USDA Rural Development West Virginia State Director joined with local officials, representatives of the Gauley River Public Service District (PSD) and residents in Summersville to participate in a dedication ceremony for Phases I through III of the Gauley River Summersville Waterline Extension Project. The Gauley River PSD is the recipient of loan and grant funds from USDA Rural Development totaling $8,572,000 to support the construction of this waterline extension project.
The Gauley River PSD owns and operates an existing water distribution system that serves approximately 1,450 households, businesses, and schools within Nicholas, Fayette and Clay counties. The Summersville phase one, two and three water extension projects were designed to bring water service to approximately 448 additional customers within Nicholas and Fayette Counties.
Construction on Phase I was completed in 2012 and served 230 customers from the City of Summersville to the Gilboa and Enon areas along Route 39. Phase II was finished earlier this year and served 160 customers within the Zela area of Nicholas County as well as the Zela Elementary School. Phase III, which is currently under construction, will serve 58 additional customers from the Zela area to the intersection of Route 39 and Route 19/21. This third and final phase will also connect the eastern and western sides of the District’s water distribution system.
On behalf of USDA Rural Development, West Virginia State Director Bobby Lewis said, “Our agency is once again pleased to be a part of the project that will provide a source of safe and reliable water to the residents of rural Fayette and Nicholas Counties.” Lewis went on to say “Today we’re dedicating these projects and also celebrating the commitment and dedication of everyone associated with the Gauley River Public Service District and the local community.”
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
Rural Development serves at the lead Federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through its housing, business, community and infrastructure programs. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs)
Further information on USDA Rural Development may be obtained by visiting USDA’s website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. In West Virginia, call 1-800-295-8228 to be put in touch with the appropriate personnel serving your county. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
