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PHILIPPI -- The City of Philippi is set to receive more than $2 million in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant funding for a new water transmission line.
Gov. Jim Justice announced Thursday that more than $18.6 million in ARC grant funding will be recommended for 11 projects across the state, including Philippi's Reservoir Raw Water Line project, which will receive $2,640,000 in funding if approved.
"We're very excited," Jeremy Drennen, Philippi's City Manager, told The Inter-Mountain Friday. "Because this will save our customers from having to burden the cost of the waterline. So we're really excited to be able to shield that cost from our customers."
The project will install a water transmission line from an approximately 80-acre water reservoir outside of Philippi into the city. The project received $10 million in grant funding to build the reservoir at the beginning of 2023.
The reservoir and transmission line will provide an auxiliary water source in case of drought or contamination of the primary water source. Philippi provides water to around 80% of Barbour County, meaning that the project will benefit around 1,603 existing customers. However, it will be some time before the project will have its desired effect on the community.
"We're estimating the reservoir to take three to five years, depending on how the ground will settle. There's a process for that," Drennen said. "Though we won't be waiting for that to be done, we'll do the line in conjunction with that so it's ready to go. My estimate is three to five years for both."
Barbour County, an ARC-designated distressed county, is among six counties with water and sewer projects recommended for funding. The other counties include Gilmer County, Webster County, Summers County, McDowell County and Calhoun County.
Water and sewer projects with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the WV Rural Water Association, the Cool Ridge Flat Top Public Service District and the Gauley River Public Service District are also up for ARC funding.
"They'll make life better, they'll make our work life better, they'll make raising a family better," Justice said about the 11 projects in his announcement on Thursday. "Lots and lots of good stuff right there."
The governor's recommendations will now be sent to ARC for final approval. The ARC program, which is a partnership of federal, state and local participants, is administered by the Department of Economic Development. It provides financial and technical assistance for economic development and infrastructure projects.