Union County Receives $3 Million for Critical Water System Renovations

Press Release

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Union County and the City of Morganfield will receive a $3 million competitive federal grant to make much-needed improvements to the area's water infrastructure. The federal funding, distributed by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, was made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator McConnell introduced the CARES Act, which became the largest economic rescue package in American history, and led it to enactment in about a week.

Senator McConnell and U.S. Congressman James Comer (KY-01) contacted EDA in support of the County and City's grant application. As the area continues recovering from the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, the federal funding will support economic development and help retain hundreds of jobs in the community. The grant will also be matched by $1.2 million in local investment.

"Leaders in Union County like Judge Adam O'Nan have worked for a long time to repair their water system and ignite the community's economic engine. It was my privilege to join Congressman Comer in supporting their effort to secure this $3 million federal grant for strategic investments and necessary upgrades," said Senator McConnell. "In particular, the infrastructure rehabilitation at the Job Corps Center and the surrounding areas can bring new opportunity for local workers."

Senator McConnell's COVID-19 rescue legislation has previously delivered $4 million to Union County. Kentucky has received more than $13 billion in relief from the CARES Act.

"This multi-million dollar grant is terrific news for Union County that will enable local job growth while making much-needed infrastructure improvements," said Congressman Comer. "At a time of continued economic recovery, this funding for local infrastructure is a quality investment that will yield positive results. I want to thank local officials in Union County for their hard work in securing this funding, and I was proud to join them as well as Senator McConnell in advocating for this critical investment."

"Union County is thankful and excited to receive news of the Economic Development Administration's $3 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance investment," said Union County Judge-Executive Adam O'Nan. "This EDA grant will allow us to complete much needed sewer infrastructure improvements. The funding will be instrumental in upgrading the sewer infrastructure at the Earle C. Clements Job Corp that serves the entire City of Morganfield as well as our industrial park. This grant helps in two areas - it enables us to retain approximately 363 vital jobs that are critical to the long-term stability of Union County. Secondly, the grant will lessen the burden of our taxpayers who, without the funds, would be the sole financial source to make the sewer improvements. Senator McConnell has been a great supporter of this endeavor. I thank him for his personal involvement in making this project a reality for us. Additionally, Congressman James Comer was also very helpful making calls on our behalf as well. Union County is better equipped to tackle this project today with these funds and the future impact will be immeasurable."

Source