CONGRESSMAN BOUCHER SECURES $2,755,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO IMPROVE WATER SERVICE IN ABINGDON

Federal Funds Will Replace Aging Water System with More Reliable Infrastructure

            (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Rick Boucher announced today that, at his urging, the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Rural Development Agency has provided a low-interest federal loan of $2,755,000 to the Washington County Service Authority for a significant water improvement project in Abingdon. 

            “With the benefit of the federal funds, the aging water system in the northern part of Abingdon will be replaced with a new and modern water infrastructure which will provide safer and more reliable public water service to more than 600 homes and businesses,” Boucher said.

            Currently, the water system serving the northern portion of Abingdon relies on aging cast iron and galvanized steel water lines, which are too small to provide adequate water pressure to residents and businesses in this area and pose a potential health threat. With the benefit of the federal funds, the Washington County Service Authority will replace more than 33,000 feet of water lines in Abingdon north of Valley Street. In addition, six aging water pump stations will be taken out of service, and a modern pump station and a 400,000 gallon water tank will be installed.

            “Adequate and reliable public water service is essential to maintaining Southwest Virginia’s excellent quality of life and to achieving our economic development goals for the region. Today’s announcement represents a significant step forward in our efforts to expand access to safe and modern public water systems throughout the region,” Boucher concluded.

-###-