HUNTINGTON -- A $1.9 million water project will soon change lives for nearly 300 residents in rural Cabell County, said assistant county manager Chris Tatum.

Officials estimate the expansive project will provide public water service to 140 families affecting upwards of 300 people. Those families live along Jim Mount Road, Bryan Road, Nine Mile Creek Road, Little Cabell Creek, Clark Hollow Road and Dog Fork of Smith Creek.

Officials had a groundbreaking ceremony in March at the Oak Hill UBI Church in Lesage, one of the customers affected.

Tatum called the project "life changing" because it affects people who have been without clean drinking water and the ability to do laundry in clean water. Hauling water has been a way of life for many.

"Long story short, they will be living basically a normal life," he said. "Now they have a water main through their front yard. It's more of a convenience thing -- something you and I take for granted, that these people have not taken for granted for as long as they've lived up there."

Tatum updated the project's progress at Tuesday's regularly scheduled County Commission meeting. Pipeline installation is nearly complete, and the project should be finished by the end of December on schedule, he said.

Nine Mile Creek: Total completion awaiting final inspection.

Little Cabell Creek: Complete with exception of setting meters and cleanup.

Jim Mount Road: Crews are completing the testing process.

Bryan Road (Sandbank): Some installation and spur line connections are needed.

Clark Hollow Road: Approximately 80 feet of pipe needs installed and a tie-in is needed to connect to the existing water line.

Dog Fork: Need to install 700 feet of pipe, two road crossings and a tie-in is needed to connect to the existing water line.

In addition to water lines, the project includes installation of fire hydrants. Commissioners believe that will reduce home-owners insurance for residents in the affected areas.

Tatum said some leftover funds from the current project will allow officials to install smaller, but additional water lines extending service to another one to 20 customers.

Officials are now considering $2.5 million in additional water line extensions. That project, if approved, would affect 150 to 160 customers.

The current project received support from the Cabell County Commission, the Salt Rock Public Service District, West Virginia American Water, the Region II Planning and Development Council and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va.

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