U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today that $1.5 million in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has been awarded to the Lincoln County Commission for water extensions along Tenmile Creek in Lincoln County.

"This is welcome news for Lincoln County residents who have been dealing with the health and environmental concerns associated with inadequate water systems," Rahall said.  "This funding will help insure access to a clean and reliable water supply, increase fire protection, and greatly improve the quality of life for many of our residents."

The funding will allow for approximately 10.4 miles of waterline to be extended along Tenmile Creek Road, Twin Branch Road, Plumb Branch Road, and Bearwallow Branch in Lincoln County.  It will also allow for the purchase of 26 fire hydrants and a 50,000 gallon water storage tank and will extended service to an estimated 154 households in Lincoln County. 

In addition to the ARC's funds, the Lincoln County Commission and Rockspring Devleopment, Inc. have each committed $50,000, and the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council has committed $1,247,000 in loans for a total project cost of $2,847,000.

As a House Appalachian Caucus Co-Chairman, Rahall has a long history of supporting the ARC, including co-sponsoring successful legislation to protect and extend the ARC's services for West Virginians through 2011.

"Access to a healthy, modern water supply is essential to the growth and success of our communities.  I will continue to work with the Appalachian Regional Commission to aggressively address our region's aging water infrastructure," said Rahall.