City of Mortons Gap Receives $835,000 Community Development Block Grant Funding Award
Grant Funding Will Allow for Major Wastewater Treatment System Rehabilitation
FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 30, 2019) – The Department for Local Government (DLG) has announced a grant award of $835,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the City of Mortons Gap, in Hopkins County, for major water system infrastructure improvements.
Mortons Gap water distribution system was installed in 1980, with an improvement project in 2002 and a valve insertion in 2015. Between August 2017 and August 2018, the system had 29 main and service line leaks, however more current data shows that in March and April of 2019, there were 35 leaks reported. These leaks are attributed to be the source of the 45 percent loss of the treated water purchased from the South Hopkins Water District, which in 2018 was nearly 22.5 million gallons.
“Access to clean water is paramount among our concerns in Kentucky, and this project will improve the overall water service to nearly 450 households in this community,” said DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo.
The project consists of replacing 140 existing push-on PVC fittings, including bends,
crosses, and tees with ductile iron; adding and/or replacing 20 fire hydrants; replacing all service tubing from the water main to the meter; installing 35 new gate valves; and purchasing a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) monitoring system.
“Clean water is vital to the public health and safety of our communities,” said state Senator C. B. Embry. “I’m thankful to everyone involved for their efforts in securing this funding.”
“I’d like to thank Governor Bevin and Commissioner Dunahoo for helping to coordinate this grant funding,” said state Representative Myron Dossett. “This project should help to improve the efficiency of the water system in Mortons Gap.”
“Clean drinking water is the foundation of a healthy community,” said state Representative Jim Gooch, Jr. “Thank you to Governor Bevin and Commissioner Dunahoo for your efforts.”
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
The Department for Local Government is an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. For more information, visit http://kydlgweb.ky.gov/.
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