WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a total of $1,146,400 to support water infrastructure projects in Clay and McDowell Counties.

The Clay Public Service District’s Pack Fork and Independence Road Waterline Extension project aims to provide safe, reliable water service to 134 households and two organizations in an isolated part of Clay County by constructing approximately eight miles of new waterline. The Gary Wastewater System Inspection and Evaluation project will help the city of Gary make necessary repairs to improve its existing services for 442 current customers. This project will benefit future businesses and residences by providing analysis to plan for expanding service to unserved areas of McDowell County.

“By enabling local governments to extend public water services and improve wastewater services in very isolated rural areas, these grants will not only help to improve water quality and reliability in underserved areas, they will also improve the potential for future economic growth,” said Senator Capito. “Any time we invest in infrastructure, West Virginia’s economy stands to benefit, and I am glad West Virginia will receive these two grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission.”

“Investing in water infrastructure projects that are outdated not only improves the quality of life for our local residents, but preserves countless good-paying jobs, boosts economic development and improves the prosperity of our families, businesses and communities,” Senator Manchin said. “I am pleased these projects will receive the funding needed to improve the water systems in Clay and McDowell Counties and expand water services to underserved communities that truly need it.”

Individual amounts below: 

  • $760,000 – Clay County for the Clay County Public Service District’s Pack Fork and Independence Road Waterline Extension Project
  • $386,400 – the City of Gary for the Gary Wastewater System Inspection and Evaluation Project

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