Rep. Van Orden celebrates securing $2.2 million for improving water system

ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) — Some major improvements are coming to a housing community in Altoona for the water system there.

Monday, Congressman Derrick Van Orden was in the city to celebrate securing millions of dollars. The funds will go to improvements to the water system at the Hillcrest Estates mobile home park.

The city’s manager says it’s the largest mobile home park in the state and houses 330 families. But its water system has been out of compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources because of its age and low water pressure.

Last month, Congressman Van Orden announced more than $2.2 million in funding to replace parts of the system. He says it’s about bringing taxpayer money back to the district.

“As opposed to the top-down approach to government, we need the bottom-up approach from government and this is the best possible example of that. Upwards of 200 families would be displaced, where the heck are they gonna live, right?” said Van Orden.

If the necessary permits are granted in time, the city hopes to be able to start building this fall.

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