September 12, 2014

Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $2 Million for Critical Water Infrastructure Project in Calhoun County

Funding will help install new water lines and improve reliability and quality of water service for residents

Washington, D.C. -- U.S Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced that a total of $2,415,000 has been awarded to the Pleasant Hill Public Service District for the Water Extension and Line Replacement project. The project aims to improve the quality and reliability of the water service in Calhoun County by installing 28,000 feet of new waterline. The new waterline will replace the current system, located alone West Virginia Route 16 between Five Forks and Big Spring, which has been experiencing routine breaks, causing loss of revenue and disrupting service for local residents.

In addition to improving water service for current customers, the new water line will provide additional water service to 64 households located in Leafbank, Upper Back Fork, Klipstine Road and Leading Creek where residents are currently relying on poor-quality well water.

“Investing in water infrastructure projects that are outdated not only improves the quality of life for our local residents, but preserves countless good-paying jobs, boosts economic development and improves the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,” Manchin said. “When state and local governments partner with the federal government on projects like these, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

“Having access to a clean water supply is so vital to the well being of families and the local economies in West Virginia,” Rockefeller said. “Nobody should have to suffer from unreliable sources of good drinking water. This much-needed funding will go a long way in making sure Calhoun County has access to the clean water it deserves.”

The $2,415,000 in funding includes a $932,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Council (ARC), $1,000,000 in grant funds from USDA Rural Development and $483,000 in local funds.

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