U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, announced today the approval by the Appalachian Regional Commission of a $1.5 million grant to the Town of Gilbert for a much-needed water system upgrade and expansion that will benefit more than 300 residents of Mingo County.

"For too long, residents of the Slabtown, Tamcliff, and Paynter Bottom areas of Mingo County have had to deal with inadequate supplies or poor quality of water," said Rahall. "This funding will help to eliminate health concerns associated with contaminated water, increase fire protection, and greatly improve the quality of life for many families in Mingo County."

This funding will provide for the construction of 7.5 miles of water line along State Route 80 and U.S. Highway 52, extending service to 172 families. It will also allow the Town of Gilbert to upgrade water treatment plants, construct a 100,000-gallon water storage tank, and replace water meters throughout the community.

The $1.5 million Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant is being matched with a $328,000 USDA Rural Development grant and a $472,000 Rural Development loan for a total project cost of $2.3 million.

As an ARC Caucus co-chair, 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.

"The programs of the ARC are vital to health and economic growth of southern West Virginia," Rahall said. "I have strongly supported, and will continue to support, the ARC in its efforts to combat the complex set of economic challenges specific to our area."