Groundbreaking for the Ocoonita Water Project

November 12, 2009

Ben Hur, Virginia

          I am pleased to return to Lee County today for the groundbreaking on a major expansion of public water service which will provide a safe and reliable source of drinking water for more than 200 homes and businesses.

          Today construction will begin on a new, federally funded public water system to bring water service for the first time to Ocoonita community in Lee County.  Currently the residents of Ocoonita rely on private wells and springs, which are often unreliable and provide inadequate water pressure and quality. Many of these water sources have been contaminated by surface water intrusion, introducing harmful bacteria and chemicals into the drinking water.

To address this problem, at my request the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Agency has provided a federal grant of $2.1 million and a low-interest federal loan of $1,308,000 to the Lee County Public Service Authority to construct a public water system to serve the more than 200 residents of Ocoonita.

          The total cost of this project is $6.7 million. In addition to the $3,408,000 in federal funds, the Virginia Department of Health has provided an additional $3 million, and the Virginia General Assembly has provided $200,000. The Lee County Public Service Authority is providing the remaining funds necessary to construct the project.

With the benefit of the federal funds, more than 27 miles of water lines will be installed along with 25 fire hydrants along Routes 621, 659, 657 and 656 in the Ocoonita community. In addition, a 100,000 gallon storage tank and a 40 gallons per minute pump station will be constructed.

          It is anticipated that construction will be completed late next year. When completed, the new water system will greatly improve the quality of life for the residents who will be receiving water services. The construction that begins today represents another significant step in our ongoing work to improve and expand access to public water service throughout Southwest Virginia.

          I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a number of individuals who have been instrumental in advancing the expansion of public water service on which construction begins today.

          I would like to thank Travis Jackson, Area Director for the Rural Development Agency, and his excellent staff for their successful efforts to secure funding to enable the PSA to complete this expansion of water service.

          I also want to thank Terry Kilgore, who represents Ocoonita in the Virginia House of Delegates, and William Wampler, who represents the community in the Virginia Senate for their outstanding work to secure Virginia General Assembly funds for the project and their longstanding efforts on behalf of Southwest Virginia residents.

          I also want to thank Doc Parsons, Executive Director of the Lee County Public Service Authority, for his dedicated service on behalf of Lee County residents and his leadership on this project.

          I also want to thank the excellent staff of the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission for its efforts on behalf of this project and for its continuing efforts on behalf of residents across our region.

          I would also like to thank Brian Blankenship with the Virginia Department of Health, who is with us today, for his assistance in advancing this project.

          Ed Woodard, Ken Crabtree, Frank Ryans and Ken Ingle, who are residents of Ocoonita, also deserve our thanks today. It was with their assistance that the easements could be obtained to complete the project.  

          Finally, I want to thank my Project Manager, Derek Lyall, for his excellent work in support of this project.

The groundbreaking that we mark today is an example of what can be achieved when citizens and government officials at the local, state and federal levels work together in aid of a common purpose.  For that cooperation and successful work in advancing new public water service for the Ocoonita community, I want to commend everyone here and offer special congratulations to the residents who will soon be receiving the new water service.