Dawson Springs was one of several cities and utilities in Hopkins County awarded funding for water and sewer infrastructure improvements on Wednesday.
Governor Andy Beshear made a stop in Earlington Wednesday and presented ten Cleaner Water Program awards totaling over $1.6 million dollars to communities and utilities throughout Hopkins County.
The governor presented $200,000 to Dawson Springs City Water and Sewer for sanitary sewer system rehabilitation and for wastewater treatment plant improvements:
Dawson Springs Mayor Chris Smiley conveyed his appreciation to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the $200,000 KIA Cleaner Water Grant. He said these funds will give them the opportunity to complete a much-needed sewer upgrade to improve the infrastructure of the city and make their water and sewer available to more citizens. Since the tornado, he noted, they are all well aware of the need to upgrade the city’s infrastructure and build a better Dawson Springs.
Funding was also awarded to the following municipalities in Hopkins County:
– The City of Earlington was awarded $110,000 for the South Atkinson Avenue Waterline Replacement Project that will help the city address water loss and maintain the quality of the drinking water to its customers;
– Hanson also received $110,000 for line upgrades and valve installation to better serve the subdivision of Compton and Livingston roads;
– Madisonville Municipal Utilities was awarded $380,000 for the Barlett Avenue line replacement project, which will ensure better service for the south end of Hopkins County;
– The City of Mortons Gap was presented $110,00 for the White City Road waterline extension for nine families who are currently without water service;
– The Nebo Water District received $160,000 for pump station replacement, a SCADA system replacement and a new automated meter reading system;
– $150,000 went to the North Hopkins Water District for water tank painting;
– The City of Nortonville was awarded $150,000 for waterline replacements for better service;
– $161,140 was presented to the South Hopkins Water District for water system improvements, a new administration office, and an automated meter reading system; and
– The City of White Plans received $110,000 for waterline and service replacements.
The governor also presented $273,963 in TAP funding to the City of Nortonville to remove and replace existing sidewalks on Main and East Walnut streets and to construct new sidewalks on Greenville Road. Officials say the project will upgrade crumbling sidewalks to current ADA compliance. A brand new 5-foot sidewalk will be constructed to replace sidewalks that are in serious need of repairs. They say this project will increase accessibility and safety for the community.
According to the governor’s administration, The American Society of Civil Engineers in 2019 projected Kentucky faces nearly $14.5 billion in water/wastewater infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, including over $8.2 billion in drinking water upgrades and $6.2 billion in sewer system improvements.
