Lt. Gov. Coleman Presents More Than $350,000 for Infrastructure Improvements in Clark County

Funding comes from Better Kentucky Plan’s Cleaner Water Program

WINCHESTER, Ky. (May 11, 2022) – Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman presented $381,797 today for infrastructure improvements in Clark County. The funding comes from Gov. Beshear’s Better Kentucky Plan’s Cleaner Water Program.

“These grants are going to help our families stay healthy and they’re going to ensure better protection during emergencies, too,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “As we build a better Kentucky together, we need to continue investing in our infrastructure, just like we’re doing today.”

“As a rural Kentuckian, I know that it is sometimes difficult for counties and cities to fund major upgrades on their own, no matter how important they are,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “That’s why it’s our job in state government to help close the gaps and make sure these projects get across the finish line, and I’m proud to help do that today here in Winchester.”

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), $250 million was appropriated through a bipartisan agreement at the close of the 2021 General Assembly for clean drinking water and wastewater grants to fund projects across Kentucky.

The Bluegrass Area Development District submitted the following funding request to the KIA.

$381,797 for the Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission to modify a water intake facility.
“We are very pleased that Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman is coming to our community to share with us an award from the Cleaner Water Program,” said Clark County Judge/Executive Henry Branham. “Like most small communities Winchester/Clark County continually strives to improve our fresh water systems for our citizens. This award will assist us substantially in that effort.”

“The City of Winchester is pleased to receive Cleaner Water Program funding from the Governor and the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner. “The funds will be used to complete a critical reservoir raw water interconnect to our recently completed 9mgd potable clean water producing plant. Economic Development can only occur in an environment that has adequate infrastructure. This project will enhance our ability to grow as a community.”

“My colleagues and I in the state legislature very deliberately allocated one-time federal funds toward worthwhile projects such as this,” said Sen. Ralph Alvarado, who represents Clark County. “I am eager to see improvements to our local drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and witness its various benefits to our community. I appreciate all who played a role in making this possible.”

“We’re using these funds to make water quality improvements that are much needed in our community,” said Rep. Ryan Dotson, who represents Clark County. “These infrastructure projects will enhance the quality of life for so many and continue to pay dividends for future generations of Kentuckians. I applaud the legislature for providing this critical funding, which will help us build a Commonwealth that is the best place to live and grow a family.”

About the Cleaner Water Program
More than $159 million has been awarded to grantees to fund transformative projects since the call for projects was announced June 1. Eligible government agencies, such as city-owned water or sewer utilities, water commissions, water and sewer districts and counties, collaborated with their local Area Development Districts and Area Water Management Councils to submit projects for Cleaner Water Program funding. There are 713 public drinking water and wastewater utilities in Kentucky.

Cleaner Water Program funding is allocated in three ways:

$150 million 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. A list of the allocations by county can be found here.

$50 million is available for utilities to provide drinking water services to unserved, rural customers or to utilities under a federal consent decree. The KIA shall consider social, economic and environmental benefits in determining the allocations.

$49.9 million is available to supplement a project grant for a project with a cost in excess of a county’s allocation amount and other available grant sources. The social, economic and environmental benefits shall be considered in determining project allocations. KIA will receive $75,000 to administer the grant program.

The application deadline was Nov. 19, 2021; however, KIA will make awards continuously throughout the year. All grant awardees must obligate the funds by Dec. 31, 2024.

The American Society of Civil Engineers in 2019 projected that Kentucky faces nearly $14.5 billion in water/wastewater infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, including over $8.2 billion in drinking water upgrades and $6.2 billion in sewer system improvements.

Information about the Cleaner Water Program, as well as grants for broadband expansion, school facility upgrades and vocational education center renovations, can be found at governor.ky.gov/BetterKy.

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