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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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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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Congressman Rogers secures $5 million for Martin County water improvements
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced Tuesday that he secured a $5 million Community Project Funding earmark for Martin County water system improvements in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. The bipartisan federal funding package was signed into law March 9. The funding is for installing 50,000 linear…
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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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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…
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New hope for Martin County
As 2024 begins, Martin County stands on the cusp of a new era marked by progress and optimism. The recent announcement by Craig Miller, Alliance Water Resources manager, regarding significant funding in Gov. Andy Beshear’s proposed state budget for Martin County’s water issues represents a turning point that deserves celebration. For nearly a quarter of…
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Martin County Water District issues boil water advisory
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — The Martin County Water District issued a boil water advisory Tuesday following a leak in a 6-inch main water line near Routes 40 and 645 intersection at the west end of Inez. The advisory affects Saltwell Road, Eden West along KY-645, also beginning at the intersection of KY-40 and KY-645…