Two grants totaling more than $7.6 million will fund major MSD infrastructure improvements in Jefferson and Oldham counties. Governor Andy Beshear announced the grants October 26 under the $250 million Kentucky Cleaner Water Program, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

MSD was one of the attractions for more than 1,200 high school students from across Kentucky who gathered at the Shelby County Fairgrounds during Kentucky Construction Career Days in September.

The annual event, sponsored by the Kentucky Construction Career Choice Council, exposes vocational and technical school students to careers in construction. More than fifty exhibitors gave the students a wide variety of experiences at this year’s September 21 and 22 gathering.

The Environmental Justice Task Force for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)—chaired by MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott—has developed a set of Environmental Justice Principles for the water sector. The principles will be used by NACWA in on-going discussions with Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency and utility peers.

“Because of the work our task force has done, NACWA has moved to set up a standing Environmental Justice Committee within NACWA this fall which will keep the momentum going,” Parrott said.

Local small businesses that provide construction services can learn more about MSD’s new Small Local Business Enterprise Program (SBE Program) at informational sessions on August 3, 4 and 5. These one-hour virtual sessions are for construction contractors interested in bidding as a prime for MSD construction-related work.

LOJIC (Louisville/Jefferson County Information Consortium) was named the 2021 winner of the Esri Enterprise GIS Award. LOJIC is recognized “for bringing together decision-makers to understand the interconnection of systems within their region and share data and applications across 1,300 spatial databases,” according to a July 14 Esri news release.

The MSD MS4 Development Department is reviewing and revising the MSD Green Infrastructure Design Manual (MSD Design Manual Chapter 18). This project’s goals are to: 

·       Create more consistent standards where current standards are duplicative or unclear;

·       Simplify and clarify the content of the standards for easier interpretation;

·       Update requirements to address issues that have been found with existing green infrastructure practices;

·       Ensure the standards are encouraging design outcomes that align with MSD policies; and

LOUISVILLE – Crews have closed East Liberty Street between Campbell and Wenzel streets due to two cave-ins in the pavement. Inspections reveal the cave-ins result from breaks with the connections to a 30-inch brick sewer line installed in 1871.

Traffic detour signs are being installed, and sidewalks remain open at this time. MSD crews will begin repairs in the morning. At this time, there is no estimate of how long the repairs will take.

There is no loss of sewer service during the repair.

The April 15 announcement of a $97 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Louisville MSD marks a commitment to safe, clean waterways for the community while also saving money.

MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan, Kentucky’s Secretary of Energy and Environment Rebecca Goodman, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, and other officials for the announcement conducted via video conferencing.

With Ohio River floodwaters receding, home and business owners turn their attention to the task of cleaning up. MSD advises taking photographs of the damage before cleanup begins. Residents and owners are encouraged to begin cleanup as soon as possible; floodplain permits are not required before cleanup begins.

Flood cleanup safety tips:

• Before entering your home, check for damaged power lines, gas lines, foundation cracks and other exterior damage. It may be too dangerous to enter the home.