RIPLEY, W.Va. (WV News) — Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Southern Jackson County Public Service District.
The award of $2,158,000 was secured through a Congressionally Directed Spending Request made solely by Senator Capito, who is the ranking member of the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The $18 million construction project will upgrade the wastewater treatment system of the public service district (SJPSD).
According to Karl Vielhaber, general manager of the SJPSD, substantial completion of the project, which started about a year and a half ago, will be in the next two months.
“But there will be additional final details that will probably take a few months more,” he said.
Vielhaber said the impact of the upgrade will be long-lasting and widespread.
“It will double our capacity and allow us to add several new customers,” he said. “With new businesses entering the area, the need for housing will increase. This upgrade will allow for future businesses to come as well.”
The upgrade to the wastewater treatment system will enable the PSD to meet discharge limits and increase capacity to meet growing demand. In addition, the collection system will be extended to add 48 customers to the nearby Meadowview Trailer Park.
“As the Southern Jackson County PSD takes on a higher demand for its services, it is important that the infrastructure is working efficiently to serve all customers,” Senator Capito said. “I was proud to secure funding for this project through the Congressionally Directed Spending process to improve the wastewater treatment system that will help to expand its operations and serve more West Virginians.”