TALKING PROJECTS – The Weirton Area Water Board met in regular session Thursday, where a proposal was discussed for a Distribution System Improvement Charge, through the West Virginia Public Service Commission, to fund improvements to the water system. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Officials with the Weirton Area Water Board once again want to assure residents they have been making investments into the city’s water distribution system, but explained any large-scale improvements are going to come with a cost.

During Thursday’s board meeting, Utilities Director A.D. “Butch” Mastrantoni noted an application had been made last year to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for assistance, through a federal funding program, to assist with a project to update line from the Lee Avenue reservoir into portions of the city’s downtown.

“We had applied for that in August, and, in October, we were turned down,” Mastrantoni said. “Contrary to popular belief, we have sought funding.”

Another option is available, according to Mastrantoni, though it will come with a slight – but temporary – increase to customers’ monthly bills.

Mastrantoni noted the West Virginia Public Service Commission offers a Distribution System Improvement Charge option to fund projects.

“The charge is added as a surcharge to the bill,” Mastrantoni explained. “It wouldn’t be a full rate increase. After so many years, the surcharge falls off.”

As an example, the estimated $4.34 million line improvement project for which the board sought funding last year, could lead to customers paying an additional $3 to $5 each month through the surcharge. Once the project is paid off, the surcharge would no longer be assessed.

He explained, though, he wanted to get input from both the Water Board and Weirton Council before approaching the PSC with the proposal.

Board member Don Gianni Jr. recommended also getting a better idea of the cost of the project, noting the board would have to contract with some outside services which also would have a cost.

“We’re going to have to get some quotes before we spend money,” he said.

Vice Chairman George Ash suggested the board and council schedule a work session to go over details of the funding proposal.

Mastrantoni explained West Virginia American Water has used such an approach with some of its projects. A representative of West Virginia American Water appeared before Weirton Council Monday seeking to form a partnership with the city for oversight of Weirton’s water service.

This proposed project isn’t the only improvement undertaken to the distribution system, as the board has set up funds in recent years to replace two-inch galvanized line in various parts of the system.

“This board has continuously addressed the distribution lines,” Mastrantoni said, noting plans for this year include the replacement of approximately 2,000 linear feet serving Darby Court, Kathleen Way and Valley Way.