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Residents at risk of water rate increase in Martin County
Stalled project drains $700K BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A stalled infrastructure project has drained $700,000 from the Martin County Water District, leaving residents at risk of a water rate increase, officials said in a May 6 special meeting. Nearly four years after announcing upgrades to the raw water intake and treatment plant,
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Judge tosses case accusing Inez man of threatening water managers with hammer
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A judge last week tossed a case in Martin County where the local water district’s contract managers accused Clarence “Edd” Kazee of threatening to beat them with a hammer. Martin District Judge Brett Butcher signed the order dismissing the case Feb. 3. Kazee, the 58-year-old owner of Eddie’s
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Martin County Water District announces meter replacement project
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Water District (MCWD) has announced a $2 million water meter replacement project set to begin Jan. 27. According to a customer alert issued Monday, the initiative is funded through a grant allocated by the Kentucky General Assembly. MCWD expects the project to take approximately four
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Water line leak repair
Martin County Water District crew members uncover a main water line leak on Main Street on Thursday. (Citizen photos by Roger Smith)
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Pump rental drains Martin County Water District again
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water District hopes to resolve an issue that has become an ongoing financial drain on its resources and patience. The district is pressing for reimbursement of the steep costs of renting and fueling a raw water intake pump—expenses MCWD says are tied to Xylem Water Solution’s
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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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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’s fight for safe drinking water deserves state support
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
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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
