Funding supports tourism, water infrastructure, law enforcement and local nonprofits
GREENVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2023) – Today, at the Muhlenberg County Courthouse, Gov. Andy Beshear presented more than $3.1 million in funding to benefit tourism, water infrastructure, law enforcement and local nonprofits in the community.
“This community has been through so much after the devastating tornadoes in 2021, but the folks here have come together to build back even stronger,” Gov. Beshear said. “It was really special to be in Muhlenberg today to support infrastructure, tourism, amazing community organizations and our heroes in law enforcement. As I’ve said from day one, we will be here until every structure and every life is rebuilt.”
“I appreciate the Governor drawing attention to these funds and look forward to seeing how our local agencies put them to work here in Muhlenberg County,” said Rep. Rebecca Raymer of Morgantown. “The legislature is committed to making sure that Kentuckians see their tax dollars at work, and this investment in water projects, nonprofit assistance, tourism, law enforcement and roads will benefit this community for generations.”
“These are common-sense projects that will improve the lives of all of our people,” said Muhlenberg County Judge/Executive Mack McGehee. “We’re very appreciative of the state’s support, which is relieving a financial burden off our communities. Today is the result of a lot of collaboration and hard work, and we are happy to celebrate a good day for Muhlenberg County.”
Tourism Marketing Funding
Gov. Beshear awarded over $96,000 to support travel marketing and promotion in Muhlenberg County. The awards include:
$16,500 to the Greenville Tourism Commission;
$34,893 to the Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission; and
$44,735 to the Central City Tourist and Convention Commission.
The awards are part of the $75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding supported by the Governor and allocated by the General Assembly in the 2022 legislative session. The funds are used to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the decline in visitors brought on by the pandemic. Funding is distributed by the Kentucky Department of Tourism to eligible tourism organizations throughout the commonwealth.
“With the ARPA funding Greenville Tourism Commission received, we were able to purchase a billboard on a heavily traveled stretch of I-24, located by Clarksville, Tennessee. The billboard advertised the location of Greenville, generating increased awareness of our small but bustling town,” said Onalee Kidd, director of the Greenville Tourism Commission. “The exposure we were able to gain to a mass amount of travelers daily was made possible by this funding and became an important part of our 2023 marketing plan. Travelers have mentioned the billboard when visiting our welcome center, and we look forward to hosting more new visitors in the future due to this exposure.”
“The Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission is thrilled to receive over $30,000 in additional marketing funds,” said Mary Kate Kordes, Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission chairperson. “This will provide us the opportunity to expand our scope and develop new marketing opportunities that would not have been possible. We are very appreciative and excited for the future.”
“It has certainly been helpful having the ARPA funds available to help promote tourism events in our community. I’ve been able to use promotional options that have never fit into my budget in previous years,” said Freddie Mayes, director of the Central City Tourist and Convention Commission.
Cleaner Water Program
Gov. Beshear announced the commitment of $1.8 million in funding from the Cleaner Water Program. The funds will go toward the below projects:
The Central City Municipal Water & Sewer System will use $313,119 to rehab one of the city’s oldest water tanks.
The city of Drakesboro will use $313,119 to rehabilitate a water tank and replace a number of fire hydrants.
The Greenville Utilities Commission will use $313,119 to replace water service lines throughout the system.
The Muhlenberg County Water District #1 will use $313,119 to replace over 24,000 feet of leak-prone waterline.
The Muhlenberg County Water District #3 will use $313,119 to replace a section of waterline along Kentucky Highway 70 that has experienced frequent line breaks.
The city of Powderly will use $313,119 to help reduce the amount of rainwater that enters the sewer system during heavy rain events.
Bremen Gravity Sewer Extension
Gov. Beshear announced $1 million to the city of Bremen to extend sewer service in the city. The project will construct approximately 15,000 feet of sewer line to tie into the existing system.
The funds come from the Community Block Development Fund – Public Facilities program.
Law Enforcement Protection Program
Gov. Beshear presented $32,297.13 to the Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court from the Law Enforcement Protection Program.
Nonprofit Assistance Fund
Gov. Beshear presented nearly $150,000 in funding to three Muhlenberg County nonprofits from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which helps organizations across Kentucky recover from the effects of the pandemic. The funding comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Gov. Beshear supported the allocation of funds by the 2022 General Assembly. This fund provides one-time direct relief payments to support the mission and long-term sustainability of each eligible nonprofit. The awards include:
$100,000 for the Muhlenberg County Opportunity Center;
$29,593 for Pathway of Hope Inc.; and
$19,953.84 for St. Joseph’s Parish of Central City.
“After coming through the worst of COVID and having to cancel some of our regular fundraisers, we at Pathway of Hope were very grateful to have received these funds last November to help us as we continue to grow, to provide services and to improve the services that we provide to this community,” said Diana Anderson, executive director of Pathway of Hope.
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