WHEELING, W.Va. - Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a $2 million grant from the Water Development Authority Economic Enhancement Grant Fund to secure and modernize critical water infrastructure across Ohio County.
"Safe, reliable drinking water is something no community should ever have to worry about," said Governor Morrisey, "and today, we are taking decisive action to ensure families, students, and businesses in Ohio County have the water system they deserve."
The funding, secured in close partnership with the Ohio County Public Service District (PSD), addresses long-standing infrastructure needs through four targeted improvement projects. First, the project funds essential maintenance for the Cabela Elevated Water Storage Tank, including sandblasting and recoating for the 500,000-gallon landmark tank near The Highlands to protect its structural integrity. Second, it funds disinfection byproduct reduction through the installation of modern aeration mixing systems in storage tanks to prevent thermal stratification and stop harmful disinfection byproducts like TTHMs from forming. Third, the Route 88 Water Main Replacement project replaces an aging 12-inch cast iron water main built in the 1960s along Route 88 in West Liberty, putting a new 5,300-foot section in place to end recurring water breaks that have caused outages for the community and West Liberty University. Fourth, West Liberty Tank Upgrades involve relocating the altitude valve near the West Liberty tank to resolve water stagnation and ensure fresh, safe drinking water flow.
The funding announcement comes after the state recently announced that it surpassed $9.1 billion in annual tourism economic impact, with visitor volume reaching more than 77 million. Tourism supports nearly 61,000 West Virginia jobs and generates billions of dollars in visitor spending that supports businesses and communities across the Mountain State.
The Governor also thanked Ohio County PSD Chairman Randy Wharton, as well as the engineering team at Vaughn, Coast & Vaughn, for bringing these vital needs to light and working collaboratively with the state to move the community forward.