U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that Congress approved $969,000 for PRIDE to continue its valuable environmental initiatives in southern and eastern Kentucky. Rogers secured this important funding for water treatment efforts in the region. These funds were approved by both the House and Senate as part of the FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which was signed into law today by the President.

“I am pleased to see this important funding signed into law today. PRIDE continues to make a difference throughout our region by improving our water and restoring our environment to its natural beauty,” said Rogers. “This funding will specifically target PRIDE’s water treatment program, which is an ongoing effort to eliminate straight pipes and failing septic systems in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. This funding will allow PRIDE to continue to give our communities access to safe, sanitary water while promoting the values of personal responsibility and conservation.”

PRIDE, which promotes Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment in 38 counties, was launched by Rogers and the late General James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet. This funding will enable PRIDE to continue its collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on important water treatment projects in the region. The Corps’ Section 531 program provides grants to counties, cities and utilities for innovative wastewater treatment projects, sewer line extensions or treatment plant upgrades in rural areas at a 75/25 federal/local cost share, which vastly reduce pollution otherwise headed for local lakes, rivers and streams. Since its inception in 1996, Rogers has secured over $195 million for PRIDE and PRIDE-related sewer and water infrastructure projects.

Through his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure valuable funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.