Tucker County Commissioners announce receipt of a Small Cities Block Grant Wednesday for $1.25 million to support upgrades at the Hamrick PSD. The grant will help fund a $6.25 million project to improve the current distribution system and will provide new water lines, booster stations and tanks.
By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
CHARLESTON – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced Tuesday the Tucker County Commission was one of 13 to receive a Small Cities Block Grant to support critical infrastructure projects in communities across West Virginia. The Commission received $1.25 million in support of a local project that will cost a total of about $6.25 million.
The project is slated to upgrade the existing Hamrick Public Service District water treatment plant by improving the current distribution system, as well as providing water service along Location Road, affecting more than 700 households. The projected project includes the installation of new water lines, booster stations and tanks to serve residents. Currently most of those households rely on private wells, many of which have low quality and low quantity.
The Tucker County Commission announced receipt of these funds during their regular meeting Wednesday. Tucker County Commission President Lowell Moore said he was pleased with the Governor’s announcement of the award of funding for the Hamrick PSD.
Tucker County Commissioner Diane Hinkle said the grant announcement is exciting for Tucker County residents.
“This grant will update existing infrastructure and will extend the service area of the Hamrick PSD, providing a reliable source of water to customers,” Hinkle said. “It will reduce the financial burden that could have ultimately been passed on to customers. Any time Tucker County can access grant funding for infrastructure projects it is a win-win for our county, our residents and our visitors.”
Total monies across the state include more than $44 million in federal, state and local funding that will support the projects for more than 17,000 households, improving infrastructure reliability statewide. Tomblin said the grant funds will kick off a number of anticipated improvement projects in cities and communities across West Virginia.
“Economic development projects and infrastructure improvements, like those supported by the Small Cities Block Grant program, are investments that not only open the door to new business prospects, but also improve the quality of life for West Virginians now and for years to come,” Tomblin said.
Other Small Cities Block Grants awarded Tuesday include Greenbrier County Commission, $200,000; Jackson County Commission $704,000; Lewis County Commission, $1.25 million; Lincoln County Commission, $1.5 million; Logan County Commission, $1.3 million; Marion County Commission, $238,694; Town of Marlinton, $1 million; Mercer County Commission, $1,209,503; Town of Northfork, $200,000; Town of Paw Paw, $1.5 million; Town of Pennsboro, $1.5 million; and the City of Richwood, $200,000.
Small Cities Block Grant funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Community Development Division of the West Virginia Development Office manages the administration of these funds.