Huntington in Progress: June 10, 2025 Update
Mayor Farrell’s Update – Quick, Clear, and To the Point
An update: focused on what matters, without the fluff. Just a few scrolls to stay informed on what we’re doing, why it matters, and what’s next.
Public Safety
🏘️ Cracking Down on Sober Living Violations
The City has inspected 33 of 54 registered sober living homes to root out unscrupulous operators and protect vulnerable residents. We’re making sure those seeking recovery are in safe, code-compliant housing and every operator is playing by the rules, not profiting at the expense of people’s safety.
🚨 Highlawn Drug Raid Nets Major Seizure
The Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force and ATF executed search and arrest warrants in Highlawn, seizing 5 pounds of fentanyl — enough to kill over 1 million people — plus crack cocaine, a firearm, and $22K in cash. Two men, one from Detroit and one from Huntington, were taken into custody as part of the ongoing federal investigation.
🏗️ Progress at the Huntington Homeless Services Hub A contractor has been selected for the Hub, and renovations are on track to open the facility before winter. We’re eager to start building a space where people can find shelter, housing support, and treatment, all under one roof.
🚒 Westmoreland Fire Station Update
Work on the new fire station is scheduled to begin in August and finish by December 2026, bringing upgraded fire service to the Westmoreland community.
Infrastructure
🌊 Fourpole Creek Gauge to Deliver Real-Time Alerts
A new state-approved stream gauge is coming to Fourpole Creek to provide real-time water level data. After February’s flooding, the City saw a clear need for faster, more reliable flood warnings. The gauge will give emergency officials and residents critical early alerts when conditions start to change. The data will help improve response times and protect our flood-prone neighborhoods. Cabell County 911 is leading the effort to make it happen, and installation is targeted for July.
🚨 Major Wastewater Treatment Bids Due This Week
Bids for improvements to the Huntington Wastewater Treatment Plant are due June 12th. This is the largest of six projects in the Huntington Sanitary Board’s $250M infrastructure plan and the most expensive. The goal is to expand capacity, boost efficiency, and better meet environmental permit standards. This marks a major step in upgrading WV’s largest collection and treatment system.
🚧 Residents Give Input on Downtown Streetscape
Residents reviewed and weighed in on a proposed plan to revitalize 10 blocks of downtown Huntington that include parts of 8th, 9th, 10th streets and 3rd Avenue. The goal is to refresh the central business district. This is only the planning phase and no funding is in place yet for construction.
Economy:
🏗️ Nucor Flags Housing as Major Need
Nucor’s nearly $4B project along Rt. 2, one of the largest economic developments in WV history, is moving fast, with completion set for late 2026. As Nucor prepares to hire hundreds more workers, housing remains a top concern. During a tour of the construction site, I assured their leadership that Huntington stands ready to help meet the need.
This is one of the reasons we’re working to create one-stop permitting for developers, advance zoning reforms to encourage new investments in missing middle housing, and strengthen compliance enforcement to bring more properties up to code.
If we want to grow Huntington’s economy, we have to fix housing.
One Fun Thing:
⚾ Huntington Baseball: Tri-State Coal Cats vs. Pulaski River Turtles
The Tri-State Coal Cats hosted their 2025 Appalachian League home opener against the Pulaski River Turtles. This collegiate summer league backed by MLB and USA Baseball showcases rising college talent swinging wooden bats, giving fans a first look at the game’s future. The Coal Cats play at Marshall University’s Jack Cook Field, bringing affordable, family-friendly baseball back to Huntington. Play ball!
