MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (June 14, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear awarded more than $5.4 million for Bath County and $3.2 million for Montgomery County to support road improvements, local nonprofits, law enforcement, outdoor trails, tourism, cleaner water, sewer projects and storm drain repairs.
“Today, we’re building a better Kentucky by investing in our people and the infrastructure that keeps our families safe,” Gov. Beshear said. “Thank you to the local officials, law enforcement officers, nonprofit leaders and more who earned these awards and who work hard to serve this community every day.”
“The funding announced today will be crucial for the Montgomery and Bath County communities,” said Rep. David Hale of Wellington. “These awards will support many important aspects that strengthen our community through non-profits, tourism, law enforcement, education and transportation. The awards also support improvements on Montgomery County water treatment centers, which will help better the lives of everyone in our county.”
“Today, we celebrated investments in our students, our outdoor spaces and some amazing nonprofits,” said Bath County Judge/Executive Forrest McKenzie. “These are all investments in our future. If we continue to invest in the future of Bath County, we’ll always have bright days ahead of us.”
“All of these funds will make someone’s life better,” said Montgomery County Judge/Executive Chris Haddix. “We’re rehabilitating infrastructure, supporting nonprofits and keeping our law enforcement officers safe. Today shows what is possible when state and local leaders work together.”
Career and Technical Education
Gov. Beshear announced $5,154,300 in funding to renovate the Chenault Agricultural Education Building at Bath County High School (BCHS). This will be the first renovation to the building in 10 years.
“The students, staff and administration are extremely thankful for the opportunity afforded to BCHS by Gov. Beshear for this renovation,” said Sabrina Brandenburg, principal of Bath County High School. “This renovation will provide equipment for the students at BCHS to help them reach their post-secondary goals. Thank you to Gov. Beshear for investing in Bath County High School.”
“We appreciate Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky for helping provide the critical funding that our students need in order to succeed,” said Dr. Jason Griffith, assistant principal of Bath County High School. “We are thankful that the Department for Local Government is advocating for programs on behalf of our schools, and we are excited about the possibilities that this will mean for our students at Bath County High School and the Chenault Agriculture Building. Our school leadership team continues to look for new competitive paths for our students and this funding will be a tremendous help in making new career pathways a possibility. Many thanks again to Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky for helping our students.”
Cleaner Water Program
Gov. Beshear announced the commitment of $1.7 million in Cleaner Water Program funds for Montgomery County. The projects include:
The Montgomery County Sanitation District #2 will use $1 million to rehabilitate its wastewater system.
The City of Mount Sterling will use $707,776 to improve its water treatment system and rehabilitate a dam.
Jeffersonville Sewer Collection Rehabilitation
Gov. Beshear announced a $1 million Community Development Block Grant to rehabilitate 75 manholes and 7 lift stations in Jeffersonville. This will improve water service to 250 homes.
Law Enforcement Protection Program
Gov. Beshear awarded $6,590 to the Mount Sterling Police Department and $609.99 to the Montgomery County Public Schools through the Law Enforcement Protection Program.
Nonprofit Assistance Fund
Gov. Beshear awarded more than $134,000 to two nonprofits in Bath County and more than $392,000 to six local nonprofits in Montgomery County. The awards come from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which is helping organizations across Kentucky recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The funding comes from ARPA, and Gov. Beshear supported the allocation of funds by the 2022 General Assembly. This funding will provide one-time, direct relief payments to support the mission and long-term sustainability of each eligible nonprofit. To view a complete list of Bath County and Montgomery County nonprofits receiving funding and statements from some of the recipients, click here.
Recreational Trails Program
Gov. Beshear has recommended $75,000 for Bath County to rehabilitate and re-open the Tater Knob Trail and Tater Knob Fire Tower located in Daniel Boone National Forest. The project will go to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval.
Road Resurfacing
Gov. Beshear awarded the City of Owingsville $66,500 to resurface all of Harrisburg Avenue and $48,000 to resurface all of Barbara Lynn Drive, improving road safety for drivers.
Storm Drain Repairs
Gov. Beshear awarded the City of Mount Sterling with $6,743 to repair storm drains on Main Street and North Maysville Street.
Tourism Marketing Funding
Gov. Beshear awarded $121,304 to the Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County Tourist Commission to support travel marketing and promotion and attract meetings and conventions. The award is part of $75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding announced by the Governor in July to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the decline in visitors brought on by the pandemic.
“The ARPA grants awarded to the Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County Tourism Commission will allow us to expand our marketing efforts and increase the economic impact of visitor spending in our community,” said Tracy Pearce, Tourism Director of the Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County Tourist Commission.
The funds are distributed by the Kentucky Department of Tourism to eligible tourism organizations throughout the commonwealth.
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