$1.31 Million In Federal Funds Allows Flat Creek Water Co-op To Expand Services

June 26, 2007, SHELBYVILLE – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development funds totaling $1.31 million will allow the Flat Creek Water Co-operative Inc. to serve new customers, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced.

“The project will serve 40 new customers in the southern portion of Flat Creek Water Co-operative’s service area near Highway 82, giving more residents access to a reliable, safe supply of water,” Gordon said.

The funds will be used to construct 7.5 miles of water distribution lines, a 200,000-gallon storage tank, a pump station, pump station rehabilitation and system wide telemetry. Telemetry is an electronic device which transmits data to a remote site.

“With the addition of the proposed water storage tank, existing users located at higher elevations will have improved pressure and volume,” Jimmy Highers, engineering consultant for Flat Creek Water Co-operative.

“The installation of a system-wide telemetry system will allow the Co-op to monitor and control elements within the distribution system from a central location. With this improvement, operation and
maintenance costs associated with operation and observation will be reduced,” he said.

Funding for the project consists of a $325,000 grant and $985,000 loan.

“Clean, safe water is critical to the health and economic future of every community,” said Rural Development State Director Mary Ruth Tackett. “I am proud that, with the support of Congressman Gordon, Rural Development has the resources to assist the Utility District and local leaders as they build for the future in Bedford County.”