City of Stanton in Powell County Receives $1,312,500 Grant from Appalachian Regional Commission to Complete Wastewater Plant Repair Project
Project Will Replace Sewer Collection Pipes and Stabilize Wastewater Treatment Costs
FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 17, 2019) – The Department for Local Government (DLG) has announced a grant of $1,312,500 to the city of Stanton in Powell County, funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC),that will allow the city of Stanton to repair and replace 12,300 linear feet of sewer line. These repairs will reduce inflow and infiltration, stabilizing the cost of wastewater treatment, and provide additional treatment capacity at the plant.
“We are excited today to announce more than $1.3 million in ARC funding for this vital infrastructure project in Powell County,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “This significant grant allocation for the city of Stanton will help to stabilize stormwater treatment costs for the community’s 1,000 households and 160 businesses, and it will greatly enhance capacity for future growth and economic opportunity.”
The city of Stanton participates in the Red River Regional Wastewater Authority. The regional wastewater authority charges the city monthly for sewer and stormwater processing. While sanitary sewer usage remains stable at around 5 million gallons per month, the storm sewer volume varies considerably depending on weather conditions. At the low end during the driest months, the flow can be 4.5 million gallons of stormwater per month. During wet weather months, the flow can climb to 31 million gallons of stormwater.
The resulting treatment cost can fluctuate from $6,000 per month to $44,500 per month depending on flow. The processing cost is passed along to the sewer customers and the high level of fluctuation is often more than customers can afford. By eliminating or greatly reducing the amount of inflow and infiltration, they can give their customers a respite and provide for additional future treatment capacity at the plant. More capacity means the ability to serve more residential, commercial, and industrial customers without costly expansion.
The city of Stanton has made limited repairs, but an extensive restoration of the sewer system is necessary. Repairs to the sewer system will be performed according to the results of a sewer system evaluation study completed by the city. The evaluation identified various sections of sewer line for repair or replacement. The overall project will include the rehabilitation of 12 pump stations and 60 sewer manholes.
“With this grant award, the city of Stanton will be able to adequately address the public health concerns associated with stormwater infiltration and overflows, stabilize costs for the community’s utility customers, and provide for future growth of the system without costly expansion,” said DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo. “I’m very pleased that we were able to secure funding for such an important project.”
“As Senate Majority Leader, I’m fighting to support ARC and to ensure it has the funding necessary to promote infrastructure and economic development in Eastern Kentucky,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “Upgrading Stanton’s sewer and wastewater systems will help bolster public health and benefit local families, and I congratulate local leaders on receiving these resources. I’m proud to have created ARC’s Central Appalachian Infrastructure Fund to direct millions of dollars in grants like this one into Eastern Kentucky over the last few years. Together, these funds will help encourage new growth and enhance this region’s bright future.”
"I would like to extend my appreciation to those involved for providing this grant to Powell County," said State Senator Albert Robinson. "Current customers will certainly appreciate the impending rate stabilization, as well as the additional treatment capacity that this project will provide."
"This is project is so important for the community, and I'm thankful to Governor Bevin and the Department for Local Government for working with our local officials and making it a priority. These repairs should lead to more consistent wastewater treatment rates," said State Representative David Hale.
“The funding of this important project will not only address current concerns but will improve the long-term stability of Stanton’s wastewater treatment system,” said Congressman Andy Barr. “I applaud Governor Bevin and DLG for funding this project – one that impacts the daily lives of so many Stanton residents.”
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 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 the grant opportunities available through DLG, visit
http://kydlgweb.ky.gov/.
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