Congressman Rogers, State Leaders Deliver Over $30 Million for Infrastructure Projects in Eastern Kentucky

U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) joined state and local leaders at Hazard Community and Technical College on Wednesday to deliver more than $30 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects in nine counties across southeastern Kentucky. 

Congressman Rogers secured federal funding for four of the projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 531 Infrastructure Program. He created the funding source in 1996 to improve access to clean water and reliable wastewater resources exclusively in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District. 

“This funding is the first step to job creation, economic development, flood recovery and even educational opportunities. Clean water and wastewater systems are the cornerstones that we build from in our communities,” said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Infrastructure in the mountains comes with a hefty price tag, and this funding will help relieve the burden from our rural counties as they continue to revitalize and rebuild after the 2022 flood. I’m also thankful for the strong partnership with our state leaders who have secured match money and additional funds to make our region stronger.” 

Congressman Rogers secured federal funding for five of the projects through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to strengthen the infrastructure in Eastern Kentucky, particularly where communities continue to rebuild after the devastating flood in July 2022. 

“Water infrastructure is so important to rural Kentuckians, and it’s a priority for this administration. Today’s announcements mark the latest investments we’ve made to help Eastern Kentucky rebuild after the horrific flooding of 2022,” said Travis Burton, State Director for USDA Rural Development. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, we will continue working with water systems on projects big and small that will improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in rural Kentucky.”

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers and State Senator Scott Madon also delivered state funding for three infrastructure projects in Letcher County. State Senator Brandon Smith and State Representatives Chris Fugate, Richard White and Mitch Whitaker also supported the funding and attended the event today. 

“I can’t emphasize the importance of the having this partnership between the federal, state and local levels enough. We have been able to match federal money with state funds for some of these projects to ensure they make it over the finish line,” said Sen. Stivers. “Our mountain communities are stronger today, thanks to the continued support of Congressman Rogers and his willingness to work with us on projects that strengthen our entire region.” 

“This funding is a game changer for southeastern Kentucky, and I was proud to help secure state funding for three projects in Letcher County to advance job creation, tourism and economic development,” said Sen. Madon. "When we need help moving projects forward in southeastern Kentucky, we know we can always count on Congressman Rogers to get the job done at the federal level."

The project funding announced, includes:

• $1 million for Morehead State University’s Sewer and Water Rehabilitation Project – Phase I: The U.S. Army Corps project will repair the entire system, serving 8,000 students and 800 faculty and staff, on and off campus. 
  
  
• $3 million for the Elliott County Fiscal Court’s Water Tower Project: The U.S. Army Corps project includes a 2.5 million gallon water tower for the Little Sandy Correctional Facility.  
  
  
• $900,000 for Elkhorn City’s Stillhouse Water Storage Tank in Pike County: The U.S. Army Corps project includes a new water tank with greater capacity to serve 500 homes and 35 businesses in Elkhorn City. 
  
  
• $2 million for the City of Jenkins’ Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion: The U.S. Army Corps project will increase capacity to support 115 new homes and up to eight new businesses. It will also improve reliable service for more than 600 homes and nearly 60 businesses that are currently on the system.  
  
  
• $5.4 million for the City of Fleming-Neon in Letcher County: The USDA-RD project will replace nearly 37,000 linear feet of waterlines and fixtures.
  
  
• $10.9 million for the City of Jackson: The USDA-RD project will help replace the existing wastewater treatment plant that was damaged in the July 2022 flood. 
  
  
• $4.6 million for the Knott County Water and Sewer District: The USDA-RD project will provide in-kind replacement of the wastewater treatment plant and sewer lines that were damaged during the July 2022 flood.
  
  
• $1.5 million for the City of Hazard: The USDA-RD project, funded through and ARC grant, will help replace 20 miles of water lines from Buckhorn to Chavies and construct a 250,000-gallon storage tank. 
  
  
• $1.275 million for the City of Beattyville: The USDA-RD project, funded through an ARC grant, will renovate three existing water storage tanks throughout the distribution system.  
  
  
• STATE FUNDING: $1 million for the City of Jenkins: Local match for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 531 Project.  
  
  
• STATE FUNDING: $1.5 million for the Letcher County Fiscal Court: The funding will help provide waterline extensions to Thunder Mountain in Letcher County. 
  
  
• STATE FUNDING: $438,000 for the Southeast Road Resurfacing Project in Letcher County.