The Department for Local Government has announced a $1,000,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the City of Middlesboro. The federal funds will allow for improvements to the wastewater treatment plant that serves the 4,345 households and 609 businesses of Middlesboro with adequate wastewater treatment.

Upgrades during the first phase would include rehabilitating a clarifier and sludge filter belt press mechanism at the Middlesboro Wastewater Treatment Plant by replacing a significant number of parts in cramped quarters. The project will remove the existing clarifier mechanism from one of the two clarifiers and replace it with an equivalent system. Similarly, one of the two existing sludge filter belts presses will be taken out of service to repair replacing critical components.

“Properly managed wastewater treatment services are vital to the public health and safety of our Commonwealth,” DLG Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo said. “This investment will support critical upgrades necessary to provide services to hundreds of businesses and thousands of household in Middlesboro.”

“The health and safety of our community is among our primary concerns, and these funds will provide much-needed upgrades to our wastewater infrastructure,” Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson said. “I very much appreciate Governor (Matt) Bevin, Commissioner Dunahoo and their staff for supporting the City of Middlesboro with these funds.”