August 22, 2008

OBEY IN BUTTERNUT FOR UPDATE ON WATER PROJECT
Federal Funds Helping Improve Reliability Of Village's Water System

BUTTERNUT, WI - Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) was in Butternut today for an update on how the village is using $900,000 in federal funds that he secured for the Northern Wisconsin Environmental Assistance Program - also known as "Section 154".

"The basic building blocks for community growth, like access to clean water, good roads, and efficient sewers, can cost local taxpayers a lot," said Obey.  "That's why we created Section 154 - to help promote economic development and ease the cost of improving sewer and water systems for Northwoods taxpayers. I'm glad to be here today to see first hand how it's working here in Butternut."

The federal funds are intended to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to help the village construct a new primary water supply well and water tower and install a new water main to improve the system's reliability.  The village's water system currently consists of two wells, one of which was constructed in 1938 and has a very low flow and outdated controls, which has left the village inadequate pumping capacity and high maintenance costs.

Section 154 - the Northern Wisconsin Environmental Assistance Program - was created by Obey in 2000 to help Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron counties finance work for repairing, expanding and upgrading water related infrastructure, including wells, sewer systems, dams, and wastewater treatment facilities.  Over the last few years, Obey has secured more than $30 million for projects under this special authority. Projects funded by the program are selected by a special committee composed of representatives from the local counties and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

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