August 29, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lynette Maselli
304.357.7809
Lynette.Maselli@wvsenate.gov

KESSLER MAKES APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
SUPPLY STUDY COMMISSION
CHARLESTON, W.V. Senate President Jeff Kessler (D-Marshall) announced today he
appointed Dr. Rahul Gupta, Executive Director of the Kanawha Charleston Health Department,
to the Public Water System Supply Study Commission.
Dr. Gupta has been involved in this issue since the January 9
th
chemical leak in Charleston that
left nearly 300,000 residents with contaminated drinking water, says Kessler. Dr. Gupta will
be an excellent voice on the commission regarding public health and protecting the states water
resources. I am pleased he accepted the appointment and trust that his input will be invaluable to
the commission.
The Commission, established by Senate Bill 373, was created for the purpose of studying and
reporting back to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance on the effectiveness of the
above-mentioned legislation, as well as suggestions to improve the infrastructure of existing
public water systems and to pursue other measures designed to protect the integrity of public
water service.
I am honored to be appointed by Senate President Kessler to the study commission, says
Gupta. I believe that the safety and security of our water is critical and in the best public interest
of our state. I look forward to serving on the commission and working to protect the health of all
West Virginians.
The study commission will consist of twelve members: four members appointed by the
Governor, one representative designated by the Rural Water Association, the Municipal League,
the Department of Environmental Protection, the Bureau for Public Health, the Division of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Chairman of the Public Service
Commission, a non-voting member appointed by the Senate President and a non-voting member
appointed by the Speaker of the House.
Reports by the commission shall be submitted to the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance on or before December 15 of each year, beginning this year.

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