U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined federal and local officials Monday to sign an amendment to the partnership agreement for the Lower Mud River flood control project. The amendment is intended to simplify land acquisitions for the state and the city of Milton, allowing the project to proceed.
Capito, a Republican who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, was joined at the event by Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, Morrisey, Congresswoman Carol Miller and Milton Mayor Shane Evans.
“West Virginians across this region of our state know how needed the Lower Mud River flood control project is, and how this effort will protect our residents and make our communities along the Mud River more resilient,” Capito said.
Capito said she had worked for years to secure funding and increase the federal cost share for the project from 65% to 90%, which she secured in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022. She also secured an additional $190 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support construction.
“Through a strong partnership between local, state, and federal leaders, we are able to move forward with this long-awaited project for the City of Milton,” Morrisey said. “When Mother Nature strikes, we have to be ready. Putting our focus into projects like this one will help us mitigate damage, protect local communities, and save lives.”
The completed project will include a nearly 8,300-foot levee and floodwall, two new pump stations, a gate closure and the relocation of almost 1,000 feet of the Mud River. The project is designed to provide 250-year flood protection for Milton and the surrounding area. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.