WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Representative Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will award more than $3.8 million to support five water and sewer infrastructure projects in Kentucky. The funding will provide $1.8 million for Letcher County, nearly $1.2 million for Knott County, and more than $830,000 for Pike County.

These federal funds come from an ARC program established by Senator McConnell and supported by Congressman Rogers to devote resources to distressed communities throughout Central Appalachia. Communities across Kentucky have so far received $60 million from this fund.

“Today’s announcement is great news for these communities, whose future development hinges on their ability to construct and maintain key infrastructure improvements. I’ve been proud to work with the ARC and local county officials to secure funding for projects throughout the Commonwealth and provide Kentuckians with the clean and accessible water and sewer services they deserve,” said Senator McConnell. “My friend Representative Rogers has been instrumental in our efforts to promote this region and build a better, brighter future for our constituents. These critical federal dollars will deliver an improved quality of life for area residents and enhance water services for years to come.”

“In addition to the success we’ve had in expanding access to clean water across Kentucky’s Appalachian mountain communities, we’re also working diligently to repair and replace aging water lines and equipment throughout the region. Clean, reliable water is not only a core necessity for good health, but also for the health of our economy and the businesses that rely upon it,” said Congressman Rogers. “Senator McConnell and I have worked together to protect ARC funding year after year, ensuring that critical federal dollars are set aside to meet our basic needs in southern and eastern Kentucky.”

“This funding is greatly needed for Knott County and the region. This will ensure that the citizens of Knott County and surrounding counties will be provided quality drinking water. I truly appreciate Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for their tireless efforts to ensure Knott County received this vitally important funding,” said Kentucky State Representative John Blanton (District 92).

“We are beyond grateful for the support from Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers and for their help securing funding to get clean, quality water to the people of Knott County,” said Knott County Judge-Executive Jeff Dobson.

“Myself, along with city employees and citizens of Whitesburg wish to convey our magnanimous appreciation to Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman Hal Rogers for supporting an $800,000.00 ARC grant for the City of Whitesburg’s lift station. This improvement is an extraordinary help to our town by helping us save substantial amounts of money in wastewater expenses. My husband, the late Mayor James Wiley Craft, would have been thrilled to know that his request for assistance was approved. Thank you for your continued support to the City of Whitesburg and also, for all of your efforts to help keep Eastern Kentucky thriving,” said Whitesburg Mayor Tiffany Craft.

“On behalf of the citizens of Pike County, I want to thank Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell and our own Congressman Hal Rogers for their efforts on behalf of some of our county’s most needy residents. Eastern Kentucky has seen a lot of economic distress in the last several years with the downturn of the coal industry. It has made it difficult, if not impossible, for many local governments to meet all of the infrastructure needs of their residents. Clean drinking water is a necessity of life. The funds obtained through the efforts of these leaders will allow local leaders to make the needed investments to ensure that the people in Pike County’s rural areas can live healthy and safe lives in the homes that they love,” said Kentucky State Senator Phillip Wheeler (District 31).

The Kentucky communities received ARC funding for the following projects:

• The Knott County Water and Sewer District will receive $1,197,064 to extend water services and update water treatment equipment at the Carr Creek Lake Water Treatment Plant.

• The City of Fleming-Neon will receive $1,000,000 for waterline improvements throughout the city’s water distribution system.

• The City of Whitesburg will receive $800,000 to rehabilitate its sewer lift stations and provide improved sewer services throughout Letcher County.

• The Mountain Water District in Pike County will receive $670,597 to construct new waterlines servicing the Millard Bottom and Rocky Road areas, addressing inefficiencies and shortages.

• The Maynard Fork Water Supply in Pike County will receive $160,662 to establish new water services to households located in a remote area on Maynard Branch.