A $14.4 million cash injection is headed to four communities severely damaged in 2022 floods, to repair and improve severely damaged infrastructure, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday.
The funds will be used to improve water quality and wastewater infrastructure in the cities of Beattyville in Lee County, Fleming-Neon in Letcher County, Boonville in Owsley County, and at the Knott County Fiscal Court.
“I made a promise to be there for our Eastern Kentucky communities as we rebuild and recover,” Beshear said in a statement. “As we approach the three-year anniversary of those floods, I’m proud that we’re continuing to show up and build a future that is brighter than our past.”
Between July 26 and July 30, 2022, heavy rain caused devastating flooding that resulted in the deaths of 45 people and widespread damage across Eastern Kentucky, southwestern Virginia, and southern West Virginia, according to the National Weather Service.
The city of Beattyville will receive $2.3 million to rehabilitate the city’s existing wastewater treatment plant that serves more than 500 homes and two correctional facilities. The funding includes new equipment that will bolster the plant’s resilience to any future flooding.
“I’d like to thank Gov. Andy Beshear and the state for all the things they have done for Beattyville so far,” Beattyville Mayor Scott Jackson said, noting that funding will also help the local prison.
More than $5.7 million has been allocated to the city of Fleming-Neon to replace six water storage tanks throughout the city’s distribution system that will provide safe drinking water to more than 900 homes.
To help improve the city’s sewage system for approximately 200 residents, Booneville will receive more than $1 million to eliminate two river crossings that played a part in damaging the system during the floods due to the increased water pressure.
Booneville Mayor Nelson Bobrowski said the project will remove the sewer line from the riverbed in two locations and will reduce the risk of damage and environmental pollution.
“This project will save the city $1,000 a month in electric costs,” Bobrowski said.
The Knott County Fiscal Court was awarded $5.3 million to help fund a new wastewater treatment plant in the community of Caney after it was severely damaged. The new plant will be situated out of the floodplain to help prevent damage from future flooding.
Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson said in a statement that the area was deeply affected by declining coal mining jobs, and the project would support future growth and expansion, particularly for Alice Lloyd College.
“It improves infrastructure for housing and economic development,” Dobson said. “Alice Lloyd College has been a strong supporter of this effort, and we are excited for what this means for our community and its future.”
