FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced an investment of $223 million to build 953 affordable rental units in communities affected by the 2021 Western Kentucky tornadoes.
The governor's office said the investment will support 11 projects across Christian, Graves, Hopkins and Warren counties and marks the largest housing development initiative in the history of the Department for Local Government and the Kentucky Housing Corporation. Funding comes from KHC and Kentucky's Disaster Recovery Program.
The development includes building complexes restricted to moderate- and low-income households, the governor's office said, and rent will be limited to keep units affordable. Most units will be two to three bedrooms, with some four- and single-bedroom units.
“After the tornadoes hit Western Kentucky in 2021, we made a promise to rebuild every structure, home and life that was affected by those storms,” Beshear said. "This is a major step toward keeping our promise. These housing units are coming to areas that have needed affordable housing for a long time, and we will keep working to fill the housing needs across Kentucky.”
Beshear's office added the units are also necessary to support recent and future economic growth.
"This is an unprecedented effort," said Winston Miller, KHC's executive director and CEO. "KHC is thrilled to partner with DLG for this historic funding announcement that supports disaster recovery and job growth, increases affordable housing in Western Kentucky and addresses the housing shortage in the region.”
Funds will go through the following developers, Beshear's office said:
- Wabuck Development Co. Inc.
- SOCAYR, Inc. & Brywater Development Group LLC
- LDG Multifamily LLC
- AU Associates Inc.
Construction is expected to begin by spring 2025 before eligible Kentuckians will be able to apply to lease the apartments.
More than $21.6 million has been committed from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to construct or repair more than 300 homes, and more than 200 homes have been built, are under construction or have been approved for construction, the governor's office added.
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