Pikeville sewer project to serve 250+ homes and businesses
October 10, 2014 by clackey
To symbolize the start of the sewage lift station replacement project, an agreement was signed by Pikeville Mayor Frank Justice, Congressman Hal Rogers and Lisa Morgan, Assistant Chief of Programs and Project Management for the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
On Oct. 9, the City of Pikeville celebrated the start of a sewer system expansion project that will benefit current and future homes and businesses.
The city is replacing an existing sewage lift station, which had obstructed the view of drivers, with a new unit that can transport a larger volume of sewage. This will allow 200 homes and 38 businesses already in the area to connect to the sewer system. The new lift station will be located off Thompson’s Road and Justice Way.
When the new Pikeville Commons is complete, another 12 to 20 businesses and 100 apartments will be added to the sewer system. Pikeville Commons is a $44 million economic development project that will bring new jobs and housing.
A groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 9 was moved inside due to rain. Instead, a project agreement was signed.
At the ceremony, Pikeville City Manager Donovan Blackburn welcomed the participants and audience. The Pikeville Police Honor Guard presented the Colors, and the Pikeville Elementary School Choir sang the National Anthem. Barry Chaney, Pikeville City Commissioner, led the prayer.
Pikeville Mayor Pro Tem Jimmie Carter spoke about the project on behalf of the city.
Special guests who spoke were Congressman Hal Rogers and Lisa Morgan, Assistant Chief of Programs and Project Management for the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which helped fund the sewer project.
“This project will not only help create jobs with the new businesses that will open, but it will also enhance Pike County’s portfolio for future economic development,” said Congressman Rogers. “A project of this magnitude requires in-depth strategic planning, and I applaud the heroes behind the scenes, like Donovan Blackburn and the Pikeville City Commissioners who have worked tirelessly to ensure more homes have access to the sewer system, more shopping doors can open and the parking lots can be filled.”
The Corps of Engineers funding for the sewer project was awarded through the Section 531 Program for design and construction of water-related environmental infrastructure in Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District. The Section 531 Program was established by Congressman Rogers as part of the PRIDE initiative, which promotes environmental cleanup and education in southern and eastern Kentucky.
Congressman Rogers also presented the PRIDE Volunteer of the Month Award to Kelly Scott, the Pikeville High School teacher who sponsors the school’s Panther PRIDE Club. Scott earned the honor for leading the club’s cleanup and education projects, which benefit the students who participate and the entire community.
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