Funds will go to four communities in Eastern Kentucky

FRANKFORT, KY - On July 10, 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $14.4 million to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in four communities across Eastern Kentucky impacted by the 2022 floods. The cities of Beattyville in Lee County, Fleming-Neon in Letcher County and Booneville in Owsley County along with the Knott County Fiscal Court will each receive funding.

“I made a promise to be there for our Eastern Kentucky communities as we rebuild and recover,” said Gov. Beshear. “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.”

City of Beattyville
The city of Beattyville was awarded over $2.3 million to help rehabilitate the city’s existing wastewater treatment plant, which suffered damage during the 2022 floods. The plant serves over 500 homes as well as two correctional facilities.

“I'd like to thank Gov. Andy Beshear and the state for all the things they have done for Beattyville so far,” said the mayor of Beattyville, Scott Jackson. “We have received a DLG Grant for $2.3 million for our wastewater treatment plant. It will also help with the local prison.”

The new equipment will be more resilient to future flooding by reducing the amount of mud, silt and debris from entering the plant.

City of Fleming-Neon
More than $5.7 million in funding will go to the city of Fleming-Neon to help replace six water storage tanks throughout the city’s distribution system. Replacing the damaged tanks will help the city continue to provide over 900 homes reliable and safe water.

City of Booneville
The city of Booneville will receive more than $1 million to help improve the city’s sewage system by eliminating two river crossings. The system was damaged during the 2022 floods, stemming in part from increased water pressure at the river crossings. This project will improve the efficiency of the collection system that serves over 200 Kentuckians.

“We want to thank Gov. Beshear, the Department for Local Government, and our Kentucky River Area Development District for working with the city and securing funding for this sewer line redirect project,” said Mayor Nelson Bobrowski. “This project will remove the sewer line from the riverbed in not just one location, but two locations, completely out of the river while reducing our risk of it being damaged and causing severe pollution. This project will save the city $1,000 a month in electric costs.”

Knott County Fiscal Court
Over $5.3 million was awarded to the Knott County Fiscal Court to help build a new wastewater treatment plant in the community of Caney. The 2022 floods severely damaged the existing treatment plant. The new plant will be out of the floodplain and will ensure service to the communities of Caney and Mallie, as well as Alice Lloyd Community College.

“In an area deeply affected by the decline of coal mining jobs, this project opens doors for future growth, supporting potential expansion of the college,” said Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson. “It improves infrastructure for housing and economic development. 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.”

The funding is made available through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program.

Helping Storm Survivors
Gov. Andy Beshear established the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund to assist those impacted by severe weather systems beginning in 2025. To donate, click here.

Housing Can’t Wait Resource
Gov. Beshear is encouraging survivors of the 2021, 2022 or 2025 floods who are seeking housing support to visit HousingCantWait.org and fill out an interest form. Once complete, applicants will hear from a Fahe team member on next steps and support through the process.