City of Beattyville Receives $259,700 in ARC Distressed Counties Funds

Allocation Will Aid Rehabilitation of Prison Sewer System


FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 10, 2018) – The Department for Local Government (DLG) has announced $259,700 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding for the City of Beattyville. The funds will help the city rehabilitate 1,790 linear feet of water and wastewater infrastructure serving the Lee County Adjustment Center.

The center closed several years ago but has reopened under a contract with CoreCivic. The infrastructure improvements support the reopening of the prison, which is expected to create a total of 200 jobs and house up to 800 prisoners.

“DLG is proud to be able to support the City of Beattyville with funding to provide necessary wastewater improvements for the reopening of the Lee County Adjustment Center,” DLG Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo said. “The return of jobs to this community is critical and has been made possible by the determination and coordination of leaders from every level of government.”

“I am pleased the City of Beattyville has received this crucial funding to replace a significant amount of sewer line and rehabilitate a lift station,” Senate President Robert Stivers said. “This improvement was necessary for reopening the Lee County Adjustment Center, which brought nearly 200 jobs back to Lee County and provided a needed boost to the local economy. I am grateful to the Department for Local Government and to Governor Bevin for making this possible.”

“I am pleased to have worked toward bringing jobs back to this community and am glad the ARC is providing much-needed infrastructure assistance,” Rep. Toby Herald said.

The ARC Distressed Counties Program provides funds for designated counties to undertake projects that strengthen communities. Currently, 84 counties across eight states qualify for distressed county status based on per capita income and rates of poverty and unemployment. This includes 37 counties in Kentucky.

Funds are administered by DLG, an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. For more information, visit kydlgweb.ky.gov.