MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Monongalia County Commission has unanimously agreed to assist the Holland Avenue project with $125,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
“We find this to be a very important project,” Commissioner Jeff Arnett said. “Anyone that’s gone across Holland Avenue realizes the challenges faced to both your suspension and your vertebra.”
This money will help the town address failing storm and sanitary sewer plus replace a large retaining wall on the lower portion of about 2,000-feet of Holland Avenue.
“Replacement and upgrades necessary for storm water retention to help that area,” Arnett said. ” In the long run help the road because the water will go to the right place.”
The move by the commission will help the town getting an Economic Enhancement Grant out of $200 million designated by Governor Justice. The county monetary contribution will also come with a letter of support for the grant application process.
“This is us helping them so they can apply for other grants,” Sikora said. “We look forward to more updates and more involvement in this project.”
Westover officials plan to use 100-percent of their ARPA allocation of $1.9 million on the project. The project is estimated to cost $3.8 million, so officials are looking ways to fund the balance of the project cost.
“It’s important to note that Westover has allocated their full ARPA allocation to this project, so this isn’t something that they don’t have a lot of skin in the game,” Arnet said.
Additionally, commissioners said since it is a state road, US 19, the DOH should pay of paving costs that are estimated to be up to $400,000.