The state of Kentucky has directed a $52 million injection of funding into improving critical water system infrastructure after Gov. Andy Bashear signed House Joint Resolution 81 into law.
The resolution established the Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems (WWATERS) Program. The program introduced a new process for counties, cities, districts and other eligible entities to apply for public water or wastewater system project funding.
The funding approved as part of the bill’s passage will go toward the following recipients:
- The Martin County Sewer District will receive $14.4 million to replace a gravity line, lift stations, improve the Inez wastewater system and debt service.
- The city of Liberty will use $12.6 million to improve the Liberty Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- The Martin County Water District will spend $11.5 million to build a pump station, replace lines, install a booster station and water line, repair and paint a tank and cover debt service.
- The Southern Water and Sewer District will allocate $8.3 million to replace a tank, install mains and repay debt.
- The city of Oak Grove will receive $2 million to install a tank and extend a waterline.
- The city of Elkhorn will utilize $1.3 million to repay debt.
- The city of Smithland will use $1.2 million to improve systems and mitigate disinfection byproducts.
- The city of Evarts will receive $926,000 to build a water treatment plant.
- The city of Martin will spend $514,800 to rehabilitate infrastructure.
The law took effect immediately following the governor’s signature. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority will manage the WWaters Program. The application window for the next round of funding will be open until Aug. 30, 2026.
Photo by R9 Media Photo Collective from Pexels
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