After leading negotiations for the past three weeks, U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today that a property acquisition agreement between the Town of Kermit and Norfolk Southern has been reached, allowing for the construction of Kermit’s much-needed new wastewater treatment plant to proceed.

"Over the past several weeks, I have had many conversations with Norfolk Southern in an effort to forge a compromise that would allow the City of Kermit’s water project to move forward,” said Rahall.  “Norfolk Southern has acted as a true partner in this community by stepping up to the plate and helping the people of southern West Virginia in their efforts to improve infrastructure in the area."

“Congressman Rahall has been a great help in this and many other projects in the area,” said Kermit Mayor Johnny Linville.  “I am happy we were all able to reach a fair agreement, which will greatly help the residents of Kermit.”

Under the agreement, the Town of Kermit will purchase 1.7 acres of Norfolk Southern’s land along U.S. Route 52 in Kermit and send the project to bid before the end of the year. 
 
Once completed, the project will include waterline upgrades, a new booster pumping station, and a new wastewater treatment package plant.  Funding for the $2,231,200 project has been provided through a $1.5 million Small Cities Block Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the WV Division of Environmental Protection's State Revolving Loan Fund.