WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — U.S. Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Riley Moore (R-WV) are taking aim at a persistent crisis in southern West Virginia: access to clean drinking water. The lawmakers released a joint statement following the successful passage of their amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act in the House Appropriations Committee.
The amendment specifically directs the EPA to detail what resources it has available to assist areas with high rates of drinking water violations—highlighting Wyoming and McDowell Counties, where communities have long struggled with water quality and infrastructure issues.
“Clean drinking water is a necessity, but tragically, some communities in West Virginia struggle to access this basic need,” the lawmakers said. “Our amendment that passed the House Appropriations Committee today will help us identify and deliver real solutions to this water crisis in the Southern Coalfields. No parent should ever have to wonder how they’re going to ensure their kids have water to drink or bathe in. We are committed to doing everything in our power to help these communities dealing with this terrible situation.”
The broader legislation was advanced by the House Appropriations Committee on July 22 and now heads to the full House for consideration.
The amendment builds upon Rep. Miller’s ongoing efforts to bring clean water infrastructure to underserved areas of southern West Virginia. Over the past four years, Miller has secured and requested millions in federal funding for various water and sewer projects:
- FY 2026: Requested $750,000 for a project in Welch, WV to remove a Combined Sewer Overflow, improving Clean Water Act compliance and benefiting 868 residents and businesses.
- FY 2024: Secured $750,000 for Pineville’s Brenton/Baileysville Waterline Extension Project, extending water service to 254 customers in Wyoming County.
- FY 2024: Secured $1.75 million for a new sewer system in Davy, WV to reduce pollution in the Tug Fork River and improve public health.
- FY 2023: Secured $450,000 for the Hanover Waterline Extension Project, improving water access for 215 residents and businesses in Wyoming County.
- FY 2022: Secured $495,840 for the DigDeep Right to Water Project in Welch, bringing clean water and sanitary sewage systems to 35 households.
The lawmakers say the new amendment will enhance transparency around federal resources and provide a path toward long-term solutions for communities left behind.
The full text of Community Project Funding requests by Rep. Miller can be found on her official website.
