CONGRESSMAN BOUCHER SECURES $1.4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR LEE COUNTY WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

Federal Funds Will Improve Public Water Service for 450 Residents in Keokee

            (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 $1.4 million to the Lee County Public Service Authority to improve the safety and reliability of public water service in the Keokee community.

            “The federal funds announced today will enable the replacement of leaking water lines in the Keokee community that are currently posing a health risk for Keokee residents by enabling the opportunity for ground water and contaminants to enter the water system. The replacement of these lines will result in improved water quality for 450 residents of this community,” Boucher said.

            Currently, leaks and breaks within the Keokee water system are creating the opportunity for contaminants to enter the water system, resulting in a health risk for the residents who rely on the public water service. With the benefit of the federal funds, more than 12,000 feet of water lines will be replaced between Robbins Chapel and Appalachia along State Route 606 in the Keokee, Darnell Town and Rawhide communities. In addition, a pressure reducing station and 183 water service meters will be replaced.

            “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 of $1.4 million for the Lee County Public Service Authority represents a significant step in our ongoing work to improve water service throughout the region,” Boucher concluded.

-###-