Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases For Immediate Release: PATT- MCDANIEL, DEEL ANNOUNCE MIFFLIN COLUMBUS – Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, and Fred Deel, Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, today announced the award of $250,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission grant funds to the Pike County Board of Commissioners to improve drinking water in the area. "Ohio’s partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission strengthens the quality of life for Ohioans in Appalachian communities," Patt-McDaniel said. "Supporting the well-being of our Appalachian communities enhances their ability to prosper, and provides for improved health and stronger Ohioans throughout the region. "The funds will assist in the extension of 73,300 linear feet of waterline and related equipment along State Route 124 in Mifflin Township. This enhancement will provide more than 80 customers with safe and reliable drinking water. Several area wells have tested positive for e-coli by the Pike County Health Department, putting other wells at risk of becoming contaminated. "By extending the State Route 124 water line, Pike County ensures the reliable access to safe drinking water that is vital to this Appalachian community and its health,” Deel said. The waterline extension project will provide safe and reliable drinking water to Long’s Retreat, a major Pike County tourist attraction; and Cave Lake Center for Community Leadership, a YMCA regional campground. The undertaking allows the county to expand water lines to an area that will be favorable for residential growth as well as commercial growth, especially in the tourism sector. "The Mifflin Township Waterline Extension is another fine example of Pike County and Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission working with the Governor's Office of Appalachia and the Appalachian Regional Commission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water to the rural areas of Pike County," said John W. Hemmings III, Executive Director of the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission. As an advocate for Ohio’s 32 Appalachian counties, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia works on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington, D.C. to promote the region’s assets and to support local, regional, state, and federal initiatives. These initiatives contribute to the economic, educational, and community prosperity of the people of Ohio’s Appalachian region. Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619
October 30, 2009
TOWNSHIP WATERLINE PROJECT
Pike County Community to Benefit
or the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609