PITTSBURGH -- PITTSBURGH – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District has entered into a partnership agreement with the city of McMechen, West Virginia, to complete more than $550,000 in upgrades to the city’s stormwater collection system.
The partnership agreement is the first step in the rehabilitation of the city’s stormwater system along 21st and 22nd streets near their intersections with Marshall Street, reducing the potential for flooding and protecting local property.
"Our team of experts feels a great deal of pride knowing their skills and talents are helping to improve the communities in our region," said Lt. Col. Timothy Butler, deputy commander of the Pittsburgh District. "Through partnership with the city of McMechen, this project will have a positive effect on the area residents for decades to come."
The outdated conveyance system lacks the capacity to handle stormwater runoff resulting from heavy rains within the city. Debris buildup within the collapsed sections of pipe created flooding issues that have impacted local residences and small businesses in the area. The upgrades will alleviate flooding issues and prevent damage to public and private property in the future.
“The upgrades are vital for public safety and the protection of local roadways and railways near the project area,” said Scott Swansinger, project manager for the Pittsburgh District.
U.S. Rep. David McKinley (W.Va.-1) has worked closely with the Pittsburgh District to champion projects like these for communities such as the city of McMechen.
“Over the past four years McMechen has faced repeated flooding that has devastated the community and damaged homes and businesses,” said McKinley. “This project will help address the root causes of the flooding by upgrading their antiquated storm drain system. We’re excited for this partnership between the Army Corps and the city of McMechen and look forward to working alongside them to fix this problem.”
The contract work is estimated to be completed by December 2024.
The government shares the cost of the project with the sponsor at a rate of 75 to 25 percent, respectively, under the Section 219 environmental infrastructure program.
BACKGROUND: Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1992 (PL 102-580), authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide design and/or construction assistance to non-federal interests for carrying out water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects within northern West Virginia.
Pittsburgh District’s 26,000 square miles include portions of western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Maryland, and southwestern New York. It includes more than 328 miles of navigable waterways, 23 navigation locks and dams, 16 multi-purpose flood control reservoirs, 42 local flood-protection projects, and other projects to protect and enhance the nation’s water resources infrastructure and environment.
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