Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Water supply project announced in Lawrence, Carter and Elliott counties

Grayson, Ky. (Oct. 11, 2007) – Residents in Lawrence, Carter and Elliott counties are the latest Kentuckians to benefit from Governor Ernie Fletcher’s goal of providing access to clean, safe drinking water to all citizens across the state.

Teresa J. Hill, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, today announced funding of a water supply project to serve those residents. Hill presented a check for $1.05 million to the Rattlesnake Ridge Water District for the project.

A groundwater contamination study funded by the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) found pre-1982 mining had impacted much of the groundwater in the Brushy Creek and Little Brushy Creek areas of Carter and Elliott counties, as well as the Cherokee Gap area of Lawrence County.

“These projects involve the construction of nearly 14.4 miles of water main and the installation of meters to serve 52 residences whose water supply has been impacted by mining,” Hill said. “These extensions will replace tainted well water, giving citizens the assurance they will have safe water in their homes.”

Additional meters can be installed at other residences along the transmission lines utilizing funds from other sources.  Rattlesnake Ridge Water District will operate the newly constructed water line system.

“A priority of our administration has been to extend water lines to citizens and provide them access to a safe water supply,” said Governor Fletcher. “As a result, 92 percent of Kentuckians now have access to a community water system, a 10 percent increase since 1999.”