The latest Cleaner Water Program grants will help 11 cities provide clean water and upgrade their sewer or water systems. The 2021 General Assembly allocated $250 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) grants. Grant awardees must obligate the funds by December 31, 2024.

The cities of Inez and Warfield will benefit from a $411,148 grant to the Martin County Water District to address longstanding issues. The project replaces existing main lines, service lines, meters, valves, and hydrants in an area with frequent leaks and breaks.

The City of Somerset received $285,606 for storage tank replacement, a new booster pump station, and a water main extension. The city also received a second grant worth $285,605 to expand sewer service to the remaining residents of Ferguson.

“Investing in infrastructure projects is crucial to ensuring we are providing adequate, reliable systems that serve our residents today and prepare us for the growth we need and hope to achieve,” said Somerset Mayor and KLC Board member Alan Keck. “I am grateful for the funding made available through the Cleaner Water Program to do this in Somerset, Pulaski County, and across Kentucky, which also fuels our economy and prioritizes our health and quality of life.”

Other cities awarded this week include:

• $350,000 to the City of Brandenburg to replace 6,000 linear feet of water lines.
• $611,000 for the City of Burnside to add a second water tank to its distribution system and $175,000 for tank cleaning and painting.
• $152,039 to the City of Cloverport to upgrade a pump station.
• $450,000 for the City of Hardinsburg to replace a lift station.
• $150,000 to the City of Irvington to rehabilitate 25 manholes.
• $306,500 to the City of Leitchfield to upgrade customer meters.
• $150,000 for the City of Muldraugh to rehabilitate 15,000 linear feet of sewer mains.
• $458,000 for the City of Science Hill to construct a new booster pump station.

Budget talks continue in the legislature, but the House and Senate included millions more in their appropriations bills for similar grants next fiscal year.