Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Nearly $15.5M for Rural Development Projects Across West Virginia
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Representative Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), today announced nearly $15.5 million in funding for rural development projects granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will bolster economic development, improve infrastructure, construct buildings and community facilities, purchase essential equipment and extend public water services in rural communities across West Virginia.
“Investments in our rural communities will not only improve the quality of life and health of West Virginians who live there, but will also help us keep existing jobs, create new jobs and attract businesses to our area,” Senator Manchin said. “As I’ve said before, it’s time to rebuild America, and infrastructure projects are critical to putting people back to work and making our country strong again.”
“It’s important that residents living in rural communities have access to the same opportunities and quality of life as those living in more urban areas across the state,” said Senator Rockefeller. “This money will produce up-to-date resources for our first responders, better recreational space for families, and safer water for people in rural communities. I’m happy that so many West Virginians will benefit from these important projects.”
“By investing in our community facilities, we create economic opportunities and strengthen the ties that bind us together,” said Rahall. “As budgets tighten, we must not waiver in our commitment to the public safety and local infrastructure that attracts and grows businesses and creates jobs.”
Economic Impact Initiative Grant Recipients:
The city of Welch will receive $26,000 to help purchase a new police cruiser.
Oceana Fire Association in Oceana will receive $25,000 to help pay for an off-road vehicle for rescue and emergencies.
The city of Williamson will receive $15,000 to purchase personal protective equipment for the Williamson Fire Department.
The Larry Joe Harless Community Center Foundation, Inc. in Gilbert -- a facility that offers health, educational, recreational and cultural opportunities in the community -- will receive $8,500 to purchase new maintenance equipment.
Morris Creek Watershed Association, Inc. in Montgomery will receive $2,530 to purchase a Roto-hog Tiller landscaping and food plot package for a community garden.
The town of Burnsville will receive $1,500 to purchase a police cruiser for the Burnsville Police Department.
Community Facility Loan and Grant Recipients:
The Harrison County YMCA, Inc. will receive a loan of $2 million to purchase the building the YMCA currently rents. The funds will also be used to refinance debt and restructure finances for both the Lodgeville and Lowndes Hill branches.
The Tyler County Public Library will receive a loan of $405,000 to construct a new building adjacent to the existing facility, which will expand the library’s current services.
The Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center, Inc. will receive a loan of $201,000 to replace the roof of the convention center in Beckley.
The City of Hinton Building Commission will receive a loan of $100,000 to construct a new fire hall in Hinton.
The Ballard Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Inc. will receive a loan of $32,000 and a grant of $5,500 to complete and furnish an emergency shelter and community room.
Water and Waste Disposal Grant Recipients:
The City of Keyser will receive more than $2.6 million to replace existing sewer lines that are in poor condition and do not provide adequate levels of storm water drainage or sanitary sewer drainage. The project will prevent wastewater and sewage from seeping into backyards and homes. Approximately 68 customers in Keyser will benefit from the project.
Friendly Public Service District in Tyler County will receive a loan of nearly $1.6 million and a grant of nearly $2 million to extend public water services to approximately 127 new customers in Elk Fork, Bens Run and Fluharty Addition areas. The project will build roughly nine miles of waterline and install seven fire hydrants across the region.
The Wetzel County Public Service will receive more than $1 million to extend public water service to approximately 98 households in Wetzel County who currently utilize wells as their source of water. The wells often produce an insufficient and/or substandard quality of water.
Business and Industry Guaranteed Recipients:
Nella’s Inc. and Nella’s Nursing Home, Inc. in Elkins will receive a Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan from First United Bank and Trust for $6.2 million in order to reconstruct debt and to make real estate improvements to the nursing home. The project is anticipated to preserve 181 jobs and create 14 new jobs.
USDA’s Rural Development program helps improve the economy and quality of life in rural areas across the United States of America. Rural Development achieves its mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.
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