The revitalization of Pineville continues with a new loan given by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority Board.

The Board has approved a $146,000 planning and design loan to the City of Pineville to help fund the Virginia Avenue and Courthouse Square Utility Replacement and Revitalization Project, which will eliminate sewer overflows into the Cumberland River during periods of excess rain or other precipitation.

The city of Pineville currently has a combined sanitary and stormwater system. This project will separate the systems in the area of downtown Pineville, reducing the risk of overflow. The approved loan will pay for engineering services associated with the project.

“This loan will help address public health concerns that stem from sewer overflow,” said Department for Local Government Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo, who also serves as chair of the KIA Board. “This project is of utmost importance for the well-being of Pineville residents.”

“This project will ultimately reduce the amount of sewer overflow entering the Cumberland River, which is considered one of the southern United States’ major waterways,” KIA Executive Director Donna McNeil said. “Because of that, this project stands to benefit people beyond Pineville.”

Among its functions, KIA provides low-interest loans to public utilities for projects having to do with storm water control treatment systems, solid waste management systems and other infrastructure vital to public health.

“Beyond the public health component, this project is important because it will allow the city to become compliant with a mandate from the Kentucky Division of Water,” Rep. Rick Nelson said. “I’m grateful that the KIA board has voted to help fund this project.”

Pineville’s Mayor Scott Madon had this to say about the loan:

“We are excited that we were approved for this funding to begin this process. This money will assist us in completing our storm, sewer and sanitation separation project; the environmental impact of which is very important. It will also allow us to tie in our downtown revitalization with underground overhead utilities, new sidewalks, improved parking, and new lighting. This is another step toward our economic development and the progression of our region; hopefully it will be finished before the Appalachian Wildlife project is complete.”