FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced over $1.6 million heading to 16 organization or communities across Kentucky to help promote urban forestry, with a particular emphasis on underserved and disadvantaged communities in the state. The money will help plant trees, hire foresters and raise public awareness of the benefits of urban forestry.

What You Need To Know

  • Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going to 16 organizations or communities across Kentucky to promote forestry

  • The money will help plant trees, hire foresters and raise public awareness of the benefits of urban forestry

  • Gov. Andy Beshear said all the funding was going to underserved and disadvantaged communities in the state as part of a White House environmental justice initiative

  • Over 21 communities across 53 communities will benefit from these projects, according to the governor

“Kentucky’s natural beauty is an important part of our culture and high quality of life,” said Beshear. “As we welcome more people to our new Kentucky home, it’s important to provide natural spaces within our urban areas and opportunities for our children to learn about the benefits of our forests and the importance of sustainability. We’re also improving the health and wellbeing of our people through cleaner air and water and reduced noise.”

The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program, and in partnership with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. All the funding will go to underserved and disadvantaged communities across the state as part of a White House environmental justice initiative called the Justice40 initiative.

“These projects represent Kentucky’s commitment to taking an active role in conserving and enhancing our community forest resources,” said State Forester Brandon Howard. “Trees provide a multitude of environmental, health, social and economic benefits that support us all.”

Kentucky’s program encourages projects that increase access to trees and green spaces, and increase awareness about the benefits they provide. Over 21 communities across 53 communities will benefit from these projects, according to the governor.

The projects include:

  • 3,338 trees planted
  • 34 tree wells/soil cells created
  • 50 declining or hazardous trees removed           
  • Nine urban forestry or green space plans created, covering over 2,302 acres
  • 266 educational events
  • 43 community events
  • 55 jobs created or supported 

A complete list of projects and their locations can be found online.

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