Hopkinsville City Council will consider two Kentucky Infrastructure Authority Assistance Agreements for Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority projects, following the Committee of the Whole’s actions at Thursday night’s meeting.
HWEA Director of Water, Daniel Lancaster, provided the Council with updates on lead and copper, as well as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) testing results. Following his presentation, HWEA General Manager Watson summarized Lancaster’s information on lead and copper testing.
click to download audioHe reported that the good news about PFAS is that extensive testing showed zero detections in many of the quarterly tests, although some traces were found.
click to download audioWatson added that, according to a map displayed in a PowerPoint presentation to the Council, nearly every drinking water system in the state will need to undertake projects to mitigate PFAS contamination due to its pervasive presence.
He explained that the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority, established in 1988, serves as the funding mechanism for large-scale local public works projects.
click to download audioHe noted that compliance dates start in 2029 and outlined HWEA’s proposed drinking water improvement projects, including the Oak Grove Clean Water Plant Expansion – design only – and the SRF Phase V – Moss Water Treatment Plant GAC Membrane Filtration Upgrade.
Watson requested the Council to authorize HWEA to submit a $1 million loan application to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority for the Oak Grove Clean Water Plant Expansion and Renovation Project, with over $417,000 in loan forgiveness, and to execute any necessary supporting documents.
He added that HWEA is also seeking authorization to submit an $8 million loan application to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority for the Moss Water Treatment Plant GAC Membrane Filtration Upgrade, with over $5.2 million in loan forgiveness, to construct the Southpark Industrial Park Tank.
The Committee of the Whole unanimously voted to forward both Assistance Agreements to the City Council for consideration.
