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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear announces Flood Control Matching Grant to Mt. Sterling
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Governor Steve Beshear today announced a Flood Control Matching Grant for the city of Mt. Sterling.
Administered by the Department for Local Government (DLG), the $25,000 grant will assist Mt. Sterling with a feasibility study related to flooding problems. The study will specifically focus on problems associated with Hinkston Creek, which runs through the eastern, southern and western parts of Mt. Sterling.
“As we have seen with recent severe storms, it is vital to understand flooding issues so that we can be prepared,” said Gov. Beshear. “This grant will help identify issues that will protect Mt. Sterling citizens from future flooding problems.”
Previously awarded $110,000 by DLG for this project, the city of Mt. Sterling entered into an agreement with the Corps of Engineers to conduct the study, which began in 2003. Cultural resource issues necessitated further study work, which will include evaluating sites that are potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Updates to hydrologic information and costs and benefits will also be made.
The Corps of Engineers awarded $363,500 toward the study in the past. To complete the cultural assessment and flood damage reduction recommendations, the Corps of Engineers will contribute an additional $75,000 of federal funding.
“Harsh weather can exact a tremendous toll on local governments, and DLG is happy to offer our support to Mt. Sterling,” said DLG Commissioner Tony Wilder. “By conducting this study, we hope to protect the area from further property damage and erosion.”
Currently, maps have been produced with preliminary recommendations on how to control the flooding problem, and a project management plan has been completed. This work is being performed under Section 205 of the 1948 Flood Control Act as amended.
“This project is very important to Mt. Sterling, and I am glad that we were able to secure the additional funds to keep this project on track,” said Sen. R.J. Palmer of Winchester. “This problem needs to be resolved as quickly as possible for the citizens and the business community in Mt. Sterling. However, I understand that we must also ensure that we do not destroy a part of history in the process and am glad that the money for an archaeological survey could be found.”
“This grant will help our community find the best solution to prevent flooding damage in the future,” said Rep. Richard Henderson of Jeffersonville. “I’m glad to see us move this effort further down the road and look forward to seeing what the study can tell us.”
The state’s Flood Control Matching Grant Program uses state bond funds as grants to help meet cost-share match requirements associated with projects funded by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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