HARTFORD, Ky. (Sep. 23, 2022) – On Thursday, in keeping with his priorities to improve public health and safety in the commonwealth, Gov. Andy Beshear announced over $2 million in awards for Grayson, Hancock and Ohio counties, including improving a raw water intake facility, water and sewer line extensions, public park improvements, sidewalk reconstruction and road resurfacing.
The Governor also highlighted a $17.3 million federal grant from Infrastructure for Rebuilding America that will support the Rockport Bridge Rehabilitation Freight Rail Project in the Green River Area Development District.
“Today’s awards are moving Kentucky forward,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are ensuring access to clean drinking water, improving our public parks, making sidewalks accessible, providing smoother roads and welcoming a monumental new investment by the Kentucky Whiskey Co. The journey toward a brighter future in the commonwealth starts right here in these communities. We are building a better tomorrow and we are making sure no one is left behind.”
Ohio County Water District Intake Line Rebuilding
Gov. Beshear awarded $1,000,000 to Ohio County to rebuild the Ohio County Water District’s (OCWD) raw water intake facility. The current water intake line in Cromwell, which pulls from the Green River, is failing and is physically falling apart. The funding will go toward rebuilding the raw water intake line and constructing two new submerged intake screening structures, as well as helping with erosion control and riverbank stabilization at the intake site.
The OCWD serves approximately 23,000 Kentuckians in Ohio, Daviess, Breckinridge and Grayson counties. This intake is the only facility used to transport raw water to the OCWD treatment plant.
“On behalf of the Ohio County Water District, I would like to thank Gov. Beshear and the Department of Local Government, along with the Green River Area Development District staff, for assisting us during the application process,” said Eric Hickman, general manager of the Ohio County Water District. “As a public utility, we must meet the operational, maintenance and capital needs of our complex system while being financially independent, relying largely on revenue from service charges. This grant we are receiving today is a huge win for over 20,000 people in Ohio, Daviess, Breckinridge and Grayson counties who are served with our water. Lastly, I would like to thank my amazing team for their hard work and dedication as they perform a variety of services under all circumstances no matter the day, time or weather conditions. We take pride in serving our community and thank you again to our state government agencies for helping us continue to do that by funding this project.”
Bluegrass Centre Infrastructure Extension Project
Gov. Beshear also presented $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to extend water and sewer lines, as well as an access road for a new industry locating in the Bluegrass Crossings Business Centre regional park.
The Kentucky Whiskey Co. is investing over $17 million in Ohio County and will create a minimum of 35 jobs within its first two years of operation.
These utility extensions are necessary to adequately serve Kentucky Whiskey Co.’s water and sewer requirements for its distillery project.
“It was a highly needed priority for this community, and it is very much appreciated,” Ohio County Judge/Executive David Johnston said.
Vastwood Spray Park Improvements
Gov. Beshear announced that the Department for Local Government has selected Hancock County for a $200,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The funding will undergo review by the National Parks Service for final approval.
The funds would go to support improvements of Vastwood Spray Park in Hawesville in Hancock County. Improvements include the construction of a concrete splash pad and a new bathroom facility.
“All Kentuckians deserve a place to get fresh air with their family – a place for your kids to play, to get some exercise and enjoy a beautiful day,” Gov. Beshear said. “The commonwealth has some beautiful public parks that can be enjoyed by all, and it has been a priority of my administration to make them even better for the people in our communities.”
“We are very excited to receive this allocation of funding. The splash pad will be a great addition to Vastwood Park,” Hancock County Judge/Executive Johnny W. Roberts Jr. said. “I would like to thank Gov. Beshear and his staff for their consideration and approval of this grant request.”
Leitchfield Sidewalk Improvement Project
Gov. Beshear also presented $198,000 in Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funding through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to reconstruct 300 feet of sidewalk along Brandenburg Road in Grayson County. The current sidewalk is in poor condition and has three sets of steps, which makes it inaccessible to many who frequently walk in this area. The focus of this reconstruction effort is to solve this problem and make this stretch of sidewalk compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Leitchfield is pleased to accept the grant for the sidewalk upgrade along Brandenburg Road,” Leitchfield Mayor Rick Embry said. “This project will eliminate three sets of steps and the sidewalk will be reconstructed at a lower grade and will become ADA-compliant. There are many residents who live in the Hillview Apartment Complex that utilize this sidewalk, and most residents are older and cannot navigate the steps easily, so this will be a great addition for them along with any other citizens who walk along that section of sidewalk. The city has been dedicated to making strides towards having safe and adequate sidewalks throughout the city to help promote a healthy lifestyle and to improve the quality of life for the community, and this will be a much-needed upgrade in that area. Again, we are grateful for the opportunity we had to apply for this grant and are looking forward to the start and completion of this project.”
Wilson Church Road Resurfacing
Gov. Beshear presented $124,252 through KYTC to support resurfacing of Wilson Church Road in Grayson County.
“Wilson Church Road is due for a much-needed resurfacing,” Gov. Beshear said. “This funding ensures that drivers can enjoy a safe and smooth ride to work, the grocery store or dropping their kids off at school.”
About the Community Development Block Grant Program
The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities. CDBG funds are administered by the Department for Local Government. Congress provided $5 billion in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for the CDBG program to help local governments prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. To learn more about the CDBG CARES Act Program, click here.
About the Land & Water Conservation Fund
The LWCF provides federal grant funds to protect important natural areas, acquire land for outdoor recreation and develop or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, sports and playfields, swimming facilities, boating and fishing facilities, trails, natural areas and parks. To receive the federal funds, selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.
About the Transportation Alternatives Program
TAP is a federally funded reimbursement program administered through KYTC’s Office of Local Programs. Funding supports non-motorized forms of transportation to improve connectivity, accessibility, safety and equity in communities. Transportation projects commonly include bicycle and pedestrian pathways, ADA compliance, Safe Routes to School and wildlife mitigation. The program covers 80% of the project cost.
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