March 30, 2011

Rahall, Rockefeller, Manchin Announce Funding for Fayette County Water Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin III (both D-W.Va.), announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development has approved a grant of $270,000 to complete Armstrong Public Service District’s water treatment and distribution system upgrade.

“I am pleased to announce this grant to improve southern West Virginia's water infrastructure, one that will greatly benefit hundreds of Fayette County residents," said Rahall.  “Sound and secure water and wastewater systems mean better health for families and stronger economies and better jobs for southern West Virginia communities.”

“Making these necessary water improvements is vital for the health and safety of all West Virginians — everyone deserves access to clean and safe public water,” Rockefeller said. “Maintaining updated and safe water systems in West Virginia continues to be one of my top priorities, and I am always happy to see infrastructure funding made available to help projects like this one.”

“In order to attract residents and businesses to rural areas of our state, we must have sound infrastructure in place,” Manchin said. “I am pleased that this federal investment will help Fayette County complete critical upgrades for Armstrong Public Service Districts water treatment and distribution system.”

The USDA Rural Development grant completes the funding package to upgrade the Armstrong Public Service District’s water treatment and distribution system.  The project will allow Fayette County officials to combine the water systems of Armstrong and neighboring Deep Water Public Service Districts into a newly merged Armstrong PSD to produce, store, and supply water to approximately 960 rural households and businesses in the Armstrong and Deep Water areas. A Rural Development loan of $765,000 and grant of $610,000 were previously provided by USDA.  Total project cost is $1,975,000.

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