toured the water treatment facility on Wednesday that the USDA funds will replace.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its largest-ever utility investment in West Virginia on Wednesday.

The USDA is committing $52.7 million in loans and grants to the City of Lewisburg to replace an aging water treatment facility.

Additionally, the Greenbrier County Public Service District No. 2 will receive $22 million in USDA loans and grants to improve its wastewater collection and treatment systems.

Gov. Jim Justice, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack toured the water treatment facility on Wednesday that the USDA funds will replace.

“You think the commitment USDA has made right here,” Mainchin said. “It’s the largest project ever in the state of West Virginia.”

The projects are also supported by state and local funding through the federal American Rescue Plan, last year’s COVID-19 relief legislation.

West Virginia Water, Wastewater Projects Receive Federal Aid

Five water and wastewater projects in West Virginia are receiving financial help from the federal government.

The projects are among 141 nationwide awarded loans or grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding on Monday.

Elkins received a $6 million loan to improve its water system. Welch was awarded a $1 million loan and an $881,000 grant for a waterline project.

A $1.7 million loan and a $750,000 grant were awarded to the Logan County Public Service District for a sewer project. The Cottageville Public Service District received a $719,000 loan and a $936,000 grant for a sewer project.

The Mingo County Public Service District received a $500,000 grant to address flooding.

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