FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2019) – The Department for Local Government (DLG) has announced a $900,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to Leslie County Fiscal Court and the Hyden-Leslie Water District.
The federal funds will allow the county to design and rehabilitate the existing dam structure of the raw water source at the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. The dam at Middle Fork was contructed in 1966 and is the raw water impoundment structure for the water system serving all of Leslie County.
Structural engineers have determined that the dam abutments, which are subject to the highest pressure, must be reconstructed. Failure of the abutments would effectively reduce service by 50 percent until repairs could be made, a process that could take six months.
The project will also include minor repairs to two existing tanks, replacement of several pump stations, construction of a new 200,000-gallon water storage tank and two new booster pump stations at Nebraska Lane and Middle Fork.
“These water system improvements will help ensure the water district’s more than 3,600 customers continue to receive safe, reliable and efficient service,” DLG Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo said. “I’m pleased we could provide grant funding for this project to move forward.”
In addition to the CDBG funding, the county has received $500,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission, an $830,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Development, and an $830,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Development. The total project cost is expected to be $3,060,000.
“Though the work will be quite extensive, this project will help make the water system more sustainable and save ratepayers money in the long run,” Sen. Brandon Smith said. “I’d like to thank Commissioner Dunahoo and her staff for their work securing these funds.”
“This funding is huge for our ability to effectively maintain our water infrastructure,” Rep. Derek Lewis said. “I’m glad to see the needs of Leslie County prioritized in Frankfort, and want to thank the Department for Local Government and everyone else who made this project a reality.”
About the Community Development Block Grant Program
The CDBG program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.
About the Department for Local Government
Funds are administered by DLG, an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. To learn more about CDBG and other grant opportunities available through DLG, visit
dlg.ky.gov.
###
