LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced a $2 million infrastructure investment in Greenbrier County through the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program to extend public water service from Sam Black Church to Smoot Elementary School and connect approximately 85 residential and commercial customers along the route.
“Infrastructure is the foundation of economic development,” said Governor Morrisey. “You cannot grow jobs, attract businesses, or support schools and healthcare without dependable water and sewer systems. This investment strengthens Greenbrier County’s ability to compete and grow.”
The project will deliver reliable public water service to Smoot Elementary School and surrounding areas, improving public safety, supporting future development, and removing a critical barrier to economic growth in this part of the county.
For Smoot Elementary School, the project will ensure consistent water access for sanitation, food service, student health, and emergency preparedness.
From an economic development standpoint, the expanded water line will open new opportunities for residential construction, business expansion, and employer recruitment.
“Access to public water is often the deciding factor for whether a project moves forward,” said Governor Morrisey. “This waterline removes a real obstacle to growth and positions this area of Greenbrier County to compete not just within West Virginia, but with neighboring states.”
Funding for the project is provided through the AMLER Program, which allows states to reinvest federal resources into communities impacted by historic coal mining activity. Since 2016, West Virginia has invested hundreds of millions of dollars through this program.
