Ghent; water infrastructure funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

HF 616 provides $7,039,000 in state funding to improve Ghent's water infrastructure through bond sales. The bill allocates $5,084,000 to expand and rehabilitate the city's sewage treatment ponds (addressing leaks, overflows, and population growth) and $1,955,000 to build a new water tower and drinking water system. This funding, issued via state bonds, aims to improve water pressure for residents, enhance fire safety, and meet regional water quality requirements. The direct beneficiaries are Ghent residents and local fire services, with the city of Ghent administering the project.