Lancaster, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) announced $1,000,000 in federal funding to support wastewater system improvements for the City of Lancaster. Barr secured the funding through the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. He voted for the appropriations package earlier this month and President Trump recently signed the funding bill into law.
This project will modernize Lancaster’s wastewater collection system, alleviate overloading in critical portions of the network, and take failing pump stations offline. These improvements will prepare the city for significant economic growth on the northwest side of town, ensuring the city’s infrastructure can support new development while maintaining safe and reliable wastewater services.
“Thanks to President Trump signing this funding into law, Lancaster is getting the investment it needs to modernize its wastewater system and support future growth,” said Congressman Barr. “I fought to secure this funding because infrastructure matters, jobs matter, and Kentucky communities deserve results.”
City officials have emphasized the importance of the project to address aging infrastructure and plan for future development. Once completed, the upgrades will reduce system failures, improve service reliability, and support the city’s long-term growth and economic development goals.
“Congressman Barr didn’t just support this project — he made it a priority,” said Judge/Executive Chris Elleman. “Because of his leadership, Lancaster is receiving the funding needed to fix aging infrastructure, take failing pump stations offline, and prepare our community for future development.”
“We are extremely thankful to Congressman Barr for his leadership and support in securing this funding,” said Lancaster Mayor Michael Gaffney. “This project will modernize our wastewater system, take failing pump stations offline, and position our city for future growth, benefiting residents and businesses alike.”
“This is great news for Lancaster, and I appreciate the work Congressman Barr put into making this happen. Water and wastewater infrastructure is a major priority for our area and this funding will go a long way towards keeping sewer and wastewater services safe and reliable,” said Kentucky Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade (R-KY-80).
“Congressman Barr's unwavering commitment to his constituents is exemplified by his advocacy for infrastructure projects that drive economic development, promote health and safety, and improve the overall quality of life for all communities he represents, both urban and rural,” said Jeff VanHook, Executive Director of the RGL Regional Industrial Authority.
“Lancaster-Garrard County expresses its sincere appreciation for Congressman Barr's efforts in securing these funds,” said Anthony Roy, Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority. “Congressman Barr's support for Mayor Gaffney's forward-thinking approach to infrastructure improvements is a testament to his dedication to a better future for Lancaster/Garrard County. Over the past several months, the IDA Board, Mayor Gaffney, and Judge Elleman have engaged in discussions regarding the necessity of replacing the two oldest pumping stations with new ones and replacing approximately 10,000 feet of old clay sewer line with new PVC. This will enable the county to prepare for future growth opportunities once the bypass is complete and sewer services are expanded into northern Garrard County. We are fortunate to have the support of Congressman Barr aligned with Judge Elleman, Mayor Gaffney, and the members of the IDA board, whose vision for expanding and improving the wastewater system will provide a great opportunity to attract more businesses to Garrard County in the future.”
The project reflects a commitment to long-term infrastructure improvement, economic development, and public health, ensuring Lancaster is prepared for growth while maintaining reliable services for all residents.
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