MORGANTOWN – After two years spent lining up funding sources, the Morgantown Utility Board says the Morgans Run waterline extension project will be bid out in spring, with construction following soon thereafter.
The project will serve some 26 homes in Cheat Lake’s Morgans Run, Lubbock Lane, Longhorn Lane, Rugh Lane, Armstrong Drive area.
Residents in the area have spent more than a decade purchasing, collecting and hauling water due to low-producing wells plagued with high iron and manganese levels.
At a cost of $4,614,000, the project will include the construction of 7,215 linear feet of eight-inch water main, 6,705 linear feet of six-inch water main, 2,655 linear feet of two-inch water main, the installation of five fire hydrants and 26 residential service connections.
On Dec. 10, MUB was informed that the final piece of the funding package was coming by way of $1,221,580 from the West Virginia Infrastructure Jobs Development Council. That total includes a $500,000 grant and a $721,580 low-interest (1%) loan to be repaid through a surcharge added to the water bills of customers who have committed to the project.
It’s MUB’s standing policy that the cost of line extensions be carried by those who benefit rather than rate payers across MUB’s service area.
“IJDC funding is the last piece of project funding required to provide these families with clean, safe drinking water as well as with fire hydrant service,” MUB General Mike McNulty said. “Projects like this provide an excellent example of agencies and community members coming together to solve important problems. We are extremely proud to be a part of assisting these families.”
In addition to the IJDC, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Abandoned Mine Lands & Reclamation program is providing a $3,311,000 grant for the work.
In June 2024, the Monongalia County Commission earmarked $2,000 for each home served by the project, $52,000 total, to help cover tap fees.
“This is a longstanding commitment that we have. When there’s new service being provided to areas, we contribute to each new household,” Commission President Jeff Arnett explained at the time.
The remaining $29,420 will be covered by MUB.
“This project has been a long time in the making. We look forward to putting shovels in the ground and helping these families,” McNulty said, offering thanks to Delegate David McCormick, Gov. Patrick Morrisey and US Sen. Shelley Moore Capito for their assistance in securing the necessary funding.
