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Opinion: Marion must accept ADEM funding to bring repairs to city’s struggling water

Dexter Hinton, Mayor of The City of Marion, has been notified by ADEM the City of Marion has been granted Phase I and Phase II grant funding for upgrading the city water system with Phase II promised upon the completion of Phase I. A total of $9,200,000 with only a very small percentage of that requiring repayment, has been allocated to upgrade and improve the City of Marion Water and Sewerage system.

To obtain these grant funds the City of Marion must develop a fiscal sustainability plan (FSP) with provision to include a small rate increase following the recommendations of the Alabama Rural Water Association’s rate study. The FSP will contain plans ensuring the long-term future financial sustainability for operation and replacement of the water system infrastructure. This FSP will ensure the normalization of continued upkeep of the water system, something greatly needed for the future of our city.

The procurement of this funding is an incredible first step in cleaning up a water system that has been neglected for 75 years at the very least. A safe and consistently maintained water system is essential to the well-being of our citizens as well as for the growth of our city.

Mayor Dexter Hinton is quoted as saying, “our people deserve clean water and the City of Marion is working hard to ensure the water system is cleaned up and well maintained”. ADEM is providing the fist step in this process. Please encourage your City Council to back the Mayor and vote to accept this incredible opportunity from ADEM.