CHARLESTON, WV – Yesterday, Gov. Jim Justice and West Virginia Department of Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch held a ceremony to award 17 grants, worth $13,844,958 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which have been dedicated to various water/sewer and broadband infrastructure projects across West Virginia.
“The multiplier effect of that $13.8 million becomes lots and lots of dollars and so we’re really happy to be able to do this today,” Gov. Justice said. “It gives us the opportunity to make everyday life better for countless West Virginians in many ways.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides CDBG funds to West Virginia annually. The Community Advancement and Development Division of the West Virginia Development Office manages these funds.
Of the total amount, more than $11.1 million has been awarded for water and sewer projects in various counties and municipalities, which will benefit nearly 10,000 West Virginians.
Additionally, more than $2.7 million will go toward broadband projects, which will benefit a wide range of residents across nine counties.
Wednesday’s grant presentation ceremony was held virtually through videoconferencing technology.
“I wish I could be there with you in person,” Gov. Justice said. “This is not the way West Virginians do stuff. We’re a handshaking, hugging community that is a loving community and I wish to goodness that I could be there with you because today is a celebration that we all love.”
WATER/SEWER PROJECTS
Wyoming County Commission (Wyoming County)
Amount: $1,500,000
Title: Coal Mountain Waterline Extension
Purpose: Logan County PSD will serve as a partner agency on this project, which will provide reliable water service to approximately 276 residents, plus seven commercial customers and one new institutional customer in the communities of Coal Mountain, Big Cub Branch, Upper Sturgeon Branch, and Road Branch.
BROADBAND PROJECTS
Logan County Commission (Logan County)
Amount: $50,000
Title: Broadband Planning
Purpose: This project will enable the Logan County Commission to undertake a broadband study. The county seeks to develop a strategic plan to expand broadband access to the most unserved and underserved areas. The county views this project as critical to its ability to diversify the local economy and compete for economic development and job creation opportunities.
Raleigh County Commission (Raleigh County)
Amount: $643,999
Title: Raleigh County Memorial Airport Industrial Park Broadband Project
Purpose: This broadband infrastructure project will improve broadband connectivity at the Raleigh County Memorial Airport. The project will include the construction of approximately six miles of aerial and buried fiber infrastructure along Industrial Park Road and Commerce Drive. The project will create a fiber loop to further develop areas in the industrial park.
