Though over 22 years into the planning process, the town hopes to be able to break ground on the project within the coming months.

Joining Langworthy at the meeting were Ellicott Town Supervisor Janet Bowman, County Executive PJ Wendel, County Legislator Jamie Gustafson, County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, Ellicott Planning Board Trustee Ken Lyons, Town Councilwoman Katie Whitmore, Code Enforcement Officer Brandon Shelters, and Police Chief Dan Ingrao.

“It’s a tumultuous time in D.C., as we’re trying to accomplish things with a very narrow one seat majority. But, we’ve had a very rigorous legislative calendar, and that’s why I’m so pleased to be able to spend time in the district during the district work period this week,” said Langworthy. “But I am pleased to say that, because of the work we’ve accomplished, that we have secured $1 million for the town of Ellicott to expand water services for the residents of the town.”

Langworthy was the first that noted that this project, and acquiring funding, have been planned for a very long time. Langworthy stated that this is not just a grant that has been received for the town, but instead is funding that been worked into the federal budget for this specific purpose. Langworthy noted that an incredible amount of work had to go into writing the board and getting proper legislative language in place before finally being able to be worked into the appropriations bill.

Rep. Nick Langworthy is pictured greeting people after arriving at the Ellicott Town Hall.

“This has been many, many, years in the making. I think we found 22 years the town of Ellicott has been pursuing water in the Fluvanna area,” said Wendel. “Strunk Road, by urban legend, is the midway point between Chicago and New York City, and the Strunk Road exit has never really been developed. Why? Because they haven’t had solid water infrastructure. This million dollars is going to bring that along and bring economic development.”

Langworthy stated that this project will extend the water lines from the city of Jamestown to Townline Road, so that town residents will have access to safer water. Langworthy noted how essential expanding and renewing these public water sources are to public safety. Langworthy stated that about 40% of private well water is deemed unsafe for human consumption. Not only this, but Langworthy noted that the chances of runoffs are lower, causing less environmental and lake damage.

“I just want to thank the Congressman for all his efforts that he put in to make this happen, and everybody else because we received a lot of letters from people in support,” said Bowman. “It’s a very exciting thing for the town, and hopefully it will open up a lot of new development opportunities.”

Langworthy not only stressed that drinking water is not a luxury, but expanded on that by stating that every family deserves to know that the water in the tap is completely safe. The benefits of this project are hopefully going to support many generations of future growth in the area, according to Langworthy. This is because safe and clean drinking water being ensured to the area will only further growth and opportunity for residents and business, which Langworthy seemed to expect to grow with time. Additionally, Langworthy discussed the additional strength that this gives to local fire districts, as it opens up the possibility for additional hydrants and water sources, and the possibility to reduce long-term environmental and public health risks.