Water line breaks and service disruptions are problems that many Weirton residents know all too well.
Now, more than $4,000,000 is on the way to help fix it.
A combined $4.34 million is coming to the City of Weirton. Governor Patrick Morrissey announced the funding on Tuesday, saying it will finally complete a long-awaited water infrastructure project.
“When they say our community needs help, I take that very seriously,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
A project years in the making is now getting a major push forward.
“It is my intent to provide $3.3 million grant… combine that with a $1 million project… to provide clean safe water to Weirton in the northern panhandle,” Morrisey continued.
That funding will go toward replacing thousands of feet of aging water line, something leaders say has caused ongoing problems for residents. State investigators found at one point nearly half of the water being produced in Weirton was being lost before it ever reached customers.
“We’re replacing 3500 feet outdated line and upgrading the pipe from 12 inches to 18 inches… ensure there won’t be those pipe burst into the future,” he said.
Local officials say this investment should make a noticeable difference in the community as they faced water insecurity for years.
“This important investment of state and federal funds will enhance the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of the water distribution system for all of Weirton’s customers,” Butch Mastrantoni, Weirton Utilities Board Director stated.
And for people who have dealt with disruptions this project can’t come soon enough.
Laura Wakim Chapman has made significant pushes for this project in the past. Governor Morrissey crediting her as one of the reasons behind this funding.
“I’ve heard of some people being out of water for literally weeks up to a month… this is just so critical and very grateful to the governor recognizing the need he has a special place in his heart for the northern pain handle. He’s done a lot for the Northern Panhandle and this is just one more thing that he was willing to stop and help with so I’m just so grateful for that, ”Laura Wakim Chapman, West Virginia, State Senator Northern Panhandle said.
Officials said that $4.34 million will fully fund the Walnut Street project aimed at improving reliability across Weirton’s water system.