Martin County’s plea for water and sewer funding has never been more urgent, and the county’s pursuit of state assistance through the Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems program is justified.
For decades, residents have endured a failing water and sewer system—an issue that not only threatens public health but also hinders economic development and undermines the quality of life. Now, with the introduction of this program, Martin County has a lifeline, and it is imperative that the state fully supports the county’s request for funding.
The new state program, introduced during the 2024 General Assembly, allocates $150 million to assist the most distressed water and wastewater systems across Kentucky. This initiative wisely recognizes that certain communities, like Martin County, are in such dire straits that they require special consideration—free from the competitive pressures of more affluent or better-resourced areas.
Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty rightly points out that Martin County qualifies for this program because of the severe deficiencies in its water infrastructure, a fact that is both lamentable and hopeful. Lamentable because it underscores the years of neglect and decay; hopeful because it positions the county as a top contender for much-needed financial aid.
The list of proposed projects in Martin County is extensive and urgently needed. From the $975,000 Route 40 water improvement project to the $8.4 million Coldwater improvement project, each item represents a vital piece of the puzzle in restoring a functional and safe water system.
The county’s total request of $28 million for this year, with plans to seek the same next year, may seem daunting. However, as the judge aptly puts it, this amount is not even a drop in the bucket when compared to the massive scale of the problem or the funds available.
Critics might argue that the state’s resources are limited and that funds should be distributed more broadly. However, such a view overlooks the moral and practical obligation to prioritize the most vulnerable communities.
Martin County has, for the past century, contributed significantly to the wealth of Kentucky and the broader nation—sending resources westward and sacrificing much in the process. It is time for the state to recognize this contribution by ensuring that Martin County receives the full grant amount it desperately needs.
As the General Assembly prepares to make its decision in April 2025, legislators must understand the gravity of the situation in Martin County. This is about fixing pipes and upgrading facilities; it is about a basic human right for the county’s residents.
Martin County is not asking for extravagance or luxury—it is asking for survival and the dignity that comes with turning on a tap and trusting that the water is safe.
The state of Kentucky would do right to stand with Martin County in its hour of need.