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The Village of Lowell received $250,000 this week from the Appalachian Regional Commission to help fund its water system improvements.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, announced the funding Friday that will support new water service to 65 households and improve water service for two businesses and 1,470 existing households.
"Strong water and sewer infrastructure is critical to Ohio communities' ability to be economically competitive," Brown said in a press release. "This funding will ensure that the residents of Lowell have access to safe and clean drinking water. I will continue to advocate for resources and push for robust infrastructure funding in Washington so that Ohioans in rural communities have equal access to clean water."
It was announced in July that Lowell would receive $200,000 in H2Ohio funding to support replacement of old lines along with adding/repairing looped sections inside the village.
Liz Zimmerman, president of the Lowell Board of Public Affairs, said there are multiple projects that are being planned, including a new water treatment facility, new water wells on Buell Island, a new sewer plant, and line looping and replacement.
"That money will be used for the line looping project and line replacement," she said. "We also have a new water treatment facility in the planning."
The dead-end lines will loop within the village and lead to the island where the new water treatment facility will be built.
She said the funding was important to keep water bills low for their consumers as they replace the "old and aging infrastructure."
"We're really excited to have this (funding)," Zimmerman said.
The village also has received $1 million in funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Brown's press release stated additional funding will be provided by state and local sources bringing the total project funding to $2,728,900.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.
At a glance:
¯ Appalachian Regional Commission awarded $250,000 grant for water system improvements in Lowell.
¯ Total project funding so far is $2.729 million.
¯ Funding will help in line replacement and line looping.
Source: Times research.