**Collinsville, VA** – On August 19, 2024, Curtis Millner, a representative of the Iriswood District on the Henry County Public Service Authority (PSA) Board of Directors, reiterated the urgent need for state and federal support to extend a water line along Route 57 East and Stoney Mountain Road. This call to action follows the disappointing news that the project will not receive funding from this year's congressional district budget and a failed application to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water.



"This project is crucial for my district," Millner stated. "Parts of the Iriswood district are very rural, but in today’s world, they deserve equal access to safe, public drinking water. We must continue advocating for assistance from the state."



The proposed water line extension, estimated to cost approximately $7.6 million, involves the construction of 60,850 linear feet of piping. This initiative aims to consolidate the existing Leatherwood Estates well system into a more extensive surface water supply, thus providing public water access to nearly 250 additional homes.



The households affected by this project are situated in Census Tract 103, an area with a median household income that is 33% lower than the national average. Notably, around 62% of the population in this tract is classified as people of color, and 46% are considered low income. Furthermore, the project area qualifies as a focus area for the Environmental Justice Index (EJI), which assesses the environmental impact on health equity. Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reveals that the average EJI for the block group in the project area ranks in the 76th percentile within Virginia and the 68th percentile nationally.



Recent testing of 30 private wells in the area highlighted significant health concerns, with 56.6% of the homes showing positive results for total coliform and 3.33% for E. coli. By extending the PSA's water line to this area, residents could gain access to treated drinking water, reducing the risks associated with waterborne diseases and improving overall health outcomes.



In addition to health benefits, access to public water is expected to enhance property values and provide better fire protection services. The PSA has submitted another application for state funding assistance for the project this year, emphasizing the community's ongoing need for a reliable water supply.



For ongoing updates regarding this critical initiative, stay tuned to Star News.