Media Contact: Nicole Burton
502-564-2611
Nicole.Burton@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 30, 2019) – Gov. Matt Bevin today joined Department of Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo at the annual Governor's Local Issues Conference to announce over $5 million in grant funding for Kentucky communities. The grants will fund community projects across the state, ranging from infrastructure improvements to flood control projects and energy conservation initiatives.
“These grants fund critical projects in Kentucky communities and provide essential resources for cities and counties as they continue to grow and thrive,” said Gov. Bevin. “Every year, the Local Issues Conference focuses on empowering local communities and elected officials to transform the lives of those they serve. I am proud of DLG’s commitment to fund projects that accelerate Kentucky’s incredible transformation and continue building on our historic momentum across the state.”
“DLG is proud to award these grants and provide critical resources for communities to continue moving Kentucky forward,” said DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo. “We are grateful for all who made these announcements possible, and we look forward to seeing the transformations that will come as a result of these projects.”
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG):
- $1,000,000: City of Vanceburg, Lewis County, for major waste water system improvements.
- $835,000: City of Mortons Gap, Hopkins County, for water system infrastructure improvements.
- $508,000: Mason County, on behalf of the Maysville Mason County Industrial Association, for the purchase of radio frequency welding equipment to boost economic development.
- $1,000,000: Simpson County, on behalf of the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority, to expand water and wastewater infrastructure.
The CDBG program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.
Flood Control Matching Grant Program:
- $656,980: Pike County, to assist with implementation of a floodplain management program.
- $425,000: Pulaski County, on behalf of Above 2019 Aerial Photography Acquisition, to secure current and accurate elevation data for 63 counties across central and eastern Kentucky.
The Flood Control Program uses state bond funds as grants to help meet cost-share match requirements associated with flood mitigation projects funded by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA Rural Development.
Energy and Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Grant:
- $100,000: Bell County, to make improvements to the courthouse that will result in both energy savings and a reduction in operational expenses.
- $100,000: Johnson County, to make improvements to local buildings that will result in both energy savings and a reduction in operational expenses.
- $68,350: Butler County, to implement lighting upgrades to public facilities.
- $84,028: Woodford County, for energy savings measures including HVAC upgrades, control upgrades, and LED lighting replacement.
The EEC Grant program is part of an ongoing effort by DLG in cooperation with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department of Energy Development and Independence to assist city and county governments to reduce energy consumption and lower overall utility costs.
Recreational Trails Program:
- $250,000: Menifee County, to improve the safety of nearly 21 miles of water trail at Cave Run Lake.
The Recreational Trails Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The funds are administered by DLG to selected grant applicants for the creation and development of recreational trails.