WASHINGTON (April 9, 2010)—Today at the Franklin County Fiscal Court meeting, Congressman Ben Chandler announced $900,000 in federal funding to finance a new wastewater treatment plant to serve the Farmdale area. At the conclusion of his remarks, Chandler presented Franklin County Judge-Executive Ted Collins with a check for the new funding.

“Pollution is a problem in this area, and no parent should have to worry about their child playing in local streams,” Congressman Chandler said. “Sewers aren’t the most glamorous or pleasant topic, but they are so important. In today’s world they are part of basic infrastructure that no town or rural area should do without, and especially not if they expect to grow.”

The funding will help to establish a new wastewater treatment plant to serve the Farmdale area. The region had recently been suffering from the failure of many septic systems as the result of an improperly functioning wastewater system, causing sewage and pollutants to seep into groundwater and streams. The new project will also add around 1,000 households to municipal sewers and bring the Farmdale Sanitation District up to environmental and efficiency standards.

“We are pleased that Congressman Chandler was able to get a federal grant for the Farmdale Sanitation District,” Judge-Executive Collins said. “There are approximately nine treatment plants and hundreds of septic systems which desperately need upgrading.  This is a major step in getting a much improved sewer system in that area.  We thank Congressman Chandler for his efforts.”

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