CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced $4 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) funding for a new water treatment plant in Buckhannon, along with $930,000 in recommended Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC) grants for projects serving Mingo, Wyoming, Cabell, and Wayne counties.
Watch Governor Morrisey’s announcement here.
Together, the funding will complete packages for more than $58 million in infrastructure improvements, expanding access to reliable water service, modernizing wastewater systems, and supporting economic development across West Virginia.
"Every West Virginia family deserves clean, reliable water and infrastructure they can depend on," said Governor Morrisey. "We're bringing public water to families who have relied on private wells, improving systems that serve thousands of residents, and helping communities prepare for new homes and businesses. And in Fort Gay, we made a promise to help finish the job, and we're delivering on that promise."
The investments address different needs across the state, from replacing aging treatment facilities to extending public water service into communities that have never had it. In Upshur County, where residents continue to recover and rebuild following devastating flooding, the Buckhannon project represents an important investment in the community's long-term infrastructure needs.
The projects include:
- Buckhannon, Upshur County - $47.31 million: Construction of a new water treatment plant and raw water intake, supported by $4 million in AMLER funding. The State is also recommending $3 million in additional loans and principal forgiveness, with the remaining $40.31 million awarded through federal loans and grants.
- Mingo and Wyoming Counties - $8.74 million: An $800,000 IJDC grant recommendation completes funding for a public water extension that will improve service for 236 customers in Justice and bring public water to approximately 215 potential customers in Hanover, where homes and businesses currently rely on private wells. The project will also allow Huff Consolidated School and the R.D. Bailey Lake facility to connect to public water. The remaining funding includes $7.45 million in federal grants, along with state and local contributions.
- Salt Rock, Cabell County - $2.525 million: A $95,000 IJDC grant recommendation completes funding for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant serving 4,855 customers in Ona, Milton and Culloden. The improvements will modernize the system and support continued residential and economic growth in the area. The additional grant builds on $500,000 in previously committed IJDC funding, along with financing from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and West Virginia Water Development Authority.
- Fort Gay, Wayne County - $185,000: Fulfilling a commitment made during Governor Morrisey's August visit, the State is providing $185,000 to complete a water main extension that will improve the connection to the town's water supply. The funding includes an additional $35,000 following an engineering adjustment to ensure the project can move forward.
“I’m very grateful for everyone involved in this significant development in funding more clean water for Wyoming County and Mingo County residents. The ongoing progress in securing funding for these types of projects is absolutely remarkable.”
- State Senator Rollan Roberts
“I am deeply grateful to Governor Morrisey and the State of West Virginia for recognizing the importance of this project and making such a meaningful investment in Buckhannon’s future. We have worked hard to bring this project to fruition, and while there is still much work ahead, today’s announcement brings us one significant step closer to making it a reality. On behalf of the City of Buckhannon and Upshur County community, I extend my sincere appreciation for this partnership and for the confidence being placed in the future of our community.”
- Robbie Skinner, Mayor of Buckhannon
The IJDC grants and proposed financing are scheduled for council consideration on November 4.
Bringing together state, federal, and local funding sources allows communities to tackle infrastructure needs they could not afford on their own. By completing these funding packages, the State is helping move long-planned improvements closer to construction and ensuring communities have the resources needed to finish the work.
"These projects will make a real difference for West Virginia families and businesses," said Governor Morrisey. "We're working with our state, federal and local partners to deliver the infrastructure our communities need to grow and prosper."