Water system improvements come to Rainelle
By Peggy Mackenzie
The town of Rainelle has needed clean drinking water for a long time, says Mayor Andrea Pendleton. Infrastructure problems have plagued this western Greenbrier County town seemingly forever. On Apr. 21, a ground-breaking ceremony for a multi-million dollar water system improvements project was celebrated with fanfare. Pendleton thanked all those who attended for their help in making this long-awaited improvements project get started.
The water quality improvements in Rainelle’s well water system is the first phase of an ongoing county-wide water system tie-in project overseen by the Region 4 Planning and Development Council and USDA Rural Development in West Virginia. It will take many years to be completed. But, as a first step, Rainelle’s water improvement project will be completed within the next year, Pendleton said.
Attendees and speakers at the ground-breaking included Senator Ron Miller, Kimberly Gross representing Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Michael Browning representing U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, USDA Rural Development in WV State Director Bobby Lewis and Area Specialist Teresa Miller, and Chrissy Hanna, representing Region 4 Planning and Development Council.
Praise for the leadership of Pendleton and Rainelle Town Council was a continuing theme during the 45-minute groundbreaking ceremony.
“This is a big deal,”said Pendleton. “I’m excited for the town, but there’s more work to be done. Rainelle could serve as the source to supply the western end with good water.” Bringing water to Charmco, Rupert and Sam Black Church is the first of many infrastructure projects ahead for Greenbrier County.
