Two Lexington wastewater treatment plants have received funding from the Better Kentucky Plan for major upgrades.
The Better Kentucky Plan will fund school, water and broadband improvements by using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Gov. Andy Beshear presented Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton with an 11.8 million dollar check. It will be used to upgrade the wastewater disinfection process at two plants from chlorine gas to using ultraviolet light.
Charles Martin is the director of water quality with the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. Martin said using chlorine gas poses potential risks.
“There's the risk of a leak of toxic gas, it's a risk to our employees, it's a risk to the surrounding community around us,” Martin said. “There’s also water quality issues with it as well in that too much chlorine in the water can react with other compounds and form things that are harmful to human beings.”
Kentucky Senator Reggie Thomas, a Democrat representing Fayette County, said the upgrade is vital for two reasons.
“One, it protects Kentucky families. We need clean and safe water for the health of all Kentuckians,” Thomas said. “Number two, it promotes economic development. You cannot have economic growth unless you have good and clean water.”
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