FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 27, 2014) – Access to potable water will soon be available to about 98 additional households in Breathitt County. The Department for Natural Resources’ (DNR) Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) announced today the award of contract and start of construction of the Frozen Creek Phase II AML water supply project in Breathitt County. “A safe and sure source of water will be a great asset to the residents of this area. The Breathitt County Water District and the city of Jackson with AML funding have made great progress in getting potable water to the residents of the county,” said DNR Commissioner Steve Hohmann. AML has found that agency-eligible pre-1982 mining has impacted much of the groundwater along Tyra Branch Road, State Route 394, Wolf Branch Road, portions of Lower Taulbee Fork Road including Trusty Lane and Williams Road, and portions of Cope Fork, making these areas eligible for AML waterline assistance. The remaining portions of Cope Fork and Frozen Creek are slated to be served in phase three of this project. The project, with a memorandum of agreement between the Breathitt County Water District and AML, totals $3 million. The project will be operated by the Breathitt County Water District. G & W Construction Company of Morehead was awarded the waterline contract with a low bid of $1,805,189.72. Nesbitt Engineering Inc. of Lexington will provide engineering and inspection services. The entire project will involve the installation of approximately 13.8 miles of water main in various sizes from ¾ inch to 10 inches, and the installation of water meters at 98 residences. AML is authorized under Kentucky law (KRS 350) to abate hazards to public health, safety and the environment from abandoned mine lands. To date, AML has expended more than $118.14 million for waterline improvements and has provided more than 15,556 households with potable water supply in 24 coalfield counties in eastern, southern and western Kentucky.
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