The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has been approved for $450,000 in federal funding to extend water service to 121 families on Thacker Branch near Matewan.

The Matewan Water Extension Project consists of the design and construction of approximately 35,000 feet of waterline; one booster pumping station; one 75,000-gallon water storage tank; one 50-gallon-per-minute booster pump station; as well as fire hydrants, meter settings, and related equipment. Total cost for the project is estimated at $2.2 million, with $1.5 million being funded through a Small Cities Block Grant (SCBG).

“We are very pleased to be able to extend water service to the people of Thacker Branch, who have waited quite some time,” said Matewan Mayor Sheila Kessler. “This is an important segment in our continuing efforts to bring clean water to everyone in our area.”

U.S. Rep.Rahall (D-W.Va.) was an architect of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 340 Program - the program through which these funds are being made available. The 340 program provides design and construction assistance to non-Federal interests for water-related environmental infrastructure and development projects in southern West Virginia. Projects may include wastewater treatment and related facilities; water supply, storage, treatment and distribution facilities; and surface water resource protection and development.

“Strong and sound water and wastewater systems are critically important to the health and economic well-being of southern West Virginia communities,” said Rahall. “This new funding will help ensure that more families in Mingo County will have access to a clean and modern water system.”