Kansas City – EPA has awarded $388,000 to the city of Russell for improvements to its drinking water system. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2012.

According to EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks the water infrastructure funds will partially fund the construction project which is estimated to cost $843,500.

The purpose of the project is to replace old, deteriorating cast iron pipe with new plastic pipe to eliminate numerous leaks that have occurred the past 20 years.

The construction will include approximately 5,400 feet of six-inch and 4,500 feet of eight-inch water line, water valves and fire hydrants.