The Clarksburg Water Board has been awarded $19 million in state funding to advance its lead waterline replacement project, as announced by Governor Patrick Morrisey on Monday. This funding is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure across West Virginia, emphasizing the state’s commitment to improving public health and attracting investment.
Governor Morrisey stated that the funds will primarily target the replacement of lead water lines that pose health risks to families in West Virginia. “This funding is going toward replacing lead lines that can harm West Virginia families, but it’s also going to upgrade the system’s undersized water mains,” he explained. The improvements are expected to enhance fire protection, modernize water meters, and repair leaking lines, ultimately providing lasting benefits to the community.
Project Funding and Timeline
The funding announcement took place at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, where Morrisey also commended Clarksburg officials for their coordinated efforts in managing multiple construction projects simultaneously. “They’re trying to open up the streets and get everything done at the same time,” he remarked, noting the efficiency of tackling various infrastructure needs concurrently.
Jason Myers, general manager of the Clarksburg Water Board, expressed optimism about the additional funding, stating it will enable the utility to expedite the removal of lead service lines. The initiative aligns with the Board’s Corrective Action Plan mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which originally set a ten-year timeline for completion. Myers indicated that the Board anticipates finishing the removal ahead of schedule.
The current phase of the project, known as Phase 3A, involves replacing approximately 1,600 lead service lines and upgrading water mains. The newly allocated funds will support the project’s second phase, Phase 3B, which has a projected cost of $50 million. Myers announced that the bidding process for this phase is expected to begin around January 2026, with construction slated to start in June 2026.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The second phase aims to eliminate an additional 2,400 lead service lines, further enhancing water safety in the area. Morrisey highlighted the urgency of such projects, affirming his administration’s priorities regarding infrastructure and public safety.
“We’re going to be way ahead of that—way ahead of that,” Myers reiterated, emphasizing the importance of these upgrades for the health and welfare of residents. The swift approval of funding reflects a strong commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges, demonstrating a proactive approach to public health concerns in West Virginia.
The collaboration between state officials and the Clarksburg Water Board showcases a focused effort to enhance community infrastructure and ensure safe drinking water for all residents.
