West Virginia Governor announces water funding and emergency declaration

Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced $145 million in additional state funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in West Virginia. This investment is part of the administration’s ‘Clean, Clear Water Strategy,’ which aims to address aging utility systems. The state intends to partner with Marshall University and West Virginia University to provide technical assistance to small water systems and will use a public dashboard to track project progress.

Separately, Governor Morrisey has declared a statewide state of emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties following severe storms that triggered flash flooding, mudslides, and water rescues. The declaration, which lasts 30 days, allows state and local agencies to coordinate resources for recovery efforts. In Charleston, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin has also declared a city-level emergency as cleanup and repair costs are expected to reach millions of dollars.