WEBSTER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Craigsville Public Service District, at the request of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, has been authorized to take over the water and sewer systems of a Webster County town, the PSC said Monday.
Webster County Circuit Court Judge Michael Asbury issued an order naming Craigsville as receiver for Camden-on-Gauley Water Works and Camden-on-Gauley Sanitation System.
The decision came after a hearing before the judge on May 20.
The Commission opened a general investigation into the utilities’ operations on April 3. The Commission’s investigation found the utilities were “unable or unwilling to adequately service customers” and that the systems “have been actually or effectively abandoned,” the court said.
Craigsville told the Commission it was willing to serve as receiver for both utilities. The systems serve 152 water customers and 88 wastewater customers, the court said.
Under the order, Craigsville will “maintain the sole control and responsibility for the management and operation of the affairs of the respective aforementioned utilities.”
Craigsville already provides water and sewer coverage to the town, and Cowen provides water assistance.
The Commission was directed to provide counsel and assistance to aid Craigsville in its duties as receiver. This will include engineering assessments, operational techniques, sources of funding and coordination of activities of other involved state agencies.
More information on this case can be found on the PSC website: www.psc.state.wv.us. Click on “Case Information” and access Case No. 25-0331-WS-GI.
