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KINGWOOD — A group of concerned residents who met with Preston County Commissioners in May was back Tuesday to discuss the ongoing water problems in the Marquess area.
Water problems have plagued that area since the 1990s.
Monica Wolfe, who spoke for the group, said she was told by elected officials that money is available for Preston County. She declined naming the official she spoke with.
“Not having affordable water is a health risk,” she said. “The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says showering within two hours after coming indoors reduces the risk of Lyme disease and removes loose ticks.”
“The commission has done nothing for us to get water,” Wolfe added. “As elected officials, you have responsibility to all Preston County residents.”
When told Newburg was apprised of the situation but had not taken action, Commission President Don Smith said he believes one project has to be completed before another one can be started.
When contacted earlier, Newburg Mayor Edgar Fortney said the Independence project is not completed, and it has to be finished before the town can consider another project. He said the Abandoned Mine Land funding the town received for its current project would only provide water to about 20 homes.
“We haven’t forgotten about those people,” Fortney said about Marquess. “But we have to provide water to 60 more Independence customers and add a booster station before we can begin another project.”
The Newburg water project was funded by an Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Grant. The project allowed the town to take its water line as far as the Independence School and provide water to about 20 homes. This is less than half of the 70 customers who signed up for service. The Newburg Water Board has been working on a plan to provide water to Independence since 2008.
County Administrator Kathy Mace will set a meeting to help work out a solution to the water problem with the Marquess area residents; the Newburg Water Board; Region VI Executive Director Planning and Development, Sheena Hunt; PCEDA Director Robin Baylor; facilitator Randy Tichnell; local representatives; and other concerned agencies and people.
Commissioners also gave the Kingwood Water Board permission to move forward with a discussion about possibly adding a PSD 1 customer to its water service.
The next meeting of the Preston County Commission will be 9 a.m. July 27.
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