WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a grant totaling $200,000 for Monroe County.  The funds will be used to construct a new water treatment plant, which will create 170 new jobs and leverage $215 million in private investment. 

“This water treatment plant will provide the citizens of Monroe Country with safe, dependable water,” said Senator Wicker. “Through a strong partnership between government and private businesses, this facility will enhance economic growth in Monroe County.”

ARC funds will be used to construct a 500 gallon-per-minute water treatment plant in Hamilton.  The infrastructure improvements will enable the development of a premium grade titanium sponge facility, which requires a significant amount of water to operate.   

In addition to the ARC grant, the state is providing $1,500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds and $300,000 from the Development Infrastructure Program, and private industry will provide $555,000, brining the total project funding to $2,555,000.