Mount Vernon, KY – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) joined state and local leaders in Rockcastle County on Thursday to celebrate the completion of the long-awaited, nearly $4.6 million water treatment project for the Mount Vernon Water Treatment Plant. 

“Perseverance has been the key to success for this project,” said Congressman Rogers. “The people of Rockcastle County can finally enjoy fresh, clean drinking water from Lake Linville thanks to innovative engineering and strong support from the federal, state and local levels.” 

“This project faced significant delays due working with two different Army Corps districts, two separate environmental reviews, rising costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and other roadblocks during the Biden Administration,” said State Rep. Josh Bray. “This project would not have happened without the hard work and federal funding secured by Congressman Rogers.” 

State officials reported finding a natural algae-based organic compound called geosmin in the water supply, a non-toxic chemical that changes the taste and odor of water. Congressman Rogers secured federal funding for a new carbon basin filter facility to eliminate the problem. The funding sources included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 531, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Appalachian Regional Commission and the Kentucky Department of Local Government. 

“All of the progress we’re seeing in Rockcastle County is going to be tied together by access to quality water – it is the key ingredient to economic development,” said Travis Burton, USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky. “Projects of this magnitude require years of work and committed leaders. As a Rockcastle County native, it has been an honor to work with federal, state and local officials to make a big impact on the future of this entire community.” 

The keynote speakers also applauded the collaborative efforts of the late Michael Bryant who worked on this project for many years as the Mayor of Mount Vernon, as well as former State Rep. Danny Ford, Mayor of Mount Vernon Tim Roberts, Rockcastle County Judge Executive Howell Holbrook, State Senator Brandon Storm, and Kenvirons Engineering. 

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.