Martin County Water District awarded funds for improvements
By Lilly Adkins
BSN Associate Editor
INEZ — Gov. Andy Beshear awarded $411,148 to the Martin County Water District through the Better Kentucky Plan’s Cleaner Water Program on Friday for infrastructure improvements.
Martin County Judge-Executive Colby Kirk, Martin County Magistrates Jared Gorfoth, Roger Preece, Derrick Stepp, Junior Hunt and Mark Blackburn, Inez Mayor Ed Daniels, Warfield Mayor Ronald Workman, Martin County Water District Chairman Jimmy Kerr, Alliance Water Resources Manager Craig Miller and Assistant Manager J.J. Ridings along with other local leaders joined Beshear and his senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, for the presentation.
Beshear said that the award is especially important given the challenges Martin County has faced and that they have been working with the community to make positive changes for the region.
“Together, our team, the Public Service Commission, the Martin County Water District, Martin County Concerned Citizens and other stakeholders have been meeting regularly to oversee efforts to improve water service to residents,” Beshear said. “This award will help the Martin County Water District improve many parts of their system for better service. The district’s raw water intake and water treatment plant are in bad condition and need upgrades to ensure workers stay safe, and to prevent harm to the environment.”
The Big Sandy Area Development District submitted a funding request on behalf of Martin County to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.
The project will replace existing main lines, service lines meters, valves and hydrants where leaks and breaks have plagued the district, a release said.
The district will also pave the access road at its raw water intake site and replace the roof over its chemical storage area, the release said and it will had a second pump trailer and water treatment plant backup generator as well.
State Sen. Phillip Wheeler said in the release that the citizens of Martin County have suffered from poor water quality and failing infrastructure which has threatened their health and hurt the county’s potential for economic development.
“Working together, we can ensure that Martin County families get the clean water they need and deserve,” Wheeler said.
State Rep. Norma Kirk-McCormick said in the release that the impact the project will have on the community is immeasurable.
“While our water problems are major, this will help move our infrastructure in the right direction. I appreciate the opportunity to share this exciting news with the people of my district, and I look forward to seeing the infrastructure updates that will happen as a result of our efforts,” Kirk-McCormick said in a release.
“On behalf of the Martin County Fiscal Court, I am grateful for these funds which will go to repair critical infrastructure in the Martin County Water District,” Kirk said. “Thanks to the efforts of Governor Beshear and other leaders, we have made substantial improvements to the system. These funds will help improve water quality and reduce the rate of water loss throughout Martin County.”