Sen. Shelley Moore Capito announced this week two earmarks totaling $2 million to upgrade the sewer system in the Lashmeet-Matoaka area.

Mercer County Commissioner Greg Puckett said the earmarks will help replace the Lashmeet Public Service District’s sewer plant.

“One of the problems we have is it’s not just about water. We need to get as much water there as possible. But, doing these sewer projects as well helps tie into where we start looking at housing, start looking at opportunities for tourism-related activities for good quality, quality lodging,” Puckett said.

Puckett said the area has not seen as much infrastructure development as it should.

“That side of the county doesn’t see as much development as we should in terms of infrastructure. So, if you take that combined with the other stuff that we’ve considered a priority with our Region I Planning and Development Group. I think that’s where we’re starting to see the movement. And the more of these that we have, they sort of layer on to each other and it’s the building blocks for the foundation we’re wanting to see,” Puckett said.

Capito also announced earmarks for an expansion of the Lashmeet Water System in the Hiawatha area and the town of Davy for phase two of its sewer project.

Capito, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced Congressionally Directed Spending allocations for Fiscal Year 2026 to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ projects throughout West Virginia.

“As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I am committed to ensuring our infrastructure and public works systems remain strong and reliable,” Capito said. “These funds for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will help support critical projects across West Virginia, providing our communities with the resources they need to strengthen infrastructure, enhance safety, and improve quality of life for residents across our state.”