MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $273,000 grant to help Walker County repair a damaged water line that, if unrepaired, could leave more than 300 households without water.
The Community Development Block Grant funds will be used by the Copeland Ferry Pumpkin Center Water Authority to repair the leaking line that was damaged when it was struck by lightning. The line is beneath the Mulberry Fork River, and water authority officials say the line is in danger of a major rupture cutting off the water supply to residents in the area.
“This damage, which was an act of nature, could have a catastrophic effect on residents unless something is done,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased that funds are available to help the Copeland Ferry Pumpkin Center Water Authority address this problem without a major disruption of service to the people that depend on this water.”
The lightning strike during an April 18 storm caused the 8-inch water line to crack and begin leaking. The leaking continues to worsen, according to the water authority. Water officials say the more probable solution is to install a new section of water line under the river to replace the leaking line.
The affected area is in southeast corner of Walker County. Water is supplied to the authority from the Cordova water system.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey in ensuring that residents have continued access to clean water without any major disruptions,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Gov. Ivey notified Steve Miller, chairman of the Walker County Commission, that the grant had been approved.
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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