Frankfort, Ky. (Sept. 21, 2011) – 52 more households in Perry County will soon have access to potable water.

The Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) has determined that agency-eligible, pre-1982 mining has impacted much of the groundwater in the Big Branch area including the side hollows of Deer Fork, Mullins Lane, Maggard Hollow, Burton Hollow Road, Moore Drive and Shell Lane in Perry County, making the entire area eligible for AML waterline assistance.

The project will consist of the construction of approximately four miles of waterline including various road bores, railroad bores and stream crossings, and approximately one-half mile of service lines.

Additionally, approximately 52 water meters, one pressure-reducing vault, and various gate valves and flush hydrants will be installed.

The project, with a memorandum of agreement between the Vicco Water District and AML, totals $600,000.

The waterline will serve as an interconnection line between the cities of Vicco and Hazard as an alternate source of water, and the project will be operated by the Vicco Water District. G & W Construction of Morehead was awarded the contract with a low bid amount of $454,718.19. R.M. Johnson Engineering of Lexington provided engineering services.

AML is authorized under Kentucky law (KRS.350) to abate hazards to public health, safety and the environment from abandoned mine lands. To date, AML has expended more than $80 million for waterline improvements and has provided more than 12,000 households with potable water supply in 24 coalfield counties in eastern, southern and western Kentucky.