Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, in her role as Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has revealed a significant development for the Berkeley County Public Service Water District (BCPSWD). The announcement pertains to funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is aimed at enhancing the clean drinking water capacity in southern Berkeley County.

The funding, secured through a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request initiated by Senator Capito, is intended to kickstart a crucial project that involves the construction of a new water treatment plant to address the growing demand in the Bunker Hill area. Expressing the importance of this initiative, Ranking Member Capito emphasized, "As communities in Berkeley County continue to grow and develop, the need for additional clean water infrastructure is critical."

Highlighting the significance of the funding allocation, Senator Capito stated, "This funding is a step in the process of directing the resources that these communities need to provide clean water to the growing number of residents and businesses in the area." The awarded amount of $3,000,000 from the EPA will facilitate the design and construction of the new water treatment plant, a necessary upgrade as the current facility, which is 65 years old, is struggling to meet the escalating demand in Berkeley County.

The BCPSWD, poised to surpass 30,000 metered connections in the near future, has witnessed a notable increase in its customer base with the addition of 4,000 new customers over the past four years. Senator Capito's proactive involvement through the CDS process underscores her commitment to addressing the crucial infrastructure needs of communities in Berkeley County and ensuring access to clean water for residents and businesses alike.