BRENTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — After decades of water infrastructure challenges, residents of the Brenton and Baileysville area received long-awaited news on July 16 as Wyoming County Commission President Jason Mullins announced approved funding for a major public water expansion during a community meeting at the Brenton Volunteer Fire Department.
The meeting was directed by Wyoming County Commission President Jason Mullins and State Senator Brian Helton. Also in attendance were other county officials, project engineers, and approximately 50 residents from the Brenton and Baileysville area who gathered to hear the long-awaited announcement.
The Brenton/Baileysville Waterline Extension has been approved for approximately $8.7million in funding and is scheduled to begin construction in September 2026, with completion anticipated by September 2027. The project will bring reliable public water service to more than 250 customers, providing long-awaited relief to families who have struggled with limited water infrastructure for generations.
The project is the result of years of planning, engineering, and coordination among local, state, and federal partners before receiving final funding approval.
Officials also announced approximately `$8.5 million in approved funding for Pineville water system upgrades. That project has experienced a slight delay due to a lack of contractor bids, but officials remain committed to moving it forward as soon as competitive bids are received.
Wyoming County has long faced some of the most significant public water challenges in West Virginia, making the announcement one of the largest water infrastructure investments in the county’s history. Local leaders said the projects will improve quality of life, strengthen public health, support future economic development, and provide a more reliable water supply for communities across Southern West Virginia.
State Senator Brian Helton said he understands why many residents have been frustrated after waiting decades for reliable public water service.
“It is completely understandable that people who have waited decades for clean, reliable public water have become frustrated. That’s why today’s announcement is such tremendous news for the Brenton and Baileysville communities. Relief is finally in sight.”
Helton also praised the teamwork that brought the project to fruition.
“Wyoming County has some of the greatest people you’ll find anywhere, and I have a lot of friends there. I especially want to thank the Wyoming County Commission and Commission President Jason Mullins for their leadership in helping make this project a reality. I also appreciate our county officials and the many state and federal partners who worked together to secure this funding. This investment will make a lasting difference for families, businesses, and communities across Southern West Virginia.”
Residents welcomed the announcement as a major milestone after years of advocating for dependable public water service. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with completion anticipated by September 2027, bringing a new chapter of reliable water infrastructure to hundreds of Wyoming County families.
