All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia announces $16 million in new water infrastructure investments

Water Line Pipe

Governor Patrick Morrisey recently announced the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC) has awarded funds for seven water and sewer projects.

“By upgrading critical infrastructure, we’re protecting public health, strengthening our communities, and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth,” said Governor Morrisey during a press conference in St. Marys. “This is how we build a West Virginia that works for everyone.”

The approved projects include:

Canaan Valley Public Service District: Tucker County – Canaan Valley Public Service District received an IJDC grant of $1,000,000 to construct a new wastewater treatment plant that will replace five existing package plants owned by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Blackwater Center, and Land of Canaan Vacation Resort. These funds, along with funds from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), U.S. Economic Development Administration (USEDA) and IJDC’s Economic Development Fund provide the $9,500,000 needed for this project.

Jumping Branch-Nimitz Public Service District: Summers County – Jumping Branch-Nimitz PSD has been awarded a $1,000,000 IJDC grant to extend public water service to the Madams Creek Road area in western Summers County. This project is being done in conjunction with the previously approved extension in the Broomstraw area of Summers County. Together, the two projects will extend service to 142 customers. These funds, along with funds from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), Water Development Authority Economic Enhancement Grant Fund, Jumping Branch-Nimitz PSD, Summers County and a private utility partner provide the $5,400,000 needed for this project.

City of St. Marys: Pleasants County – The City of St. Marys received a low interest loan of $496,700 to replace deteriorated waterlines on Morgan Avenue and Barron Street and install five hydrants and two valves in the Mound Manor area. This system improvement will impact 1,092 customers. These funds, along with funds from the Army Corps of Engineers and City of St. Marys, provide the $1,696,700 needed for this project.

City of Thomas: Tucker County – The City of Thomas received an IJDC grant of $500,000 to install a pre-treatment system at the Thomas Water Treatment Plant. This project will benefit 389 customers. IJDC’s funds, along with funds from the Water Development Authority’s Economic Enhancement Grant Fund, provide the $1,530,000 needed for this project.

Flatwoods Canoe Run Public Service District: Braxton County – Flatwoods Canoe Run PSD has received $17,810 in IJDC Critical Needs grant funds to replace 70 feet of sewer line to mitigate a partial sewer collection collapse, which resulted in an immediate health hazard. This project will address the failure of various components of the wastewater treatment facility and restore sewer service.

McDowell County Public Service District: McDowell County – McDowell County Public Service District has received a $219,047 IJDC Critical Needs grant to address failures of the Bradshaw wastewater system that McDowell County PSD is now operating on their behalf. This grant will repair the vacuum and grinder pump system, affecting 112 customers in the Bradshaw area in McDowell County.

Mingo County Public Service District: Mingo County – Mingo County Public Service District has received a $195,684 IJDC Critical Needs grant to address the failures at the Naugatuck water treatment plant, affecting 4,531 customers in Mingo County. These funds will replace the pump and other appurtenances within the system.

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