FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear (D) on Thursday announced millions in funding to help eastern Kentucky communities repair water infrastructure that was damaged by flood waters last year.
What You Need To Know
- Millions in funding will help eastern Kentucky communities repair water infrastructure that was damaged by flood waters last year
- The 26 Kentucky counties that received a major disaster declaration in 2022 due to flooding are eligible and encouraged to apply
- Funds can be used to repair damaged water infrastructure as well as to reduce long-term risks from future weather events
Joined by the Kentucky state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beshear said 26 counties that received a major disaster declaration in 2022 are eligible and encouraged to apply.
“The flooding caused unprecedented destruction in these rural communities, including significant damage to water infrastructure,” Beshear said during Thursday's Team Kentucky briefing. “Today, we are once again keeping the promise we made to be there for our Eastern Kentucky families during the entire rebuilding process.”
The funds can be used to repair damaged water infrastructure as well as to reduce long-term risks from future weather events. Applications opened today and will remain open for 60 days.
“No community can thrive without water. That’s why we pushed hard for this program," USDA Kentucky director Thomas Carew said. "This is just another way that USDA Rural Development supports communities throughout their long-term recovery efforts. By working together, Eastern Kentucky can build back stronger than ever.”
During Thursday's update, Beshear said 87 families are housed in travel trailers in eastern Kentucky and 296 households have transitioned out of the Commonwealth Sheltering Program. As of this week, FEMA has approved more than $107.5 million in Individual Assistance Grants.