Capito Fix for Martinsburg Water Plant Included in Military Defense Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today welcomed the inclusion of language she championed in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 that would help recuperate costs incurred by the city of Martinsburg in efforts to reopen the Big Springs Water Plant. The language authorizes the Department of Defense to pay for clean-up costs related to the contamination that affected the Martinsburg water supply, a situation Senator Capito has long worked to resolve.

“Reopening the Big Springs Water Plant was critically important to the entire Martinsburg community. The water supply is not only essential to the health and well-being of those living in the area, but it’s also vital to local businesses, manufacturers, and the economy. That’s why I have continued to work with federal, local, and military leaders to find a solution to the Big Springs situation and help ease the financial burden incurred by the city,” Senate Capito said. “I’m thrilled I was able to secure language in the NDAA that will hopefully help resolve this issue once and for all.”

BACKGROUND

After concerns were raised that the Big Springs Water Plant in Martinsburg was contaminated by a chemical used by the U.S. Air Force and the West Virginia Air National Guard to fight fires, the city chose to shut down that water supply to prevent the consumption of contaminated drinking water. The city worked to fix the issue while still providing access to clean water for residents and businesses. However, questions have been raised about financial responsibility for the project.

Senator Capito worked with the city of Martinsburg and the U.S. Department of Defense to coordinate an agreement that would enable the city to reopen the Big Springs Water Plant and convened numerous calls and meetings on the issue. During the drafting of the FY2019 NDAA, Senator Capito worked with Senate Armed Services Committee leaders on language that would make it possible for DOD to reimburse the city of Martinsburg for rehabilitation costs it incurred as it worked to reopen Big Springs. That language is included in the version of the legislative text introduced today. The NDAA is expected to be considered by the full Senate beginning later this week. 

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