WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $590,208 to Elkhorn City for improvements to its sewer collection system in Pike County. The sewer improvements will help prevent sewer overflows benefiting 531 households and 62 businesses along the Russell Fork watershed. 

"This is great news for families and businesses in Elkhorn City, where costly repairs are desperately needed for the local sewer system. Elkhorn City, like many of our rural mountain communities, relies on a system that was built 60 years ago. Patches and repairs have been made to make the system last over the years, but this investment will ensure that the system is secure for years to come," said Congressman Rogers. "Senator McConnell and I have worked together for years to protect federal funding for the ARC to ensure basic necessities, like water and sewer, are protected in every community." 

“I’ve been proud to work alongside my friend Congressman Rogers to bring high-quality water treatment and sewage systems to Kentucky’s Appalachian communities. Through a program I established within the Appalachian Regional Commission, the federal government has directed funding for life-changing improvements across the Commonwealth,” said Senator McConnell. “I am thrilled Elkhorn City residents will soon have access to a clean, updated sewage system through this ARC grant program.”

In addition to the ARC funds from the Central Appalachian Distressed County Infrastructure program, state sources will provide $735,617, bringing the total project funding to $1,325,825.

The improvements include the replacement or repair of 1,720 linear feet of sewer line, rebuilding 3 sewer lift stations, and repairing 6 damaged manholes.

"This is great news for Elkhorn City. The money will go to refurbishing our pump stations and repairing lines. A big thank you to Congressman Rogers and Sen. McConnell for their support," said Mike Taylor, Mayor of Elkhorn City. 

Elkhorn City will also develop a corrective action plan to reduce inflow and infiltration.