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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…
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Martin County funds water project
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County allocated $300,000 from its American Rescue Plan funds to match the funding for the Martin County Water District’s meter and service line replacement project on Collins Creek Road in Warfield. Congressman Hal Rogers announced a $1.2 million grant through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section…
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Time for Martin County Water Board to stop kicking the can
The Martin County Water District faces a critical situation with its raw water intake project. Slated for completion by July, this project holds significant implications for the district’s financial stability and its service commitments to the community. According to Tony Sneed, vice president and director of operations at Alliance Water Resources, finishing the project on…
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Martin County Judge/Executive makes plea for $10 million federal aid to replace asbestos water lines
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty is asking U.S. Representative Harold Rogers (R-KY-05) for a $10 million earmark in the 2025 federal budget to rid the county of asbestos concrete water lines. Asbestos lines in the Martin County Water District were installed with the original water system in Inez…
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A call to action for Martin County
As Martin County grapples with a water crisis that has left residents facing unreliable access to clean, safe water, the importance of targeted infrastructure investment has never been clearer. Gov. Andy Beshear proposes a $12 million allocation specifically for Martin County water projects in his budget. However, getting it into the final state budget hinges…
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Martin County faces water crisis
Freezing causes countywide outage BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County is in the throes of a severe water crisis as crews work tirelessly around the clock to address widespread leaks in the public water system caused by sub-freezing temperatures. The emergency prompted a countywide shutdown Saturday, leaving all Martin County residents without…