HINTON, W.Va. (Hinton News) — The Summers County Commission is moving to streamline water and sewer services by creating a new, countywide public service district.
A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for March 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the Summers County Commission Offices, located within the Summers County Courthouse in Hinton.
The Commission’s motion seeks to establish the Summers County Public Service District. This new entity would hold the authority to provide both water and sewer services to residents who currently lack access to reliable utility infrastructure.
According to the official notice, the Commission believes a dedicated district is better equipped to manage and install these facilities than the county government itself. The move is designed to reach “gap” areas—those parts of the county not currently served by existing municipal or public utilities and where no immediate service plans are in place.
The proposed district would encompass the entire territory of Summers County, with several notable exceptions. Residents already served by the following providers would see no change in their service territory:
City of Hinton: Water and sewer
Jumping Branch-Nimitz PSD: Water
Meadow Bridge PSD: Sewer
Big Bend PSD: Water and sewer
Oakvale Road PSD: Water and sewer
Meadow Creek PSD: Sewer
The Commission is acting sua sponte—on its own motion—under West Virginia Code to initiate this formation. Per state law, the Public Service Commission of West Virginia will be notified of the proceedings.
Commissioners are inviting the public to attend the March 11 hearing to ask questions or speak in favor of or in opposition to the plan.
