MARION, Ky. - About 20 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers are helping state and local officials respond to a water shortage in Crittenden County.
The Soldiers with the 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company, the 206th Engineer Battalion, 201st Engineer Battalion and the 103rd Chemical Battalion have been working with Kentucky Emergency Management on ways to source water from local rivers due to low levels in Old Town Lake, the town’s water source.
On July 1, Jeremy Slinker, director for Kentucky Emergency Management, flew out with Army Lt. Col. Curtis Persinger, director of military operations, to view the area and meet with city leaders.
“Thanks to the might and strength of the Kentucky National Guard and all others that are assisting in Marion, everybody’s giving everything they got,” Slinker said.” I would say the situation is going well considering. We’re really fighting a tough battle on keeping the city in water.”
Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency for the town after the levee containing the city’s water reservoir was compromised, causing a critical water shortage.
The Kentucky National Guard was asked to provide equipment and personnel to help move and distribute water and support state and county emergency management efforts.
By June 24, Soldiers from within the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade began transporting water from the Trade Water River to Old City Lake, near Marion. Army Palletized Load System (PLS) vehicles transported non-potable storage tanks daily to move up to 80,000 gallons of water to the reservoir. Bottled water was also distributed to residents at the Old Marion Armory.
The mission began with five PLS vehicles, but one was involved in a rollover accident that injured one Soldier and took the truck out of commission.
“The Soldiers are doing their job, and they know why we’re here and how important the mission is that they’re involved with and are all so willing to help,” said Army Capt. Brant Cashion, liaison officer and officer in charge of the mission for the Kentucky National Guard.
“They’ve been great,” said Jared Byford, mayor of Marion. “They’ve been out at the distribution center helping get the water to the citizens and then, obviously, the drivers keeping the lake as full as they can.”
Danielle Duncan, the city’s planning and zoning coordinator, agreed.
“It has been wonderful working with the Soldiers,” said Duncan.” They have been nothing but wonderful, respectful, and I’m just glad to have them here.”
Byford expressed thanks for the Guard’s assistance.
“I felt bad today asking for more because they’re given so much already, but they’re willing to help and willing to do whatever they can,” Byford said. “So just thank you and appreciate everything. Thank you so much.”
The Soldiers were asked to stay another 30 days to continue to move water into the area.