Friday, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Uniontown a $23,437,500 grant to rehabilitate the city’s entire wastewater collection system.
“Water and wastewater systems across the country are aging, overburdened, and in need of replacement,” said Senator Shelby. “Failure to invest in these water projects has devastating economic and public health consequences. The dire situation in Uniontown is a prime example of a number of communities across Alabama in need of upgrades and repairs. I am proud to have led the efforts to create momentum for this project, and I would like to thank USDA for providing this critical funding. I remain committed to fighting for these greatly needed resources to combat our state’s growing infrastructure needs.”
The $23,437,500 USDA Rural Development grant for Uniontown will include construction of an interconnection between the city of Uniontown and the city of Demopolis which will pump wastewater to Demopolis for treatment. Once this collection system is operational, the treatment of wastewater through the city of Uniontown’s existing lagoon and spray field system will be decommissioned and reclaimed, which will eliminate wastewater overflow and assist the city to better comply with environmental regulatory requirements. Approximately 2,810 customers in the city of Uniontown and the surrounding area are served by this wastewater system.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Selma) said on social media, “BIG victory today for Alabama!! I have met with families in rural Alabama who struggle with the health and economic challenges created by failing wastewater systems. Every day, their stories inspire my fight in Congress for stronger investments in our wastewater infrastructure.”
The Uniontown sewer system has been cited repeatedly for violating clean water regulations. People down river of the system have complained repeatedly about the spillage.
The median household income in Uniontown is just $17,949 per year, which is well below the state average of $46,257. Uniontown is in Perry County.
Senator Richard Shelby is the Chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.
