PROVIDENCE, Ky. (April 17, 2023) – Today, at the Providence City Community Center, Gov. Andy Beshear presented more than $940,000 for cleaner water projects and nonprofit organizations in Webster County.

“As Governor and as a dad, I want to make sure every Kentuckian can turn on their faucets and get clean water for their kids,” Gov. Beshear said. “It’s also important that we support great community nonprofits, just like we’re doing in Webster County today.”

“These funds will advance crucial projects, help our nonprofits and improve our communities,” said Webster County Judge/Executive Steve Henry. “When we prioritize our people and our future, we’re setting ourselves up for success.”

“I’m extremely glad to see Webster County receive the money we invested in ensuring access to clean water and helping nonprofits deliver necessary services,” said Rep. Jim Gooch Jr. of Providence. “These dollars will go a long way towards improving the quality of life across the county.”

Cleaner Water Program
Gov. Beshear announced the commitment of $790,714 in funding to utilities in Webster County from the Cleaner Water Program. The funding will go toward the following projects:

    The City of Providence will use $395,000 to replace over 1,000 water meters, as well as ensure water service during power outages;

    The City of Clay will use $300,000 to replace problematic waterlines downtown;

    The City of Dixon will use $36,000 to determine waterlines in the city in need of replacement; and

    The Webster County Fiscal Court will use $59,714 to upgrade a pump station.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority, $500 million has been appropriated since 2021 through a bipartisan agreement with the General Assembly to provide clean drinking water and wastewater grants to fund projects across Kentucky. The 2022 funding will be allocated based on each county’s proportion of the state’s population, with the exception of Jefferson County’s share, which is discounted by 50% based on its high per capita allocation from the federal act. As projects progress, the utilities will be reimbursed by Cleaner Water Program funds.

“Today, we’re celebrating funding to upgrade waterlines that have been problematic for years,” said Clay Mayor Jackie Edens. “Today is the result of a lot of hard work. We will keep working to secure a brighter future for our city.”

“One of my favorite things about representing the 4th senate district is when we see the efforts of the General Assembly directly benefitting our communities in a tangible way,” said Sen. Robby Mills of Henderson. “Access to clean water is the fundamental bedrock to any thriving community. Thanks to the thoughtful prioritization of Federal ARPA funds, our Commonwealth’s Clean Water Program funds will allow Webster to upgrade critical infrastructure. Most importantly, it will allow Webster County to maintain current water rates without having to pass the cost of upgrades on to the ratepayer.”

Nonprofit Assistance Fund
The Governor awarded more than $150,000 to two nonprofits in Webster County. The awards come from the Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which is helping organizations across Kentucky recover from the effects of the pandemic. The funding comes from the federal ARPA, and Gov. Beshear supported the allocation of funds by the 2022 General Assembly. This funding will provide one-time direct relief payments to support the mission and long-term sustainability of each eligible nonprofit. The awards include:

    $100,000 for Redbanks Colonial Terrace; and
    $50,849.03 for St. Michael Parish of Sebree, Ky.

“The fund will support our continuing effort to provide our residents with the best care possible by purchasing new assistive devices, new adjustable and mobile beds, a variety of new supportive mattresses and other new decorative items such as wardrobes, bedside tables and bedside cabinets for our resident rooms,” said Marty Teasley, administrator, Redbanks Colonial Terrace. “Thank you very much to the state of Kentucky for the Nonprofit Assistance Fund. Redbanks Colonial Terrace will now be able to provide our residents with completely new furnishings for their prospective rooms.”

Father Carmelo Jiménez of St. Michaels added, “Thank you, Gov. Beshear. This award helps us continue to minister to the parish of St Michael and the community of Sebree. It also helps us to meet the financial needs of the parish on times where our people can’t help and contribute paying bills and employees. Thanks a lot!”

“I’d like to thank Governor Beshear for the funding to two of our very important organizations in the city of Sebree,” said Sebree Mayor Jeremy Brown. “This administration has been very helpful and accommodating to the City of Sebree, our businesses, and our citizens. We look forward to that support in the future!”

“Nonprofits are one of our commonwealth’s largest employers in the private sector and play an outsized role in Kentucky’s economy,” said Sen. Mills. “In light of the economic impacts caused by the pandemic, staffing shortages and record inflation have forced many Kentucky nonprofits to scale back their operations or shutter their doors altogether. These funds are going to go a long way in helping these organizations have the ability to continue serving the people of Webster County.”