During last week’s State of the Cities and County event, local leaders focused on major investments to upgrade aging water and sewer infrastructure in both Madisonville and Hopkins County.
As reported by WFMW’s News Edge in January, Congressman James Comer announced that the U.S. House of Representatives had approved $750,000 in federal funding for the South Hopkins Water District. The funds will support waterline upgrades and a new facility to improve service, reduce costs, and spur economic growth.
Judge Whitfield explained that aging water infrastructure is a challenge not only for the city and county, but across the entire state. He noted that many water lines were installed underground in the 1950s and 1960s, and often, problems go unnoticed until a line breaks. He said The federal funding will help replace water pipes, while the county has committed $2 million to construct a new water tank.
click to download audioThe City was also approved for $1 million in federal funding for the Madisonville West Side Lift Station project, aimed at modernizing sewer lines, replacing outdated lift stations, and improving the capacity and reliability of the wastewater system as Madisonville continues to grow along the I-69 corridor.
Mayor Cotton noted that this project has been in discussion for years and is the largest wastewater system initiative in the city’s history, with a price tag nearing $25 million.
click to download audioHe added that the city was awarded another substantial grant for a waterline connectivity project.
click to download audioCotton said the City is working to being proactive, rather than reactive, in addressing infrastructure needs.
click to download audioCotton remarked that it’s intriguing and understand how the process operates and how funds from water bills are used.
