CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $21,590,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program for six West Virginia localities. The funding will support upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure in Harrison, Mercer, Mingo, Taylor and Tyler counties and renovations to the historic Fort Henry building in Wheeling. “Having safe, reliable water and wastewater systems in West Virginia’s rural communities is not a luxury, it is essential,” Senator Capito said. “The grants announced today are great news for Ohio, Harrison, Mercer, Mingo, Taylor, and Tyler counties, and will provide critical upgrades for local sewage, water, and wastewater infrastructure in these areas.” “Every West Virginian deserves clean water to drink and fresh air to breathe. Investing in our rural communities spurs economic growth and creates good-paying jobs, and I am pleased USDA is investing in these six sites to improve water quality, strengthen local water infrastructure, expand clean water service to new communities and renovate the historic Fort Henry building in Wheeling. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for funding to ensure our rural communities across the Mountain State have the resources they need to thrive,” Senator Manchin said. Individual awards listed below: