HARRODSBURG, Ky. — Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman visited Harrodsburg on Monday to announce a $1 million grant for the North Mercer Water System Improvement Project.
The project consists of replacing approximately 13 miles of water main pipes, which will improve the integrity of the system and protect against future breaks and service outages for 250 households.
The $1 million project, funded through the Department for Local Government, is part of the $250 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The majority of the North Mercer County Water District System is between 40 and 50 years old and in desperate need of replacement. Since June 2016, the district has had 11 main line breaks within the project area, each resulting in the district issuing a Boil Water Advisory.
In addition to the 11 main line breaks, the district has experienced an additional 29 line breaks and 44 service line leaks or breaks in the area.
“The positive impact to our community will be realized for years to come,” said Mischell Lee, general manager for North Mercer Water District. “This money will help pay for updates to our infrastructure that will benefit and provide water at an affordable rate to our customers.”
The project will also include replacement of existing service lines to the 250 households that are affected by the water main replacement.
Beshear and lawmakers reached a bipartisan agreement during the 2021 regular session, which will use nearly $1.3 billion to boost the state’s economy by expanding broadband, delivering clean drinking water and building new schools. The plan is expected to create more than 14,500 new jobs.
