BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
KERMIT, W.Va. — The Kermit Town Council learned Monday that the town is one step closer to securing $2.9 million for water and sewer improvements after its funding request advanced in Congresswoman Carol Miller’s Community Project Funding process.
The project is one of 20 requests selected to move forward from West Virginia’s 1st Congressional District. It would fund long-needed upgrades to Kermit’s water and sewer system if it is ultimately included in a federal spending package approved by Congress.
Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to request federal dollars for specific projects in their districts. However, proposals must still clear additional review and be included in final appropriations legislation before any money is awarded.
Mayor Charles Sparks read from a letter from a staff member in Miller’s office:
“Of the nearly 200 submissions our office received, Congresswoman Miller was excited to select your application as one of only 20 our office is allowed to put forward for funding. Your application will now move on to the Appropriations Committee to be evaluated for inclusion in an upcoming funding bill. The congresswoman is very hopeful that the committee will approve the application.”
According to Miller’s website, she has requested $2.9 million for Kermit.
Sparks said the town badly needs the funding as it continues to deal with a collapsed sewer line beneath the railroad tracks. The problem has forced Kermit to contract with Dirty Works for sewage pumping services, which have cost the town $20,000 over the past year.
Meanwhile, sewage continues to seep into a storm drain.
“That project alone is $1 million,” Sparks said, explaining that the repair would require boring beneath the railroad tracks.
Wipes flushed into the sewer system have worsened the problem, the mayor said, causing backups in local businesses.
“We told everybody, ‘Don’t put your wipes in the toilet,’” Sparks said. “I don’t know what to do.”
If the federal funding comes through, Sparks said repairing the sewer line will be the priority. The town also hopes to purchase 550 radio-read water meters and 15 fire hydrants.
The council also approved a $119,790.63 drawdown for the ongoing water plant project, proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month, and reviewed park upgrades and the reopening of a local business.
Gwen Clayton, project administrator for the Region 2 Planning and Development Council, attended the meeting to request approval of drawdown No. 14 for the water plant project. The council approved the request.
Clayton said the project is 85% complete.
Council members praised the progress on the water plant upgrade.
“The building is looking good,” Councilwoman Tammy Preece Hodge said.
Councilmen J.W. Endicott and Steve Kominar agreed.
Sparks said contractors are currently working on the ceiling and that additional crews are expected soon.
“Heating, air and humidifier people and electricians are coming in,” he said, adding that work also remains on the raw water intake.
In another announcement, Sparks said the town recently acquired a new side-by-side, a 2026 Ridge Platinum.
“Really nice,” he said. “It’s all enclosed, has power windows, heat and air, GPS and Bluetooth radio. It’s nice.”
The council also heard an update on the Loose Caboose, a restaurant that has reopened under Sara Queen.
Town Clerk Rhonda Muncy said the business is serving hot dogs, hamburgers, jalapeño burgers, barbecue, cake of the day, homemade candy, pasta, macaroni salad, potato salad and “dirty sodas.” On one recent day, she said, 15 side-by-sides stopped there.
“She was excited,” Muncy said, adding that Queen paid for her supplies for the first week and had “a little bit of money to boot.”
Sparks said he wants to make improvements at the town park.
Replacement basketball goals would cost $2,200 each.
“We can wait until we have enough to get both at the same time,” he said. “Then we can upgrade that court.”
Sparks also said he would like to add a pickleball court.
“I have a slide that is broken,” he added. “We may have a shot at getting some playground money through Carol Miller.”
The council will meet again at 6 p.m. April 21 for the second reading of the budget.