West Virginia getting $21 million in federal funding for water infrastructure

(UC) — West Virginia senators announced grants and loans totaling about $21.5 million to help improve water infrastructure in rural communities.

The money comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program, a press release from the senators states. The funding is going to six West Virginia localities. In Harrison, Mercer, Mingo, Taylor and Tyler counties, it will support upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure, and will also fund renovations to a historical building in Wheeling.

“Having safe, reliable water and wastewater systems in West Virginia’s rural communities is not a luxury, it is essential,” Capito said. “The grants announced today are great news for Ohio, Harrison, Mercer, Mingo, Taylor, and Tyler counties, and will provide critical upgrades for local sewage, water, and wastewater infrastructure in these areas.”

The funding announced by Senators Joe Manchin (D) and Shelley Moore Capito (R) includes a $1 million grant and about $5 million loan for the City of Grafton, a WBOY 12 News article states. This funding should help the municipal system separate its sewage system within the drainage shed.

Another $1 million grant and $2.4 million loan will go to Kermit, West Virginia, to remove and replace a waterline and upgrade a water treatment plant with new high service pumps and controls, upgrading interior piping, and more.

The City of Stonewood will get a $3.5 million loan and $900,000 grant to help replace aging and failing portions of the sewer collection system and upgrades to pump stations.

In Bluewell Public Service District, the $487,000 grant and $480,000 loan will help provide public water service to 106 households that do not currently have a safe and reliable source of water.

“Every West Virginian deserves clean water to drink and fresh air to breathe,” Manchin said.

“Investing in our rural communities spurs economic growth and creates good-paying jobs, and I am pleased USDA is investing in these six sites to improve water quality, strengthen local water infrastructure, expand clean water service to new communities and renovate the historic Fort Henry building in Wheeling.”

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