Wicker: Water Project Will Aid Tate County Schools

Press Release

WICKER: WATER PROJECT WILL AID TATE COUNTY SCHOOLS

Funds to aid in building a new water system in eastern Tate County have been included in a House appropriations bill, U. S. Rep. Roger Wicker said Wednesday.

The Congressman, who serves on the Appropriations Committee, said the 2008 Interior Department funding bill approved by the House of Representatives contains $500,000 for the project.

Because there is no public water system in eastern Tate County, the school system must draw water from four wells to serve Independence High School, Independence Middle School, and East Tate Elementary School. Rep. Wicker said the funding will enable the school system to meet growing needs in a more effective manner. The project will also provide service to recently-developed residential areas and boost the capabilities of volunteer fire departments in the area.

"There is a definite need to ensure a safe and dependable source of water for Tate County students and area residents," Rep. Wicker said. "The funds in this project will help meet that objective."

House passage is the first step in the process. The Senate is considering a separate version of the legislation.

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