Manchester, KY – With eyes on future growth and long-term sustainability, Clay County has been awarded a $450,000 grant to identify a new raw water source to support households and business expansion across the county.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently approved the funding for a comprehensive study that will lay the foundation for a more robust water supply system in the region. The project will be led by the Clay County Fiscal Court under the direction of County Judge-Executive Tommy Harmon.
“This is a critical first step in securing Clay County’s future,” Harmon said. “If we’re going to grow – economically, residentially, and industrially – we must have a more reliable and expanded water source. The water we have now simply isn’t enough to meet future demand.”
The multi-phase project includes a feasibility study, a hydro-geological assessment, and a full engineering evaluation. These studies will identify a clean and high-quality raw water source capable of supporting increased demand, while also designing necessary infrastructure to integrate it into the county’s water system.
Currently, Clay County is served by two water companies that rely solely on the Bert T. Combs Reservoir, which is fed by Goose Creek. According to data cited in the ARC proposal, the reservoir provides a limited supply, holding only a 22-week maximum capacity, and receives an average inflow of 3.5 million gallons per day. Meanwhile, the county’s water utilities draw approximately 2.7 million gallons daily for treatment and use.
Officials say this narrow margin and the unpredictable nature of Goose Creek’s flow make the reservoir an inadequate long-term solution, particularly for areas of the county that remain underserved or unserved.
“This grant allows us to explore viable alternatives and design the infrastructure needed to ensure that every resident and business in Clay County can count on clean, accessible water – not just today, but for generations to come,” Harmon added. The project will not only locate a viable water source, but also produce designs for treatment plant connections, storage facilities, and a distribution network aimed at extending service to currently unreached areas.
The $450,000 in total funding includes $360,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission, $72,000 in state matching funds, and $18,000 in local contributions. Work on the project is expected to begin later this year.
Judge Harmon and the Clay County Fiscal Court have committed themselves to finding a raw water source that is sustainable for Clay County. This grant is a huge step in the process for finding that source and is the result of several months of work from the fiscal court.