The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $30,000 for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the safety of drinking water.

Specifically, the funding will help protect underground water sources from waste and pollutants in southern West Virginia.

“Clean water and fresh air for West Virginians has always been a top priority of mine," said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. "By protecting our underground water sources, we are able to take steps forward in ensuring that all West Virginians have access to clean drinking water."

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito added, "Whether through investments in infrastructure or funding for monitoring programs like in this announcement, I will continue to fight for resources that provide this basic service to West Virginians."