Newsletter: Shelley's Weekly Update - Expanding Water Access to Rural West Virginia

Statement

Dear Friends,

I joined officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Kanawha County Commission and West Virginia American Water on Wednesday to sign an agreement for a new water project in Alum Creek.

I helped secure $250,000 in funding for this project through the Central West Virginia Environmental Infrastructure Fund, section 571 of the Water Resources Development Act. The Olcott-Alum Creek project will expand access to municipal drinking water to 204 residents.

Expanding the access to municipal drinking water will improve the quality of life for residents in Olcott and Alum Creek. The Army Corps of Engineers has the experience needed to ensure this project will succeed, and I am proud to have helped secure the funding needed to see this project come to fruition.

The signing ceremony was held in the Kanawha County Commission Chamber at the Kanawha County Courthouse, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Leon Parrott and Kanawha County Commissioner Hoppy Shores are pictured above signing the agreement.

CRACKING DOWN ON DRUG TRAFFICKING

Federal assistance is on the way to two West Virginia counties to help local law enforcement address drug trafficking. On Monday, the Office of National Drug Control Policy announced that Berkeley and Harrison counties will be designated as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas.

This designations will allow officials in Berkeley and Harrison counties to access federal resources to address drug trafficking, as well as helping to coordinate efforts among local, state and federal law enforcement officials.

I requested this designation in a May letter to Michael Botticelli, acting director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Berkeley and Harrison counties' proximity to three major interstates -- 70, 79 and 81 -- makes this designation critical in addressing the drug trade.

With the significant role that out-of-state drug traffickers play in fueling West Virginia's drug problem, it is critical that law enforcement fight back with a regional approach.Our local officials need access to state and federal resources to help address the drug trade and safeguard our communities.

I thank Acting Director Botticelli and the Office of National Drug Control Policy for recognizing this need and providing additional resources to help fight drug trafficking in Berkeley and Harrison counties.

COAST GUARD DEDICATION

On Monday, I participated in the dedication of the new U.S. Coast Guard Operation Systems Center in Kearneysville.

I was joined by Senator Joe Manchin, U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Assistant Commander Thomas P. Michelli and dignitaries from Jefferson County in celebrating the facility's opening.

The Coast Guard already has a strong presence in Jefferson County, and this facility will further cement the partnership between West Virginia and the Coast Guard. Projects like this show employers considering relocating or expanding to West Virginia that our counties and our state are tremendous partners for future investments, both public and private.

EASTERN PANHANDLE ACADEMY DAY

Sunday's Academy Day at Washington High School in Charles Town was a great success! Thank you to all of the students, families and service academy representatives who attended.

For students considering applying for a nomination from my office, please note: The deadline for receiving all required information is Friday, Oct. 31, 2014. For an application for a nomination, please click here.

Thank you for reading my weekly e-newsletter, and as always, you can join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito

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