Help may be on the way for businesses in nine counties that were affected by the recent water contamination crisis. The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a house bill this week to provide loans and grants to small businesses that were impacted by the state of emergency. The bill doesn’t provide specific funding, in just starts the process of helping out local businesses. Many business owners fear they won’t be able to reopen due to the unexpected down time.
Clay Delegate David Walker supported the bill but said he was disappointed it didn’t include an avenue to financially help residents who have missed worked because of the water emergency.
“Now they have to make a decision whether to buy groceries or a new hot water tank,” Walker said. “But he’s not going to get the paycheck next week to buy his groceries.”
The legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration.