U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.4 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements in McDowell County, West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.4 million grant to McDowell County, West Virginia for water infrastructure improvements needed to attract and retain businesses to the region.

This grant will install new waterlines in Lex, West Virginia, as well as the Baker Ridge, Panther Creek Road, and Rock Ridge areas of McDowell County. This EDA investment will be matched with $851,000 in local funds.

"The Biden-Harris Administration knows that infrastructure is key to building an economy that works for all Americans and helps every community grow," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo."This EDA investment will help ensure that McDowell County has the resources necessary to create modern and sustainable infrastructure that will support local businesses and create good-paying jobs in the region."

"The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally driven development plans," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. "This EDA investment will improve critical public infrastructure in McDowell County, laying the groundwork for a stronger regional economy."

"As Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I'm thrilled to secure needed resources to install new waterlines in communities across McDowell County," said Senator Shelley Moore Capito. This increased access to reliable water infrastructure will help retain businesses in the area, as well as attract new economic development opportunities to the county. I look forward to seeing the progress that will result from this investment."

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Actas a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA's Disaster Supplemental webpagefor more information.