Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear Announces Federal Funding to Improve Water System Infrastructure, Health and Sanitation in Rural Communities

FRANKFORT, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear today announced funding through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for four projects to protect public health and the environment by improving water quality and public sanitation services. 

“Investments in water and wastewater projects will help provide safe drinking water and protect the environment in Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “These projects will not only provide more reliable services for local communities, but will support job creation by supporting economic development initiatives.”

Today’s announcement, funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, provides $9.5 million in loans and $4.4 million in grants for a total of $13.9 million for four water and wastewater infrastructure projects in rural communities. To date, the USDA has announced $3.26 billion in Recovery Act funds for 884 water and environmental projects across the nation.

Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement. Below is a complete list of award recipients in Kentucky:

• Hyden-Leslie County Water District
  Water system improvements
  $1.9 million loan and $1.1 million grant;
• Martin County Sanitation District
  Wastewater system improvements
  $485,000 loan and $208,200 grant;
• City of Monticello, Wayne County
  Water system improvements
  $6.4 million loan and $2.7 million grant; and
• Sharpsburg Water District, Nicholas and Bath County
  Water system improvements
  $642,000 loan and $345,600 grant.

More information about the USDA’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. 

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