Washington County Service Authority’s ‘Rattle Creek Road Water Line Extension Project’ (nominated by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Drinking Water) was selected as the 2020 AQUARIUS Exceptional Project for “Excellence in Community Engagement.” This important project helped financially disadvantaged residents in Abingdon have safe and reliable water for their homes. The project was funded through the DWSRF, for which VDH is the manager and VRA is the financial administrator. The DWSRF finances the construction and rehabilitation of critical drinking water infrastructure to protect public health.

The Nature Conservancy’s ‘Clinch River Valley Land Conservation Project’ in Russell and Wise Counties (nominated by the Department of Environmental Quality) was selected as the 2020 PISCES Award in the “Environmental and Public Health Protection” category. This important project will help bolster the economy of the Clinch River Valley, a region that has been significantly impacted by the decline of the coal industry. The project will protect nearly 60,000 acres of land, providing a major investment in the region’s natural and recreational resources. The project will support the local economy by creating jobs in the sustainable forestry industry and by expanding the outdoor recreation sector. This project was funded through the CWRLF, for which DEQ is the manager and VRA is the financial administrator. The CWRLF finances projects that protect public health and aquatic resources.

Congratulations to Washington County Service Authority and The Nature Conservancy!