Governor hands over keys to 4 new homeowners, breaks ground on new housing, and announces $2.5 million to build housing in Eastern Kentucky
HAZARD/LEBURN, Ky. (July 27, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and housing developers in Eastern Kentucky to mark the four-year anniversary of the floods of 2022. The Governor handed over the keys to four new homeowners at the Skyview neighborhood in Hazard, broke ground on 30 new homes at the Chestnut Ridge neighborhood in Knott County and issued an executive order directing $2.5 million to help build approximately 25 homes across high-ground communities in Eastern Kentucky.
Both Skyview and Chestnut Ridge are part of Team Kentucky’s high-ground initiative; a community development model where state and local leaders are working together to rebuild homes for survivors on abandoned coal mine sites out of the floodplains.
“Four years ago today, Eastern Kentucky was devastated by deadly floods that took the lives of 45 Kentuckians. The grief is still with us – but I believe grief is the other side of love,” said Gov. Beshear. “By undertaking the most ambitious rebuilding effort our country has ever seen with our high-ground communities, we’re building back in a way that honors those lost and the resilience our people have shown every day since. Today was a celebration of a very bright future that we’ve created together.”
Skyview
At Skyview, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and team members from the Housing Development Alliance (HDA) to hand over four sets of keys to new homeowners. HDA is using $6 million to build 30 homes onsite at Skyview. In total, nearly 30 homes are completed at Skyview, with just under 100 planned for the neighborhood. Six homeowners have closed on houses at Skyview in the past two weeks.
“Today, we're celebrating more Perry County residents moving into their brand-new homes,” said Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander. “We have worked hard these last four years to make days like this a reality. We will keep working to help even more of our people secure safe and affordable places to live.”
Chestnut Ridge
At Chestnut Ridge, Gov. Beshear joined local officials, team members from HDA and team members from HOMES Inc. to break ground on 30 new homes.
- HDA is using $4 million to build 10 homes for homeownership and 10 rental houses. The 10 homes for homeownership are already under construction.
- HOMES Inc. is also using $4 million to build 10 homes for homeownership and 10 rental houses.
“The work being done at Chestnut Ridge is making generational change in Knott County,” said Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson. “On the four-year anniversary of the floods, we’re breaking ground on more homes and a bright future for our people.”
Executive Order
Today, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order directing $2.5 million to build approximately 25 homes across high-ground communities in Eastern Kentucky. This executive order re-appropriates funds that were made available due to a line-item veto by Gov. Beshear earlier this year.
High-Ground Initiative
Across Eastern Kentucky, nearly 500 homes are planned across eight high-ground communities. Two of these communities are completed, with 14 homes at the Wayland high-ground community in Floyd County and 10 homes at The Cottages at Thompson Branch in Letcher County.
Gov. Beshear has prioritized efforts to create affordable, safe housing options across the Eastern Kentucky region. In addition to the high-ground communities, Team Kentucky and its partners are making progress to deliver opportunities to rent and own in multiple counties.
RISING Documentary
Gov. Beshear recapped his Friday announcement that Team Kentucky’s documentary about the floods, RISING, is now available to buy or rent on Prime Video. The documentary highlights the resilience of the people of Eastern Kentucky in the aftermath of the floods of 2022.
Housing Can’t Wait Resource
Gov. Beshear is encouraging anyone who was impacted by the flooding of 2021, 2022 or 2025 to visit HousingCantWait.org and fill out an interest form. A team member from Fahe will get in touch with applicants, determine eligibility for Disaster Recovery housing and provide help with the housing process.
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