Three concerned citizens: Helen Earley, Lou Rabel, and Paul Weaver met with the Wetzel County Commission to follow-up on funding details for a water pipe project on Whiteman Hill. Also present at the meeting was Keith Nelsen, manager of Wetzel County Public Service District No. 1.

It was recognized that Congressman Alan Mollohan’s office has been in regular contact with everyone at the meeting and he assures them the Whiteman Hill water pipe project is a top priority. Those involved in the funding process are sending in the appropriate forms in hopes of earning a large State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) from the Environmental Protection Agency to get the design portion of the project started.

In the 2010 fiscal year Mollohan had only around $650,000 in appropriated funds for such projects and it is assumed a similar amount will be allotted in 2011.

The Whiteman Hill project is roughly estimated to cost $2.4 million total and therefore Nelsen and those present at the meeting are all researching other state grants and funds available. Other factors in funding availability include the upcoming census results and this year’s congressional election. The commission will continue to be in contact with Mollohan’s office in hopes of pushing the Whiteman Hill project forward.