HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Seventeen pump stations across the city of Huntington work to protect businesses and residents from flooding.

These pumps also save residents more than $70 million annually in flood insurance costs.

But they were built in the 1930s.

“Everything in this building has to be replaced,” said Brian Bracey, executive director of the Huntington Water Quality Board.

Huntington’s Sanitary Board said the equipment inside of the pump stations is so outdated that it poses a safety concern for employees.

“When they were built, this high voltage becomes problematic and is a safety concern for our staff,” Bracey said.

One of their biggest concerns is an oil breaker that’s used to turn on the pumps.

“Every time our folks go on the other side of the cabinet and have to enga

See Full Page