by Kate Shunney
The West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) has approved more than $17 million in Economic Enhancement Grant (EEG) funding for infrastructure projects in Mason and Wood counties, along with a sewer line extension north of Berkeley Springs.
Governor Patrick Morrisey’s office made the announcement on Friday, June 12.
The projects include sewer system expansions to support housing and economic development, as well as upgrades to critical drinking water infrastructure.
“Infrastructure is often the difference between a project moving forward and an opportunity being lost,” said Governor Morrisey. “These investments will help communities prepare for growth, support new housing development, strengthen public health protections, and ensure West Virginia is ready to compete for future investment.”
Warm Springs Public Service District in Morgan County was awarded $1,000,000 for a sewer line extension that will provide service to Senior Life Services of Morgan County and the surrounding area while supporting future economic development opportunities, the governor’s office said in their announcement.
That area of the county also contains large tracts of land owned by U.S. Silica, the sandmine company.
Morgan County Commissioner Sean Forney worked with officials from the Warm Springs Public Service District to identify an eligible project for the grant. Those discussions pointed toward the northern wastewater service extension, which will provide public sewer to the area that the northern end of the bypass will reach. County officials expect the completion of that road to spark development to the north of Berkeley Springs.
“We are excited about this opportunity and very thankful that Governor Morrisey has shown so much interest in Morgan County,” Forney said Friday about the grant announcement.
“We look forward to having this access on the northern side of the county. We believe this can open up economic development opportunities in the future with the completion of the bypass and connector road,” said Forney.
Other projects funded through the state grants included:
Parkersburg Utility Board, Wood County – The Parkersburg Utility Board was awarded $2,000,000 for improvements to its water treatment plant. The project will expand treatment capabilities to address the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS in drinking water. Combined with funding from the Drinking Water Technical Review Fund, contributions from Chemours, and a contribution from the Parkersburg Utility Board, the project’s total funding package will provide the $25,746,650 needed to complete the improvements.
Mason County Public Service District, Mason County – The Mason County Public Service District was awarded $14,435,000 for a sewer line extension along State Route 817. The project will support the development of two residential communities and help address the need for additional housing options in Mason County.
