Following the flooding in Eastern Kentucky, Owensboro Municipal Utilities General Manager Tim Lyons said they sent four water crew members to Knott County to provide mutual assistance in installation efforts.
According to Lyons, the team has been working in Knott County for two weeks on removing shoring and dirt from around the water mains service in that area.
Lyons said it marks the first time in his knowledge that the company sent a water team to help another community.
Due to the torrential rains, the team has had to scrape for backfill material to support the exposed water lines. To add to the difficulty, roads in the area have become eroded and narrow, making it difficult to move through the county and slowing the progress down.
In addition to work, OMU had to purchase a camper for the workers for shelter during their stay.
The team has completed their two weeks of work and will be returning home in the coming days.
“It’s been challenging. Food has been scarce and the roads are in poor condition, but we’re very thankful for those guys,” Lyons said. “We’re hoping they get on the road in the morning and come home safely, but we’re thankful for the service. They provided a big asset to that group.”
