Rogers Announces Water Treatment Funding for City of Loyall
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $300,000 to the City of Loyall for the first phase of a two-phase Wastewater Line Replacement Project to rehabilitate the town’s sewer collection system. This phase of the project aims to improve water treatment service for 102 residents and 10 businesses in the old Loyall area by replacing an inadequate Combined Sewer Outfall (CSO) system with a new system that carries only wastewater. Combined with $450,000 in other federal, state and local funds, the project is projected to cost approximately $750,000 in total.
“A modern, well-maintained sewer system is essential for improving the environment, public health, and economic growth,” stated Rogers. “These funds are critical to improving Harlan County, the City of Loyall and all our rural areas – positioning them as attractive places to live, work and raise a family. I applaud the Commission’s continued leadership in supporting important community development, healthcare, and educational initiatives.”
The City’s existing sewer system was constructed in the 1960s of clay tile pipes. Four of the combined sewer outfalls have malfunctioned, resulting in a volume of water traveling through the system which exceeds its capacity. This rehabilitation project calls for the installation of a 6,100-foot gravity sewer pipeline and a 315-foot main to convey raw, untreated sewage to a treatment facility, as well as a replacement pump station.
Throughout his tenure in the U.S. Congress, Rogers has worked to secure funding for water improvement projects throughout the fifth congressional district. In 1997, Rogers founded Eastern Kentucky PRIDE to promote Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment in 38 counties. PRIDE unites citizens with the resources of federal, state and local governments to improve water quality in the region, clean up illegal trash and solid waste that would pollute local rivers and streams, and promote environmental awareness and education in our communities. To date, Rogers has secured more than $187.9 million for these important initiatives.
“PRIDE has united people around our region to alleviate major concerns about access to safe drinking water and damage to the environment,” said Rogers. “Organizations such as PRIDE and the Appalachian Regional Commission have invested incredible time, talent and resources into the betterment of southern and eastern Kentucky, and their continued support and dedication to our area will ensure that the quality of life for families in our region will continue to rise.”
Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.