FOLLANSBEE, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey visited Brooke County on Monday to announce more than $1.8 million in funding for improvements to the Hooverson Heights Water Treatment Plant, following a recent system failure that disrupted service in the area.
Speaking in Follansbee, Morrisey said the project is designed to modernize the aging facility and strengthen the reliability of the community’s water infrastructure.
The funding package includes $500,000 from the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council and more than $1.32 million in federal funding provided through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Local elected officials and community leaders attended the announcement as state officials outlined plans to improve the treatment plant before additional problems occur.
Morrisey said the investment is intended to prevent future service interruptions and protect thousands of customers who rely on the system.
“We know that if the system fails, more than 3,200 customers, families, schools and small businesses across Follansbee could be left without water,” Morrisey said. “It’s important to make these infrastructure improvements before a disaster happens rather than after.”
According to state officials, the project is expected to take approximately six months to complete once work begins.
The announcement follows recent issues at the Hooverson Heights Water Treatment Plant and is part of the state’s ongoing effort to improve aging water infrastructure in communities across West Virginia.
