U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell announced that he secured over $30 million in federal dollars to fund work on the Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project and the modernization of the Edmonson County Water District, which serves a portion of Grayson County.
“As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, McConnell played a key role in shaping the legislation. The measure now goes to President Donald Trump to be signed into law,” McConnell’s office said in a news release.
Rough River project
The funding provides $21.3 million to fully fund the remaining work on the Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project.
“This federal funding makes critical investments in the safety and durability of Kentucky’s water infrastructure,” McConnell said. “Fully funding the Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project ensures the long-term integrity of Rough River Lake, while the continued study of erosion at Columbus-Belmont State Park helps protect communities, natural resources, and historic sites along the Mississippi River.”
Charlies Corbett, founding member and longtime president of Friends of Rough River, was thankful for the funding.
“Our rural Rough River Lake community is grateful for the attention and total commitment of Senator McConnell and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for this vital remediation project,” Corbett said. “This additional $21 million funding will ensure ancillary work necessary for this complex project can be performed as needed. This dam remediation project will ensure the long-term viability of flood control downstream and protect the economic viability of our local recreational businesses.”
Edmonson Co. Water District
McConnell secured $9.3 million for the modernization of the Edmonson County Water District water treatment plant in Edmonson County. The project will bolster capacity for the water district as it continues to update its system after decades of deferred maintenance and changes to Green River following the removal of Green River Lock and Dam No. 5.
“I am very grateful for Senator McConnell’s work in helping us receive new federal funding for the water treatment plant in Edmonson County,” State Rep. Michael Meredith said. “After years of much needed maintenance and several changes to our system, this funding for modernization efforts will enhance our capacity and capability in providing clean drinking water throughout the county.”
(Photo: Sen. Mitch McConnell, courtesy of Mitch McConnell’s Facebook page)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
