Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $350,000 grant to enable the Russellville Water and Sewer Board to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant and triple its capacity.

Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will assist the board in increasing sewage capacity an additional 7.5 million gallons a day at the Radford “Joe” Murray Wastewater Treatment Plant. The upgrade will ensure the city of Russellville is prepared to handle growth and remains well above state permitted wastewater levels.

“The upgrade and expansion of the Russellville sewer treatment plant will ensure that the growing needs of both residents and businesses are met, as well as being a benefit for future economic development,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend the Russellville Water and Sewer Board for taking this step to serve its customers, and I am pleased to announce this grant to help complete this project.”

The project will bring an inactive wastewater holding pond back into service through the replacement of pipes and lines and new aeration equipment. The improvements will increase the amount of sewage that can be treated at the plant to 11 million gallons a day. Current capacity is 3.5 million gallons per day. The system services 2,552 residential customers and 616 commercial customers.

“I would like to thank and congratulate Eric Hill, General Manager of the Russellville water and sewer board and the members of the board for applying for and being awarded the grant,” said Russellville mayor David Grissom. “Special Thanks to Governor Ivey and ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell for helping the city secure the ARC funds.”

“I feel like these folks were a big factor in receiving the funding,” Hill said. “I wanted to recognize some other individuals that were a huge factor as well.”

Hill said he would like to thank those who sent support letters to help secure the grant – Rod Hawkins, Utility Engineering Consultants; Morgan Tittle; NACOLG staff; G&G Steel; Southeastern Commercial Fabricators; Russellville City Schools; Frankin County EDA; Rep. Jamie Kiel.

“The Appalachian Regional Commission has been a valued partner for more than half a century to Alabama towns, counties and communities in the north and central part of the state,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.