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Martin County Water District Workgroup to meet Dec. 16
FRANKFORT — The Martin County Water District (MCWD) Workgroup will meet by video conference via Microsoft Teams on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. EST, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) announced. EEC Secretary Rebecca Goodman leads the Workgroup, which the EEC established in 2020. The Workgroup includes representatives from the EEC, the Martin County…
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PSC sets informal conference in Martin County Water monitoring case
The Kentucky Public Service Commission has announced an informal conference to address “a recent filing” in case 2020-00154 in which it monitors the Martin County Water District. Scheduled for Nov. 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the meeting will be conducted via videoconference “to discuss issues presented in this matter.” According to a notice…
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Martin County Water elects new chair, reports record-low water loss
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Water District reported encouraging improvements in its meeting Oct. 22, including the lowest water loss rate recorded in the last several years. In a unanimous decision, the board elected Tim Thoma as its new chair. “I moved to this community two years ago and I…
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Against the odds: Martin County Water chairman bids farewell after years of service
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — It is a Tuesday night in mid-September. Martin County Utility Board’s outgoing chairman, Jimmy Don Kerr, is delivering a farewell speech in the same room where he spent years navigating the complexities of the public water and sewer systems. It is a job he was initially reluctant to…
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Judge shakes up water board leadership
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a major shift, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty appointed two new faces to the Martin County Utility Board, replacing members Jimmy Don Kerr, the chairman, and BJ Slone. The move signals a new chapter for the county as it navigates critical infrastructure challenges. Lafferty announced the appointments…
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Kentucky opens 2026 call for water projects
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Kentucky Division of Water have announced the 2026 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Call for Projects. The Call for Projects opens Sept. 19 and closes Dec. 13. Submissions will be accepted electronically and coordinated through Area Water Management Councils.…
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Martin County seeks $28 million to rescue troubled water and sewer systems
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County is hoping to secure crucial funding for its ailing water and sewer systems through the Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems program. This initiative, introduced during the 2024 General Assembly, allocates $150 million to support economically challenged water and wastewater systems…
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Martin County Water projects rate increase in 2026
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water District projects a rate increase in 2026. The water district addressed the rate increase question and others in response to the Kentucky Public Service Commission’s recent request for documents and answers “under oath.” The PSC’s request, outlined in a June 18 filing signed by Executive…
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New manager reports progress on Martin County water projects
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Todd Adams, the new division manager for Alliance Water Resources, presented his inaugural monthly report at the June meeting of the Martin County Water District board. Financials Adams submitted a list of $252,198 in bills for payment, including $19,133 listed as “pump rental,” service and diesel. Board member…
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Kentucky PSC cracks down on Martin County Water District with major data demand
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) continues its persistent monitoring of the Martin County Water District (MCWD). The commission has issued a formal data request requiring the utility to provide a comprehensive set of documents and responses under oath. This directive, outlined in a June 18 PSC filing…
Category: Water Crisis
