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CHARLESTON -- Buckhannon will receive $4 million in state funding for the city’s new water treatment plant and raw water intake, officials announce.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced this week that Buckhannon will receive $4 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization funding for a new $47.31 million water treatment plant.
The new facility will replace the city’s existing 65-year-old plant, and it will contain a raw water intake and raw water-pumping station. Approximately 23,000 rural residents will benefit from the new treatment plant project.
"I am deeply grateful to Gov. Morrisey and the State of West Virginia for recognizing the importance of this project and making such a meaningful investment in Buckhannon's future,” Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner said, according to a press release from the Governor’s Office.
“We have worked hard to bring this project to fruition, and while there is still much work ahead, today's announcement brings us one significant step closer to making it a reality. On behalf of the City of Buckhannon and Upshur County community, I extend my sincere appreciation for this partnership and for the confidence being placed in the future of our community."
The state is also recommending $3 million in additional loans and principal forgiveness for Buckhannon’s project, with the remaining $40.31 million awarded through federal loans and grants, the release states. In July, the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced that Buckhannon will receive $33.3 million in federal funding for the new plant.
Morrisey also announced $930,000 in recommended Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC) grants for projects serving Mingo, Wyoming, Cabell and Wayne counties. In total, the funding will complete packages for more than $58 million in infrastructure improvements, the release states, “expanding access to reliable water service, modernizing wastewater systems and supporting economic development across West Virginia.”
“Every West Virginia family deserves clean, reliable water and infrastructure they can depend on,” Morrisey said in the release. “We’re bringing public water to families who have relied on private wells, improving systems that serve thousands of residents and helping communities prepare for new homes and businesses. And in Fort Gay, we made a promise to help finish the job, and we’re delivering on that promise.”
The other projects include:
– A $8.74 million project in Mingo and Wyoming counties. An $800,000 IJDC grant recommendation completes funding for a public water extension that will improve service for 236 customers in Justice and bring public water to approximately 215 potential customers in Hanover, where homes and businesses currently rely on private wells, the release states. The project will also allow Huff Consolidated School and the R.D. Bailey Lake facility to connect to public water. The remaining funding includes $7.45 million in federal grants, along with state and local contributions.
– A $2.525 million project in Salt Rock, Cabell County. A $95,000 IJDC grant recommendation completes funding for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant serving 4,855 customers in Ona, Milton and Culloden, the release state. The improvements will modernize the system and support continued residential and economic growth in the area. The additional grant builds on $500,000 in previously committed IJDC funding, along with financing from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and West Virginia Water Development Authority.
– A $185,000 project in Fort Gay, Wayne County. According to the release, the State is providing $185,000 to complete a water main extension that will improve the connection to the town’s water supply, “fulfilling a commitment” made during Morrisey’s August visit to the area in August. The funding includes an additional $35,000 following an engineering adjustment to ensure the project can move forward.
"I'm very grateful for everyone involved in this significant development in funding more clean water for Wyoming County and Mingo County residents,” State Senator Rollan Roberts said in the release. “The ongoing progress in securing funding for these types of projects is absolutely remarkable."
The IJDC grants and proposed financing are scheduled for council consideration on Nov. 4.
“These projects will make a real difference for West Virginia families and businesses,” Morrisey said. “We’re working with our state, federal and local partners to deliver the infrastructure our communities need to grow and prosper.”