Kentucky water infrastructure and business risks report

Federal spending bill threatens 281 water infrastructure projects supporting jobs and economic development

Kentucky water infrastructure and business risks report – Federal spending bill threatens 281 water infrastructure projects supporting jobs and economic development

Projects in Louisville and Jefferson County, Lexington-Fayette, Richmond and more at Risk of Being Derailed by Lawmakers in Washington, D.C.


FRANKFURT, KY (December 6, 2023) – A new report identifies hundreds of water infrastructure projects in Kentucky that are at risk of being delayed or canceled if Congress approves the House FY24 appropriations bill. The American Business Water Coalition (ABWC) today released the findings of a study that illustrates the risks to thriving business, job creation and local economic growth by identifying the specific water infrastructure projects and regions that will be impacted should the FY24 House Interior-Environment Appropriations bill and its historic cuts to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) be signed into law.

Leading examples of at-risk water infrastructure projects that would support the local economy in key regions across Kentucky include:  

  1. Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District’s western outfall rehabilitation
  2. Northern Kentucky Water District’s Taylor Mill Treatment Plant advanced treatment improvements
  3. Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s Cooper Drive stormwater improvements
  4. Richmond Utilities’ Goggins Lane Park sewer
  5. Warrant County Water Districts’ Three Springs transmission improvements

To view all of the projects at risk in Kentucky, please visit www.businesswatercoalition.com/reports/kentucky for the report in its entirety.  

“Should the House Appropriations bill pass, including its draconian funding cuts to SRF programs, we would see a disastrous effect on water infrastructure funding that will trickle down to impact the economic health of local Kentucky communities,” said Mae Stevens, chief executive officer of ABWC. “Our new report highlights the important water projects at great risk in Kentucky. Water-related crises are wreaking havoc on a daily basis across the country. Congress must fully fund our nation’s water infrastructure, and not pinch pennies on programs that every American and the entire economy rely on.”

It is estimated that restoring the country’s water systems to meet the needs of the population will cost at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years. Without a dramatic increase in federal investment, every business and community in America is at risk.

The American Business Water Coalition is a group of water-reliant businesses—from manufacturing to energy to tech and beyond. The coalition provides a platform for businesses across the country to urge Congress and the Administration to increase investment in water infrastructure, and foster relationships between businesses and their local utilities.
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