WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $2,453,962 in funding for West Virginia’s DHHR and DEP, and WVU through several U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant programs.

“It’s important we continue to find innovative ways to reduce pollution, increase air quality, improve water quality, and preserve our state’s natural environment,” Ranking Member Capito said. “The grants announced today will support West Virginia’s efforts through our state agencies and WVU to keep our air and water as clean as possible, and ultimately improve the health and safety of West Virginians both now and in the future.”

“Every West Virginian deserves clean water to drink and fresh air to breathe, and these investments are great news for our entire state. I’m pleased the EPA is supporting the West Virginia DEP, West Virginia DHHR and WVU in their efforts to reduce pollution and improve air and water quality throughout our state. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this funding for our fellow West Virginians,” Senator Manchin said. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for resources to support healthy communities and protect our natural resources across the Mountain State.”

Individual awards listed below:

  • $1,000,000 – West Virginia University (WVU)
    • This research project will identify the various technology options currently implemented at lagoon facilities serving less than 10,000 people to remove ammonia, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus to low levels.
  • $912,517 – WV Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP)
    • This grant will provide continued assistance to the WVDEP in its efforts to implement air pollution control programs to improve and maintain the public's air quality.
  • $293,947 – WV Department of Health and Human Resources (WV DHHR)
    • This grant will fund statewide programs to reduce risk from toxic air pollutants, educe chemical and biological risks, and detect violations and promote compliance.
  • $247,498 – West Virginia University (WVU)
    • These funds through the Pollution Prevention (P2) grant program will be used to provide technical assistance (e.g., information, training, tools) to businesses to help them develop and adopt source reduction practices.

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