By Brian Arrington
U.S. Congressman David Scott has successfully secured $1,092,000 in federal appropriations to support critical infrastructure improvements just outside of the Snellville city limits.
Rep. Scott said that the House Appropriations Committee has provided over $1 million in federal funding to upgrade the drinking water infrastructure for Gwinnett County, particularly Snellville. He says: “This investment to enhance the Walton Court Booster Station will ensure access to clean drinking water for residents in the surrounding area. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that this funding is signed into law.”
The funding, which was requested on behalf of Gwinnett County, will be used to modernize the aging booster station located along Walton Court.
Mayor Barbara Bender was pleased with the announcement: “This federal investment will directly benefit residents in Snellville by ensuring more reliable and secure water infrastructure. We are grateful to Congressman Scott for advocating on behalf of our community and to Gwinnett County for prioritizing these critical upgrades.”
The Walton Court Booster Station currently supports approximately 1,750 people through numerous water connections. Built more than 40 years ago, the station faces several operational and safety challenges, including:
- Corroded and leaking piping and pump surfaces
- Outdated and undersized electrical systems
- A deteriorated building secured only by a single manway door with a keyed lock
- No perimeter fencing or enhanced site security
Planned improvements will address these issues through a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade, including:
- Replacement of booster pumps
- Upgrades to electrical and power systems
- Building renovations
- Installation of standby power for emergency operation
- Enhanced on-site security measures
The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Appropriations Bill which still has to be passed by Congress. Federal lawmakers aim to pass the bill by Sept. 30, though final passage may occur later in the fiscal year.
Sugarloaf Rotary planning 11th annual Duck Derby
The Rotary Club of Sugarloaf will host the 11th Annual Gwinnett Duck Derby on September 11. Follow us on Facebook to view our live event (drawing scheduled for 5:30 p.m.) and find out who will be a lucky duck this year! The winners will be chosen through a random number generator provided by GAME fundraising services. Those who adopt a duck will have the chance to win a cash prize of $2,500 along with other great prizes!
As the largest fundraising event for the Rotary Club of Sugarloaf each year, net proceeds from past Duck Derbies of more than $100,000 have benefited many local charities.
- Help the Sugarloaf Rotary reach its goal of 5,000 duck adoptions by clicking the link below. Any support would be much appreciated. Donate through this link.
Lower back pain will be a problem for most people
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80 percent of the world’s population will experience lower back pain (LBP). The causes of LBP range from injuries to the spine, muscles or ligaments to poor muscle tone and joint problems.
Dr. Lauren Tapp, Georgia Gwinnett College’s associate professor of exercise science and Exercise Science and Physical Education Department chair, says that one aspect of daily life is a contributing culprit to lower back pain – how we sit.
“One of the biggest causes of chronic lower back pain has to do with how much sitting we do each day,” says Tapp. “A lot of jobs are sedentary in nature, and most people don’t practice good sitting posture. It’s important to take breaks, stand up and move if you spend a lot of time sitting.”
For those whose jobs are physical in nature, Tapp says much of the same precautions are true. When lifting items, she said it’s important to use the correct technique, which means bending your knees and keeping you back straight. Additionally, she said it’s good to take advantage of available equipment designed to help move heavy objects.
Good posture also helps prevent problems when doing everyday activities outside of exercise.
“A common scenario resulting in an acute injury can be as mundane as picking up a basket of laundry, twisting and then putting it on a counter,” says Tapp. “When extending and then twisting at the same time, we can pull a muscle or displace a spinal disk, leading to sometimes debilitating lower back pain.”
During winter months, many have prepared their homes for colder temperatures. Some of those activities may include cleaning gutters or replacing insulation around doors and windows. Other examples may also include taking down holiday lawn displays, lights and interior decorations. All of these activities, maintains Tapp, can lead to lower back pain.
There are several ways to help reduce your risk of lower back pain, like maintaining a healthy weight and performing daily mobility and/or strengthening exercises.
“There are plenty of exercises you can do at home using your body weight that will help strengthen your back muscles,” says Tapp. “The key is to not overdo it. More is not necessarily better.”
Some home exercises that Tapp recommends include the Cat Cow, Kneeling Supermans or Bird Dogs, and Prone Back Extensions. The Cat Cow stretch involves two yoga poses that stretch the back, neck and abdomen. It helps improve spinal flexibility. The Kneeling Superman or Bird Dogs helps strengthen the back. Like its name, it’s done on all fours and alternating extending the arms and legs with the right arm, left leg, and then the left arm, right leg. Prone back extensions can help improve posture and range of motion in the lower back. They are done by lying on your stomach, extending both arms back and raising your chest.
Tapp recommends that before starting any exercise regimen, seek professional advice.
