The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $646,000 to water infrastructure improvements in Preston County.
The new EPA funding for Preston County Public Service District #1 — based in Arthurdale — will go toward facility improvements at a local water plant, and help construct more than 5,000 feet of new water lines.
The water line expansion seeks to bolster water access across the county.
Plus, it aims to ensure that pressurized water is readily available for combating wildfires. Preston County was one of several areas in the eastern region of the state affected by a series of March wildfires.
In a press release Tuesday, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito voiced her support for improvements to the region’s water infrastructure.
“Projects like this will improve the existing infrastructure and provide the community with more reliable water service,” she said. “I look forward to seeing it completed.”