West Virginia Governor Highlights Water Infrastructure Tour and Flood Recovery Efforts

In 2026, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey engaged in two distinct state-related efforts concerning water issues, according to separate reports from WVOW Radio and the WV Office of the Governor. On August 6, WVOW Radio reported that Morrisey completed a two-day listening tour across southern West Virginia focused on water infrastructure, during which he met with residents, local officials, water system operators, and business leaders. During the tour, Morrisey stated that information gathered would help inform proposed water legislation for the next regular legislative session. WVOW Radio also reported a $1.4 million award announced for water infrastructure improvements in the Town of Gary, though this figure has not been independently corroborated by a second source. Separately, on July 1, the WV Office of the Governor reported ongoing flood recovery efforts involving state agencies, local governments, first responders, volunteers, and utility crews responding to what was described as devastating floods and severe storms affecting the state. The National Weather Service, as cited in the July 1 report, forecasted additional showers and thunderstorms with potential for localized heavy rainfall through the following Tuesday. It remains unclear whether the flood recovery efforts described in the July report and the water infrastructure tour described in the August report are directly connected, as the reports originate from different dates and describe different activities. No information was provided in either report regarding the specific counties or communities affected by the floods, nor further details on the scope or timeline of the listening tour beyond its two-day duration.