Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will award $1,994,812 to the City of Jackson in Breathitt County for updates and improvements to the Jackson Water Treatment Plant. Senator McConnell supported this grant through a letter to the ARC Commissioner.
These federal funds come from an Appalachian Regional Commission infrastructure program established by Senator McConnell to devote resources to distressed counties throughout Central Appalachia. So far, these communities have received more than $60 million through this ARC program.
Currently, the Jackson Water Treatment Plant must go offline when the North Fork of the Kentucky River, which the plant uses as its raw water source, experiences periods of high flow. The funding announced today will help the plant implement new screening, chemical treatment, and filter programs to reduce the number of instances when the plant must go offline, providing steadier fresh water to Breathitt County residents.
“Today’s funding announcement is great news for families and businesses in Jackson, who need the consistent fresh water this grant will help provide. I know how important high-quality water resources are for Kentucky’s Appalachian communities and was proud to establish funding mechanisms within the ARC program to provide for grants like the one announced today,” said Senator McConnell. “This project is just one of many that prove the importance of robust ARC funding. I will continue to work in the Senate to preserve this vital program and ensure the federal government prioritizes resources for the Kentucky communities that need them the most.”
“This grant announcement is amazing news for the City of Jackson and its surrounding communities. With the help of Senator McConnell and the ARC program, we will soon have the consistent, high-quality water resources we need to thrive,” said City of Jackson Mayor Laura Thomas. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Senator to advocate for my community and spur development in Eastern Kentucky.”