CHARLESTON - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin released more than $15 million in Small Cities Block Grant funds for 23 critical infrastructure projects, his office announced this week.
More than $64 million in other federal, state and local funds will be leveraged to complete these projects. These projects will serve approximately 27,300 citizens, of which more than 15,800 will be low- and moderate-income residents or 58 percent of the overall population. More than 5,800 households in these communities will receive improved or new service as a result of these investments.
"I am committed to assisting the citizens of West Virginia in improving their quality of life and believe these projects, funded with Small Cities Block Grant funds, will assist us in this effort," Tomblin said. "In order to provide for economic development, a suitable living environment, and adequate housing there must be a strong local commitment to these types of community development projects that provide access to clean, adequate water and reliable sewer facilities. By working together we can promote future economic development and make West Virginia a better place to live."
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides Small Cities Block Grant funds to the state. The Community Development Division of the West Virginia Development Office manages these funds.
Local projects included:
Barbour County Commission - $655,000. This $2.4 million project will extend water service to the Chestnut Ridge area of Barbour County. Approximately 52 households will benefit from this project as well as provide a reliable water source for the Chestnut Ridge Elementary School.
Barrackville in Marion County - $806,035. This $1 million project will assist with improvements to the town's sewer system. Approximately 312 households will benefit from this project that will eliminate combined system overflow issues.
Fairview in Marion County - $1 million. This $4.8 million project will extend water service to approximately 130 new households in the Fairview Road and W.Va. 218 areas of Marion and Monongalia counties.
Harman in Randolph County - $1.3 million. This $4 million project will extend water service to approximately 200 additional households.
Parsons in Tucker County - $350,000. This $1.5 million project will allow the city of Parsons to complete water service to the Moore and Porterwood areas of the city, as well as make improvements to the current system. Approximately 791 households that are currently experiencing 62 percent water loss will benefit.
