Stephens Announces Settlement Funding for Local Drinking Water Infrastructure Projects

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) is pleased to announce that funding from the 2023 environmental restoration settlement with DuPont will be distributed to Gallia and Lawrence counties to support local drinking water infrastructure projects.

Funding, approved this week by the Ohio Controlling Board, will be used to install PFAS treatment at existing water treatment plants. Details are as follows:

• The City of Gallipolis will receive $5 million, benefiting approximately 7,134 residents.
• Gallia Rural Water will receive $5.5 million, benefiting approximately 21,000 residents.
• The Village of South Point will receive $5.5 million, benefiting approximately 4,133 residents.
  

The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed by Governor DeWine against DuPont in 2018, alleging the company released perfluorooctanoic acid into the air and the Ohio River from its Washington Works facility in Parkersburg, West Virginia, despite being aware of the risks the chemical posed to public health and the environment. In total, $65 million will be distributed to counties in Southeast Ohio.

"Water is the most precious resource," said Stephens. "I am hopeful that this settlement will result in better access to higher quality water for the people of the 93rd House District."