FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 22, 2019) – The Department for Local Government (DLG) has announced funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the State Flood Control Matching Grant Program for the City of Mount Vernon.
These funds – $165,000 from the ARC and $250,000 from DLG through the Flood Control Matching Grant Program – will allow the city to make improvements to its water treatment plant that will eliminate persistent water quality issues. Nutrient-rich runoff in the watershed that flows into Lake Linville, which supplies water to the city, contributes to algae blooms during the warmer months. These blooms affect the taste and smell of the water even after treatment.
“Not only will this project benefit more than 7,500 homes and businesses currently served by the city’s utility, but it will also help accommodate and attract new businesses that rely on tasteless and odorless water for their operations,” DLG Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo said. “I’m pleased that ARC and DLG could work together to provide this funding for the City of Mount Vernon.”
The project includes the construction of a powder activated carbon (PAC) reactor basin and PAC storage building, as well as the installation of feed equipment. In addition to funding from the ARC and Flood Control Matching Grant Program, other federal sources will contribute $750,000 toward the project. The total expected cost of improvements to the city’s water treatment plant is $1,165,000.
“Residents have long been concerned about the quality of the water provided by the city’s system,” Sen. Jared Carpenter said. “Although the water has been safe to drink, addressing the water’s odor and taste will improve the quality of life for Mount Vernon homes and businesses. I am glad to help address this issue that we have been working on for several years.”
“I’d like to thank all the agencies that came together to fund these improvements to Mount Vernon’s water treatment plant,” Rep. R. Travis Brenda said. “Everyone deserves access to clean, quality drinking water. These dollars are a much needed and much welcome investment.”
About the Appalachian Regional Commission The
Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
About the Flood Control ProgramThe Flood Control Program uses state bond funds as grants to help meet cost-share match requirements associated with flood mitigation projects funded by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA Rural Development.
Examples of projects previously funded through the program include small dam reconstruction, acquisition of homes in flood-prone areas, debris removal and construction of floodwalls.
About the Department for Local GovernmentARC and State Flood Control Matching Grant Program funds are administered by DLG, an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. For more information, visit
dlg.ky.gov.
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