Funds will allow for installation of new waterline, a new water treatment plant and repair of a water storage tank

Frankfort, KY – On May 16th, Governor Andy Beshear announced that the Sandy Hook Water District (SHWD) will receive a $1.5 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Central Appalachia Distressed County Infrastructure initiative. This funding will allow for new water infrastructure that will improve service for 1,265 households and 85 businesses.

The grant funding is administered by the Department for Local Government (DLG).

“Access to clean water is not something any Kentuckian should have to worry about when they turn a faucet on in their homes or businesses,” Gov. Beshear said. “Partnering with local officials to tackle fundamental issues like this is the right thing to do.”

“ARC investments have been a force for good in Kentucky for decades,” DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene said. “Projects like this allow Kentuckians to have clean water, which is a basic human right. This is a great investment into our people.”

The project has three major components:

- The replacing of 20,000 linear feet of waterline along Kentucky Highways 556 and 755;

- Construction of a 35 million-gallon daily water treatment plant; and

- Repair of a 105,000-gallon water storage tank.

After 60 years of use, the Sandy Hook Water Treatment Plant needs repair or replacement. The current site is difficult to access for chemical deliveries and does not support renovation or expansion plans. The new site will be 1,600 feet north of the current location and will be easily accessible. The Wrigley water storage tank, which serves the entire southern portion of Sandy Hook’s water system and parts of Northern Morgan County, was inspected in 2014 and renovations were recommended. This project will allow for those renovations to be made.

“Sandy Hook Water District is very appreciative and excited to have received the ARC grant in the amount of $1.5 million,” SHWD General Manager Bridgett Howard said. “The money will be used for much needed upgrades in our system’s aging infrastructure. Many thanks to all who were involved.”

In addition to the $1.5 million in ARC funds, other federal sources will provide $2 million, and local sources will provide $1.18 million, for a total of $4.68 million in project funding.

About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.