WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Perry County community received new resources to update water infrastructure and improve service. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded a grant to the Village of New Straitsville to replace outdated waterlines and improve water service for nine businesses and 296 households.

“Ohio’s rural communities and small towns face a heavy burden when financing infrastructure projects,” Brown said. “This improvement project will provide residents with a modern water system that improves water quality and encourages investment in New Straitsville.”

The current water distribution system dates back to the 1930s and frequent waterline breaks and boil alerts cost the village $30,000 annually. In addition to ARC’s $250,000 grant, state and local sources will provide an additional $850,000 to complete the renovation project.

Brown is working to help communities around Ohio struggling to afford costly but necessary renovations to sewer systems. Earlier this year, he introduced the Clean Water Affordability Act to help communities make renovations to outdated sewer systems, while improving water quality and keeping rates affordable for residents and small business.

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