July 10, 2013

Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce USDA Funding for Water and Safety Projects in Southern West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), Wednesday announced Federal funding has been awarded for projects to improve public water/wastewater and enhance community safety in Fayette and Mingo Counties.

“Investments that help create local jobs, support businesses and rebuild our economy are vital to our communities across West Virginia, especially in our rural areas,” Manchin said. “Grants like these will help ensure that our first responders in West Virginia are able to respond efficiently and promptly. I am pleased that this grant will help the communities in Fayette and Mingo counties.”

“Grants like these are wise investments of taxpayer dollars to improve the quality of life in our communities. Ensuring our citizens have access to the necessities of life, especially clean water and safe communities, is essential for the long-term economic competitiveness of our nation.  Investments in infrastructure improvements will not only pay dividends today for Fayette and Mingo Countians, they are a down payment for the future to attract new businesses and job opportunities,” said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“It’s so important to the well being of our families and the success of our local economies in West Virginia that they have access to a clean water supply and public safety resources. The Agriculture Department’s funding awards for Mingo and Fayette Counties invest in these important public safety areas that are critical to the future of these counties,” said Rockefeller. “The funds will make sure Mingo and Fayette Counties don’t fall behind when it comes to keeping their communities healthy and safe, and will give them an equal opportunity to thrive.”

has approved a grant of $80,000 for the Page-Kincaid Public Service District to extend public wastewater collection and treatment service to approximately 81 additional households within Fayette County.  This is a subsequent grant to complete a total Rural Development funding package of $1,880,000.

USDA Rural Development also has approved a $5,000 Community Facilities Program grant for the City of Williamson/Williamson Fire Department to assist in the purchase of radio communications equipment to meet new FCC guidelines.

USDA Rural Development provides low interest loans and grants to communities to provide water and fire protection service to residents within a project area who are relying on poorly constructed or malfunctioning private water sources.  The USDA funding also helps support essential community facilities for public use in rural areas, including child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, fire, rescue and police stations, and other public buildings and transportation to ensure that such facilities are available to all rural residents.

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