WEST VIRGINIA (WOAY) – The Wyoming County water crisis was formally addressed in Charleston last week, following a meeting called by State Senator Brian Helton. The invite-only session brought together more than 40 officials, including lawmakers, agency representatives, and the county commission, all focused on finding solutions to a crisis that’s left many southern West Virginians without safe drinking water.
“The reason I called that meeting is that there’s a lot of funding out there available. As we all know, Wyoming County is really dependent and needs good, clean drinking water. The good news is that funding’s there,” Senator Brian Helton said.
Among the key areas discussed were Brenton, Baileysville, and Indian Creek, three communities where residents have raised alarms for over half a decade about visible contamination and health concerns. According to internal records shared during the meeting, more than $209 million has already been allocated or spent on water infrastructure projects in Wyoming County.
Water Project Funding Breakdown
According to internal documents shared at the June 16 meeting, over $209 million in state and federal funds have been allocated or spent on water projects in Wyoming County in the last 30 years:
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$22.7 million – Projects under construction
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$84.5 million – Completed projects
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$7.5 million – Projects listed as “critical need”
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$89.4 million – Projects deemed “technically feasible”
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$5.2 million – Funded through other sources (non-WDA)
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Total: $209.3 million
Senator Rollan Roberts, who also attended, described the gathering as a first step toward a more coordinated state response.
“With all of the concerns of water and problems in Wyoming County, I attended a meeting in Charleston that had probably 30-something people in that meeting,” Senator Roberts said. “The idea was to find out what is being done to address those water problems.”
But despite the funding and the attention, both senators say more needs to be done, and it starts with better communication between state agencies, local governments, and residents.
“The first thing that we need right now is we need a list of all of those places. With some pictures, hopefully that will document what needs to be studied so we can make sure that the state has a working list of problems,” Senator Roberts said.
A list like this can help state representatives stay on top of projects and find out how far along they are.
“We can say, here’s the list that we have that we gave you, what’s going on with this one? Where’s this one at? What’s happening with this one? Have we completed anything on this list yet?” Senator Roberts said.
Senator Helton said that to ensure accountability, meetings of this sort will continue to happen, until Wyoming County residents can access the basic need of clean water, a resource that once was plentiful in this area.
“Going forward, we’re going to continue to call for these meetings. We’re going to continue to dialogue together, and as we progress through the steps, each agency is going to be reporting the progress,” Senator Helton said.
As for the future of Wyoming County water, the senators see this as a big step forward, a step that makes the crisis impossible for the state and agencies to ignore.
“The good news is that there have been a lot of people working on this, and I can guarantee you moving forward, there will be a lot of people that continue to work on it,” Senator Helton said. “We’re going to see this through until we get it done.”
Senator Roberts said that he personally will keep the residents of Wyoming County in the forefront of his mind.
“The truth sometimes is hard to find when you’re dealing with these complicated issues, when so many agencies and groups are involved. But I’m willing to help in any way. My number and my email address are public, and I will I will go to bat for Wyoming County,” he said.
For Senator Helton, it is about more than just seeing projects completed; it is about returning quality of life to some of his favorite people on the planet.
“I just think the people of Wyoming County are the cream of the crop. I mean, you’re talking the best of the best,” Senator Helton said. “I’m just happy to be a part of the team. I’m happy to make a difference, and I love serving the people of Wyoming County and southern West Virginia.”
As lawmakers begin to move and court dates draw near, one fact remains unchanged: contaminated water is still flowing. Through the hollers, creeks, and the lives of everything it touches. The July 9th hearing may bring answers, but until then, the crisis isn’t waiting for anyone.
