The West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC) announced funding for water and sewer system improvements and service extensions in towns and public service districts around the state at its most recent meeting on June 2.

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

 

The council approved the following economic development assistance project: 

 

Benedum Airport Authority 

- The council approved $2 million in loan assistance for two hangers. The loan will help cover a portion of the costs of a long-talked about near $20 million expansion of the MHI RJ (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Regional Jet) facilty - formerly Bombardiere.

 

The expansion, which involves manufacturing, is on the terminal side of the airport. The two hangars will cover 100,000 square feet and will allow for future expansion as well.

 

WATER PROJECTS

 

The council approved funding for the following water projects: 

 

Town of Anmoore 

- The council approved a $7,750 grant to complete a water loss study to determine pipe locations and materials for replacement and to file an application with the council to establish the cost of a water system improvement project. The town of Anmoore has committed to match the grant with its own $7,750.

 

City of Fairmont 

- The council approved a $98,907 grant to extend service to five new customers who do not have an adequate water supply.

 

Monumental PSD 

- The council provided a grant and two loans for Monumental PSD system improvements and the Fairview supply line project. The grant is for $100,000 grant. The council approved a $560,545 loan (1 percent over 40 years) and a $395,580 loan (2 percent over 30 years). The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided an additional $513,000 grant. These funds, along with other previously approved funding, will allow construction to begin on this $14 million project.

 

City of Philippi 

The council approved a grant and loan for work on the Little Laurel Run Water Supply Dam. The grant is for $1 million and the loan is for $4 million (1 percent over 40 years). The project is estimated to cost $14.6 million.

 

SEWER PROJECT

 

The council also approved funding for the following sewer project: 

 

Town of Monongah 

- The council approved a $125,000 grant for sewer system improvements. An additional $350,000 grant was committed in Feb. 2021. The project is estimated to cost $4.25 million.

 

The WV IJDC was created by the WV Legislature in 1994 to serve as a funding clearinghouse for water and wastewater projects around the state. Gov. Jim Justice serves as council chairman, with Deputy Chief of Staff Ann Urling serving as his designate.

 

The council will meet again on July 7.