WEIRTON — Funding originally allocated last year to assist with a project to upgrade Weirton’s water treatment plant is officially on its way to the community, according to U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.
Capito, R-W.Va., announced Wednesday the allotment of $22,470,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending was being made available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“The economic development taking place in Weirton is creating jobs and growing the economy. I have seen this growth firsthand and I am thrilled to see the critical resources I advocated for reach the city,” Capito said. “This funding will double the city’s water system treatment capacity, allowing expansion of services for residents and current and future redevelopment. I will continue supporting investments like this – which have a direct benefit for West Virginia – through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee.”
The funding originally had been requested by Capito through a Congressional spending bill approved in March 2022. It was the largest of a series of packages awarded at the time to several projects in the area.
Local officials have noted the allocation is set to be the cornerstone of funding the expansion project, which will increase the treatment capacity of the city’s water treatment plant from its current 4 million gallons per day to 8 million gallons per day.
“The City of Weirton wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Senator Capito for her diligent efforts in securing funding which makes it possible to double our water plant capacity. With this important infrastructure improvement Weirton now has great opportunities for future growth,” A.D. “Butch” Mastrantoni, Weirton utilities director, said.
The water treatment plant expansion project currently is in the bidding process, having been advertised on Sept. 8. Bid openings currently are scheduled for 11 a.m., Oct. 26 at the Weirton Municipal Building.