WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced loans and grants for five projects in West Virginia to develop water and wastewater infrastructure. The funds have been awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will provide rural communities with the resources necessary to improve or repair their water and wastewater systems.

USDA has awarded $12,246,000 to four West Virginia communities for projects in the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. This program provides crucial funding for projects that promote clean drinking water systems, sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses.

Additionally, a $500,000 grant has been awarded to the Mingo County Public Service District for the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant (ECWAG) program, which assists in the preparation or recovery process for emergencies threatening the availability of safe and reliable drinking water.

“It is essential that every West Virginian have access to clean water. This funding will not only assist rural communities throughout the state in repairing and establishing safer and more reliable water and waste systems, but it will also help solidify local economies,” said Senator Capito. “I am pleased to join Senator Manchin in announcing this important funding that will help to strengthen our communities and keep our residents healthy.”

“It is important to invest in infrastructure projects like these that make sure our communities are connected to the basic necessities of life, like water,” Senator Manchin said. “All West Virginians deserve access to clean and safe water, and this funding will improve our water systems to ensure the health and safety of our residents. This project will also help boost economic development, protect tourism activities in these regions and improve the prosperity of our families, businesses and communities. I will continue to work to make these commonsense infrastructure investments a reality.”

Individual awards are listed below:

Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program

  • $719,000 loan/$936,000 grant – Cottageville Public Service District: Funding will be used to support the Phase II Sewer Project.
  • $6,073,000 loan – City of Elkins: Funding will be used for water system improvements.
  • $1,782,000 loan/$750,000 grant – Logan County Public Service District: Funding will be used towards the Big Harts Phase III Water Project.
  • $1,105,000 loan/$881,000 grant – City of Welch: Funding will contribute to waterline replacement on McDowell Street and riverside.

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants Program

  • $500,000 grant – Mingo County Public Service District: Funding will support emergency flooding recovery projects in Mingo County.

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