ASHLAND, KY (February 18, 2026) – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) joined local and state officials in Ashland on Wednesday to break ground on the city’s largest wastewater treatment project to date. The nearly $100 million project is critical to support economic development in the area and is essential to meet federal EPA compliance standards.  

“We are strengthening the infrastructure in Ashland to meet the growing industrial needs in our region,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “When Ashland became part of Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District in 2022, local leaders quickly let me know that this project was among their top priorities, and I was proud to help move this new treatment plant forward with a federal earmark.” 

Congressman Rogers secured $4 million in Community Project Funding for the project, which was awarded through an EPA State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) to the City of Ashland.

“This is the largest wastewater treatment project in the history of our city. It is an investment that we can’t afford not to make, as our economy and industrial development needs continue to climb and increase demand on our infrastructure,” said Chuck Charles, Mayor of Ashland. “We appreciate Congressman Rogers for meeting with us from day one and diligently working with us to support the project with federal funding.”

The new treatment plant will double peak hourly flow treatable capacity limitations, provide 2.25 million gallons of excess flow storage, and allow the Water Resource Recovery Facility to increase storage and necessary biological treatment. 

“Congressman Rogers didn’t hesitate to offer his support for this project from the very beginning. This is a great example of how we can bring together local, state and federal efforts to help our economy thrive in Boyd County,” said Eric Chaney, Boyd County Judge Executive. 

The historic project is expected to take nearly four years to be completed.

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

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