NKyTribune staff
The Department for Local Government (DLG) approved funding for a $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the Boone County Fiscal Court. The county will pass funds to the Sanitation District #1 for the design and construction of new sewer lines.
“I am pleased DLG was able to secure these CDBG funds on behalf of Boone County for this much needed project,” said DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo. “A proper sewer system is not only important to sanitation, but to public health and safety of the community. Once completed this project will yield many benefits to area residents and citizens for years to come.”
This project will impact 100 homes in Boone County that currently lack public sewers.
Boone County and residents who receive the upgrade will contribute slightly more than $1 million dollars to the project as well.
The County will provide $175,000 in support for design work and $200,000 in capital investment. Residents will be responsible for the balance, which will be collected over time through a monthly surcharge.
This $1 million grant will improve our environment by eliminating failing septic tanks and improve the quality of life for our residents,” Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore said. “We have been advocating for help from Frankfort and I am very thankful to Governor Bevin for this Community Development Block Grant.
In July 2017, Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department (NKHD) found E. coli ground contamination on Evergreen Drive, Mary Lou Drive, and Ridgeview Drive.
Moore
The old area septic systems have failed causing ground water contamination and posing a public health risk.
“I am grateful to DLG for their assistance in securing these block grant funds for Boone County,” said Sen. John Schickel. “These resources will go a long way to ensuring the community has the necessary sanitation resources to provide a clean and safe environment for area residents. I look forward to the completion of this project.”
SD1 maintains approximately 1,620 miles of sanitary sewer system pipeline, 120 wastewater pumping stations, 15 flood pump stations, seven package treatment plants, three major wastewater treatment plants, 450 miles of storm sewer system and 33,000 storm sewer structures.
SD1 Executive Director Adam Chaney said collaborative efforts such as this are necessary to deal with the infrastructure challenges facing the region.
Chaney
“This is a good example of government agencies working together outside of traditional boundaries to address a community need,” Chaney said. “SD1 is pleased to work with Boone County to help protect the health and safety of the community by providing reliable wastewater services to areas that need it most.”
The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.
“Any time there is an opportunity to expand or improve sanitation infrastructure on behalf of the health and safety of our citizens, we must take a serious look,” said State Rep. Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger. “I am thankful to DLG and Boone County officials for their work in securing these funds to help see this project to completion.”
Applications for CDBG funds are submitted to the DLG. For more information, click here.
