Morgantown’s Monongahela River Revival
Morgantown, West Virginia, has long struggled with trash and debris buildup along the Monongahela River, a vital community feature that runs through the heart of downtown. The accumulation behind the city’s dam has created stagnant, unsightly water and safety risks, despite strong volunteer cleanup efforts that have removed thousands of pounds of waste each year. Recognizing the river’s importance to local identity, city leaders partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop a lasting solution, ultimately securing $375,000 in FY2024 community project funding, federal dollars requested directly through elected officials rather than traditional grants, to design a debris and trash removal system.
The funding allows Morgantown to move from feasibility studies, initially supported by ARPA funds, to a full system design that will capture and remove trash before it reaches the dam. The project aims to enhance water quality, improve the river’s appearance and reduce operational hazards for the lock and dam system. With design work now underway, the city is preparing for construction and hopes to deliver a shovel-ready project that sets a precedent for innovative, community-driven environmental solutions. City officials encourage other municipalities to explore community project funding as a flexible way to address unique, persistent challenges that traditional grants often overlook.
