U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) was on hand Wednesday to participate in the dedication ceremony for the new Mercer County Flood Warning System, a federally-funded, state-of-the-art project that will better prepare Mercer County for natural disasters.

"Government ought to serve where individuals acting alone can't," Rahall said. "That's what this flood warning system reflects - a community coming together for the public good. This system just doesn't serve this river basin, it serves America. When any part of this country suffers, we all suffer. When a part of the country prospers, we all prosper. That's what has made this Nation great for 200-plus years, and will keep us great, if we live up to that sacred contract with one another."

The Mercer County Flood Warning System project was authorized under Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948. Congressman Rahall helped provide $100,000 in federal funds which have been used for the installation of flood monitoring rain gauges at Bramwell, Egeria, Arista and Bluefield and combination rain and stream gauges installed on the Bluestone River near Camp Creek and near Spanishburg; Payne Branch near Oakvale; and Brush Creek near Glenwood.

"When faced with a threat, whether natural or otherwise, we all know response time is what matters most. The early American colonies realized this, and in response they established small militias in every town," Rahall said. "These "Minutemen" were the first armed militia to arrive or await battle and many times the welfare of the entire town depended on their ability to perform their duties. In a moment's warning, these men were ready to march. Now, in a moment's warning, our brave men and women, our emergency responders, can be ready to march as well."

With the new gages installed, rainfall can now be registered and information sent to the U.S. Weather Service in one minute. In just another minute, warnings will be sent to the Mercer County communications center.

The project is collaboration between the Corps of Engineers, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Management and the National Weather Service. Major Matthew Orenstein, the Deputy District Commander for the Huntington District, also attended the dedication, and thanked all of those who played a part in making the project a reality.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers takes great pride in partnering with Mercer County, the National Weather Service, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Congressman Rahall to bring this flood warning project to completion," Orenstein said.

The Mercer County flood warning system is the fourth of its kind in the state of West Virginia.