U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today that a $1,811,800 Rural Development funding package, consisting of a $500,000 loan and a $1,311,800 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program has been awarded to the McDowell County Public Service District (PSD) to connect the Iaeger water distribution system to the Coalwood Water Treatment Facility.

“I am pleased to announce another success in our ongoing efforts to improve southern West Virginia’s water infrastructure,” said Rahall. “With this funding, the Coalwood Water Treatment Facility will bring clean, healthy water to residents in Iaegar while continuing to faithfully serve their customers in Coalwood.”

Funds from the Rural Development Program will be used to install over 67,000 LF of pipe to connect the Iaeger water distribution system to the Coalwood Water Treatment Facility. This connection will help to eradicate the presence of Barium in Iaeger’s water supply and introduce a new water supply to the rural community. It is expected that it will benefit an additional 38 residents.

“We cannot allow the health and well-being of our communities to be compromised by the challenges of our mountainous terrain,” said Rahall.  “Improving and maintaining our existing water infrastructure continues to be one of my top priorities for southern West Virginia.”