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Gary Today
By the People, for the People
West Virginia PSC Orders Gary to Partner with McDowell County on Sewer Operations
The city's sewer utility was declared distressed in 2024, leading to the state-mandated agreement.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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The West Virginia Public Service Commission has ordered the city of Gary to enter into an operations and maintenance agreement with the McDowell County Public Service Commission to provide sewer service to the city. This comes after Gary's sewer utility was declared distressed in 2024, and the city and county had been negotiating an agreement that had stalled.
Why it matters
The PSC rejected an alternative agreement filed by the city, saying it was inadequate to address the issues facing the utility. This state-mandated partnership aims to stabilize the city's sewer operations and finances after years of distress.
The details
Under the new agreement, the McDowell County PSD will take over operations and maintenance of Gary's sewer system. The county will also propose a surcharge to offset the additional costs of providing service to the city.
- Gary's sewer utility was declared distressed in 2024.
- The city and county had been negotiating an agreement since then, but progress had slowed.
- The West Virginia PSC issued its order on February 10, 2026, giving the two parties 20 days to enter into the agreement.
The players
West Virginia Public Service Commission
The state regulatory agency that oversees public utilities in West Virginia.
McDowell County Public Service Commission
The county-level public service commission that will take over operations and maintenance of Gary's sewer system.
City of Gary
The city in West Virginia that has been ordered to enter into the operations and maintenance agreement with the McDowell County PSD.
What’s next
The city of Gary and McDowell County PSD have 20 days to enter into the operations and maintenance agreement as ordered by the West Virginia PSC.
The takeaway
This state-mandated partnership aims to stabilize the city of Gary's distressed sewer system by having the more financially stable McDowell County PSD take over operations and maintenance, funded by a new surcharge.