Governor Morrisey Announces Major Infrastructure Investments and Water System Fixes For Wayne County

Governor Patrick Morrisey announces an additional $145 million in state funding for water and wastewater infrastructure over the coming year, putting West Virginia on track to surpass $1 billion in total projects while launching a new strategy to get projects moving faster and help communities most in need. xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1pJkOXbbe…

Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency for Wood County as firefighters continue battling the fire at the Peoples Cartage warehouse on Camden Avenue in Parkersburg. The declaration authorizes state agencies to provide all available resources necessary to support local response efforts, protect public safety, and respond to any potential environmental impacts. "Protecting the people of Wood County and supporting the brave first responders on the scene are our top priorities," said Governor Patrick Morrisey. "This State of Emergency ensures every available state resource is ready to assist local officials for as long as necessary while we continue monitoring conditions and protecting nearby communities." Governor Patrick Morrisey was on the ground in Parkersburg today, directing state resources and coordinating with local officials to support firefighters battling the fire at the Peoples Cartage warehouse on Camden Avenue. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has deployed personnel from its Environmental Enforcement and Homeland Security and Emergency Response (HSER) divisions to the scene. DEP personnel continue conducting air quality monitoring around the incident using portable monitors and have yet to detect any air quality readings requiring additional protective actions. The state has requested assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has deployed additional air monitoring equipment. Environmental officials are evaluating any potential impacts from firefighting runoff into the nearby Little Kanawha River. "People should know that we are taking this incident seriously and approaching it with an abundance of caution," said Governor Patrick Morrisey. "I appreciate the extraordinary work of our firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and environmental teams. We will continue supporting them until this fire is extinguished and the community is safe." The Governor remains in constant communication with state officials as response efforts continue. State agencies will continue monitoring conditions and providing support to local responders. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to follow guidance from local emergency officials and avoid the area while firefighting operations continue. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced a $12 million Regional Hub Tourism and Recreational Complex. Combined with previously secured grants, this cements a $16.5 million total investment in Upshur County. governor.wv.gov/article/gove…

Governor Morrisey Issues Statement on Chemical Incident in Kanawha County The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Protection are coordinating closely with Kanawha County Emergency Management to address a chemical incident at the Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners along the border of Nitro and Institute. EMD personnel are currently stationed at the county’s Command Center to provide direct operational support and DEP is providing decontamination and disposal assistance. State emergency leaders continue to monitor the situation and remain ready to deploy additional resources. A number of individuals are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals, and state agencies stand ready to assist those affected as well. Residents in the surrounding area should continue to follow the Personal Protective Measures issued by Kanawha County for further safety guidance and updates. "Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said Governor Morrisey. “We are working around the clock with local officials to ensure this incident is contained and that all necessary state resources are on the ground to protect the community."