WV to receive more than $26 million in EPA funds

WASHINGTON — West Virginia will receive more than $26 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in various environmental cleaning projects. 

The funding will support projects for hazardous waste assessment and cleanup of brownfields properties, improving water quality in various bodies of water, developing drinking water systems and implementing air pollution control programs. 

The vast majority of the total funds will be given to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for application to such projects. 

Other award recipients and amounts are: 

— $300,000 to the West Virginia Land Stewardship Corporation 

— $600,000 to the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle 

— $200,000 to the Belomar Regional Council 

The awarded funding was jointly announced Tuesday by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D.-W.Va., both of whom serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

Capito touted the importance of the awards, particularly with regard to the brownfield projects. 

“Brownfield grants facilitate environmental remediation and allow for economic development once site cleanup is over. The Northern Panhandle has a history of success revitalizing brownfield sites,” Capito said. “West Virginia does not have a lot of readily developable land, so the reuse of contaminated sites is a great way to attract new industrial investment to the state. I’m proud to champion this program during the appropriations process, and I’ll continue to encourage business growth throughout our state.” 

Manchin similarly praised the various efforts the awards will help to fund. 

“Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water and fresh air to breathe, and West Virginians are no different. This funding will address a multitude of projects across our state that will benefit our citizens and our state through clean water and air initiatives, improving West Virginians’ drinking water, and cleaning up hazardous areas across the state,” Manchin said. “I am proud that the EPA is investing in our state through these different projects and look forward to seeing the progress made across West Virginia. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for West Virginia to receive funding that helps West Virginia stay wild and wonderful.”