U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., came to Parkersburg Thursday to discuss what many issues around the state need to be addressed with over $1.9 billion in federal dollars for COVID and economic recovery. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG — A U.S. senator wants West Virginia to be the model of how federal COVID-19 relief money should be spent.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was in Parkersburg Thursday, meeting with local leaders in Parkersburg City Council Chambers about what communities can expect from the American Rescue Plan in direct funding for COVID-19 recovery, water, sewer and broadband projects.

“We are determined to make West Virginia the model of how the money should be used, being distributed in the proper way and getting the best results,” Manchin said.

With this newest round of spending, $1.9 trillion, communities have until the end of 2024 to invest the money, he said. Half will be received this year and the other half next year.

With the help of the state auditor’s office, communities can track how the money is spent.

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., addressed local officials Thursday in Parkersburg City Council Chambers regarding what theycan expect with recent money approved by the federal government for COVID recovery and economic stimulus. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Manchin would like to see communities come together with the state and solve bigger problems such as infrastructure upgrades for water and sewer lines and broadband expansion.

“Everyone can do something,” Manchin said. “For the first time you are in control of your own destiny.”

Money is also being made available to small businesses, restaurants, health care centers, education and more. Money was made available to bring vaccines in the area.

State Auditor John B. McCuskey spoke about working together with the senator’s office for everyone’s benefit, despite political differences and coming to an agreement.

“This is a lot of money,” he said. “Our office’s goal is pretty simple. This money has to make West Virginia better going forward. There is going to be a lot of oversight on this money.”

West Virginia Auditor J.D. McCuskey spoke Thursday to local officials about how federal dollars approved for the State of West Virginia will be monitored and tracked to cut down on fraudulent spending. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Citizens want to make sure the money is spent on needed projects and not on consultants, lawyers and others making fraudulent promises which would take the money away from where it is needed, McCuskey said.

“We want this money to affect West Virginians’ lives going forward,” McCuskey said.

Wood County will receive $16.2 million with $320,000 going to North Hills, $22.45 million to the City of Parkersburg, $2.69 million to the City of Vienna and $1.19 million to the City of Williamstown.

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce said the city is making preparations for the money, but are waiting to see what the “guardrails” are in how it should be spent.

“My hope is we can make impactful from a long-term stance, infrastructure that will be here for the next generation,” he said.

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., came to Parkersburg Thursday to discuss what local counties will be receiving as part of recent COVID recovery and stimulus money passed by the federal government and how local communities will look at how to spend that money. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Wood County Commission President Blair Couch said it is a lot of money that will impact people for years to come.

Couch believes there are a number of ways local officials can come together and do projects together so many will be able to go beyond the various city limits and impact the county as a whole. He also wants to see if they can partner with state officials to expand broadband throughout the county.

“I want to have a sit-down with everyone and see what we can accomplish together,” he said.

Contact Brett Dunlap at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com

West Virginia Auditor J.D. McCuskey and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin spoke Thursday about how federal dollars approved for the State of West Virginia will be monitored and tracked as the state is receiving around $1.9 billion for COVID and economic recovery. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)