WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsNorthern Wisconsin communities get water upgrades from a variety of federal spigots

Northern Wisconsin communities get water upgrades from a variety of federal spigots

By Katie Rosenberg

WASHINGTON DC (WAOW)--Several area communities are getting upgrades to their water systems thanks to a variety of federal funds.

Congressman Dave Obey says that an Interior Appropriations Bill that was passed last month includes millions of dollars for sewage treatment systems in Athens, Stetsonville and Abbotsford.

The Wausau Democrat says that the money not only gives residents higher quality water treatment, it also gives an economic boost. "The advantage of these projects is two-fold,” Obey said in a telephone interview. “First of all, it helps to provide jobs in the construction. And secondly, it certainly improves the ability of communities to develop their economies. Example: in Athens they had a new industrial park they want to expand. This will help them to do that and help them to attract industry.”

Obey says Athens, Stetsonville and Abbotsford each received $1 Million. Park Falls also received $550,000.

15 other communities also received money through a variety of sources including the EPA and the American Re-investment and Recovery Act to upgrade their water systems.

Online Reporter: Katie Rosenberg