Monongalia County approves $5 million EDA application for Stonewood Forest infrastructure

The Monongalia County Commission on April 1 voted to authorize submission of an application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the Stonewood Forest Water, Sewer and Road Infrastructure Modernization Project.

A county staff member told commissioners the project budget requested $5,000,000 and requires no local match. The resolution designates the county commission president or the county administrator as the authorized representative to execute application and grant documents and affirms the county's commitment to comply with applicable federal and state grant requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 and other procurement and civil-rights obligations.

Commissioner (speaker) 4 moved to approve the resolution and application; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners in attendance voted in the affirmative.

The resolution states the project aims to modernize aging water, sewer and roadway infrastructure serving the Stonewood Forest community to protect public health, enhance environmental quality and support long-term economic resilience. The staff presentation noted alignment with regional comprehensive economic development strategy priorities and that grant administration may involve qualified grant-management representatives to assist with compliance and reporting.

The commission did not set an implementation timeline during the meeting; staff indicated that if funding is awarded, the designated authorized representative will execute the grant agreement and any required certifications and assurances. The commission's action was limited to authorizing application submission; no funding award was reported at the meeting.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote.