Elliott and Carter Counties, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear awarded $3,512,936 for flood control efforts, to improve water systems and to support better transportation in Eastern Kentucky.
“These projects are all adding to the economic progress we’re seeing across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “All across Kentucky, we’re seeing unprecedented momentum. Today’s announcements are yet another example of why we’re seeing such growth, and we’re just getting started.”
Carter County
Gov. Beshear presented $698,438 from a flood control program to repair infrastructure in Carter County that was damaged by floods during the February-March 2021 storm event. Projects include road, bridge and drainage repairs and the replacement of six “low water crossings” to bridge structures. Funds will be used to pay local cost-share match requirements necessary to secure flood control funding awards from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Governor presented a $1 million Community Development Block Grant to the Rattlesnake Ridge Water District for a project that will replace about 4,000 meters with new radio-read meters with funding also going toward software and other upgrades. Currently the district’s system suffers a high rate of water loss due to aging lines, and these upgrades aim to boost efficiency system-wide. Gov. Beshear also recommended that the Appalachian Regional Commission award an additional $500,000 for this crucial project.
The Governor also presented a ceremonial check for $190,429 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet representing a project to resurface 1.3 miles of Tygarts Creek Road. For more information, see the full project list.
“Eastern Kentucky has experienced heavy rainfall and widespread flooding in recent years,” said Sen. Robin Webb. “I am encouraged to see these dollars being put toward mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of flooding and earmarking discretionary funds for transportation infrastructure. Having properly maintained infrastructure is essential to the safety of our community.”
“I’m glad that Grayson is receiving funding for flood control projects. This funding will play a significant role in reducing the threat of flood damage to our community,” said Rep. Patrick Flannery.
Elliott County
Gov. Beshear awarded $276,069 to the City of Sandy Hook as part of the Better Kentucky Plan’s $250 million Cleaner Water Program, which will deliver clean drinking water and improved sewer and water systems. The program is estimated to create approximately 3,800 jobs across the state.
The funding will allow the City of Sandy Hook to renovate the Buck Mobley Pump Station, replacing the outdated, failing equipment with a new, up-to-date system. This main pump station carries the largest part of the city’s sewage flow to the treatment plant. The project will include replacing the internal mechanisms and controls, pipes coming into the wastewater facility, valve box and demolition of the current well and site restoration.
“Building a modern, resilient utility infrastructure is essential to building a better Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Cleaner Water Program will ensure Kentucky is ready to attract economic investors, improve service and move us toward a sustainable future. I’m grateful for the collaboration among local elected officials and community partners who have worked in tandem to get these projects moving and improve the lives of our families.”
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), $250 million was appropriated at the close of the 2021 General Assembly through a bi-partisan agreement for clean drinking water and wastewater grants to fund projects across Kentucky.
The FIVCO Area Development District submitted the funding request for the project to the KIA.
Gov. Beshear also presented $400,000 from a flood control program to repair infrastructure in Elliott County that was damaged by floods over the past two years. Projects include bridge, road and drainage repairs and replacing two “low water crossings.” Funds will be used to pay local cost-share match requirements required to secure flood control funding awards from FEMA.
The Governor also presented a ceremonial check for more than $948,000 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet representing the completed resurfacing of 12 miles of seven roads in Elliott County. For more information, see the full project list.
“The announcement of discretionary transportation funding for Elliott County, flood control projects and the Cleaner Water Program is great news for our community,” said Rep. Richard White, who represents Elliott, Lewis and Rowan counties. “Flood defenses help protect homes in flood zones and decrease the rate of erosion, preventing foundation and structural damage in the long run.”
About the Cleaner Water Program
A total of $36.3 million has been awarded to grantees to fund transformative projects since the call for projects was announced June 1. Water resource coordinators, representing Kentucky’s 15 Area Development Districts (ADDs), and Area Water Management Councils and utilities are still invited to submit project profiles through the Water Resource Information System (WRIS) portal to indicate interest in funding from the Cleaner Water Program. Eligible government agencies, such as city-owned water or sewer utilities, water commissions, water and sewer districts and counties, may collaborate with a coordinator and council to submit a project. There are 713 public drinking water and wastewater utilities in Kentucky.
Cleaner Water program funding is allocated in three ways:
- $150 million based on each county’s proportion of the state’s population, with the exception of Jefferson County’s share, which is discounted by 50% based on its high per capita allocation from the federal act. A list of the allocations by county can be found here.
- $50 million is available for utilities to provide drinking water services to unserved, rural customers or to utilities under a federal consent decree. The KIA shall consider social, economic and environmental benefits in determining the allocations.
- $49.9 million is available to supplement a project grant for a project with a cost in excess of a county’s allocation amount and other available grant sources. The social, economic and environmental benefits shall be considered in determining project allocations. KIA will receive $75,000 to administer the grant program.
The application process will be ongoing through Nov. 19, 2021, and KIA will make awards continuously throughout the year. All grant awardees must obligate the funds by Dec. 31, 2024.
The American Society of Civil Engineers in 2019 projected that Kentucky faces nearly $14.5 billion in water/wastewater infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, including over $8.2 billion in drinking water upgrades and $6.2 billion in sewer system improvements.
Information about the Cleaner Water Program, as well as grants for broadband expansion, school facility upgrades and vocational education center renovations, can be found at governor.ky.gov/BetterKy.
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