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The Tygart Valley Homestead communities were developed with federal funds and created to be self-sufficient. Much like the original federal money, the funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will continue to make small communities more efficient in the future, explained Huttonsville PSD Executive Secretary Bonnie Serrett.

On April 22, the Huttonsville Public Service District was named as one of 56 communities across the United States to receive USDA funding to celebrate Earth Day. With the presentation of a check on Wednesday, the Huttonsville PSD will continue to improve services to customers throughout the Tygart Valley.

As clouds hid the sun and rain fell, Serrett opened the ceremony saying, "It's a great day in Mill Creek."

With the $1.9 million, Huttonsville PSD will replace sewage lines in Dailey and East Dailey and remove an Imhoff tank.

Joining in the festivities were national, state and local representatives, including USDA Water Program Assistant Administrator Jacki Ponti.

"It's wonderful to see a system that is regionalized ... focused on sustainability ... that cares about the impact it's having on the community," Ponti said.

The New Deal has been talked about recently and it's timely that federal funds will help replace lines that were installed during that era in history, Ponti explained.

"It's almost like we've come full circle here," Ponti said. "Just like then ... times are tough now and what helped people get through that time was some government assistance and also the community spirit and community collaboration. I think that's what you're seeing here again today."

Hopefully, the line replacements will further development in the Tygart Valley, she commented.

Ponti thanked the Huttonsville PSD for its leadership and commitment to the community.

Joining Ponti with remarks were Gov. Joe Manchin's Regional Representative Lynn Phillips, Randolph County Commission President Mike Taylor, Delegate Bill Hartman, D-37th District, Delegate Mike Ross, D-37th District, Randolph County Development Authority Executive Director Jennifer Giovannitti and Rural Development Director of Community Programs Randy Plum.

On behalf of Manchin, Phillips said a modern system of infrastructure is important for growth and improving the quality of life in West Virginia. The success of the project is also a sign of community leaders working together to ensure a positive future.

Taylor commended the Huttonsville PSD board and employees for ensuring the project came to fruition.

The steps being taken by the Huttonsville PSD to replace the lines are a way of going "green" and will sustain the Tygart Valley for years to come, Hartman said.

Ross said the project is an example of what can happen when people work together.

Giovannitti thanked those involved with the Huttonsville PSD and the USDA for believing in the project. She agreed that infrastructure is critical to growth and development.

Plum said he has worked with nearly all the PSDs in the state and none are better managed or have the vision of Huttonsville PSD. The Huttonsville PSD has worked to become a regional provider and expanded to all feasible service areas, which does not always happen, he explained.

After the ceremony Serrett said the funding is a "great pleasure" because the project that began in 1996 will finally be completed.

Many who attended the ceremony stayed for cake and to view displays about the past, present and future of the Huttonsville PSD.