Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced today that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will provide over $4.8 million in federal funding for water infrastructure improvements in several Kentucky counties.

The Wolfe County Sanitation District will receive $1.4 million to construct a new wastewater treatment plant and install sewer lines, expanding sewer service to households and businesses in the community. The City of Beattyville will use its $1.3 million grant to rehabilitate three water tanks, ensuring safe drinking water for Beattyville residents. The Letcher County Water and Sewer District will receive $1.2 million to expand service to over 220 unserved homes. The Breathitt County Water District will utilize $984,000 to improve their water infrastructure and extend new water service in the area.

The federal funding is made possible through an ARC program, established by Senator McConnell, that focuses on water and other infrastructure priorities in distressed counties throughout Central Appalachia. Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, supported these competitive grant applications and advocated for ARC funding in the annual government funding bill.

Senator McConnell emphasized the positive impact of investing in water infrastructure, stating, "Investing in our water infrastructure can have a tremendous impact on families living in Kentucky’s rural communities, improving quality of life standards for thousands and paving the way for future growth."

Congressman Rogers also highlighted the importance of these investments, saying, "Every day, we rely on the water and sewer lines in our homes and businesses, and when those necessities are disrupted, we can’t get them repaired fast enough. These ARC investments in Breathitt, Lee, Letcher, and Wolfe Counties will go a long way to provide security and reliability for these vital utility services in the region."

The funding will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also create opportunities for future business development and expansion in the region. Both Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers have been long-time supporters of the Appalachian Regional Commission, recognizing the significant support it provides to Kentucky's Appalachian communities.

For more information about the Appalachian Regional Commission and its programs, please visit https://www.arc.gov/.

For specific information about the projects in Wolfe County Sanitation District, City of Beattyville, Letcher County Water and Sewer District, and Breathitt County Water District, please visit their respective websites.