Sturgis, Ky. – After three years of effort to bring water treatment back under local control, city officials celebrated a major funding milestone on Tuesday. More than $16 million in grant money has been secured to build a new water‑treatment plant that will replace the out‑of‑town system currently serving residents.
Grant Funding Details
The grant package includes $12 million from federal sources and an additional $4 million presented by the Commonwealth of Kentucky at Wednesday’s city‑council meeting. The total project cost is estimated at $12,038,000, meaning the city’s direct financial responsibility will be roughly $23,000 – a negligible share compared with the overall budget.
Project Scope
The new facility will feature two modern wells, raw‑water intake lines, finished‑water distribution lines, and updated meters throughout the system. Construction is slated to begin once final contracts are awarded, with the city estimating a timeline of one and a half to two years before groundbreaking.
Mayor’s Reaction
Mayor Billy Adams expressed overwhelming gratitude, saying, “I’m on cloud 9. This is a moment where the hard work of many people finally pays off for Sturgis.” He added that the project marks a dramatic turnaround from the high water costs residents faced just a few years ago.
Strategic Impact
The plant is a centerpiece of the Sturgis Strategic Plan, an initiative developed with the Kentucky League of Cities. The plan aims to revitalize the community, improve quality of life, and attract new families and businesses by lowering the cost of living.
John Buchanan, Development and Community Adviser for the Kentucky League of Cities, noted, “For a city like Sturgis, this project could position the town as a regional hub for recreation, business development, tourism, and family life.”
Community Benefits
Lower water rates are expected to ease household budgets, making Sturgis more appealing to prospective residents and encouraging existing families to stay. The project also promises job creation during the construction phase and long‑term operational positions once the plant is online.
Next Steps
City leaders will now focus on finalizing contracts with contractors and securing any remaining ancillary funding. Mayor Adams emphasized that while the grant awards are a significant step forward, the city must still complete the procurement process before work can commence.
“We had no idea three years ago what we would do. Now we have a clear path forward,” Adams said. “It feels fantastic to see traction and to know we are moving toward a brighter future for Sturgis.”
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
