Monday, it rolled through Jefferson County, bringing with it a cabinet member, a U.S. senator, a congressman, and nearly $10 million. From bad times to better, lawmakers came to Jefferson County to announce a $9.4 million infrastructure project in hopes to heal the present and advance our future.

“Finally the federal government is doing what it should have been doing 10 years ago and five years ago. Instead of cutting taxes for the rich, we’re putting money directly into communities, creating good paying trade jobs where people make decent money,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown.

The United States Department of Agriculture is investing money in Wintersville, all part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This project will eliminate runoff from failing septic tanks and improve the area’s long standing problem with water quality. It directly benefits 350 users in Wayne and Cross Creek Townships, but the reach of the upgrades is expected to affect the entire region.

“I think it’s going to be something that will raise the value of all the homes in that area. The sooner we can do that the better it’s going to be for everybody,” said Rep. Charlie Wilson.

Lawmakers said the project will also create dozens of jobs and long term investments.

“For those who want to promote economic development in the region, it’s yet another reason to attract business and industry here,” said Sec. Tom Vilsack, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Because part of the money is coming from the federal government, some customers may see minor increases their rates, but lawmakers said the payoff is worth the investment. “We can’t do economic development without a good water and sewer system,” said Brown.

Construction is set to begin in the spring 2010 and take 18 months to complete.