U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced the availability of grants to help communities repair water infrastructure damaged by presidentially declared disasters in 2022.
USDA is making over $247 million in grant funding available nationwide through supplemental disaster funding under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Funds will remain available until expended.
“The Biden-Harris administration and USDA Rural Development stand ready with every resource at our disposal to help communities rebuild,” said Carew. “The assistance I’m announcing today will help make sure rural communities who have been impacted by natural disasters in calendar year 2022 have the resources they need to rebuild their lives and their communities.”
This assistance is greatly needed in parts of Eastern Kentucky that were heavily impacted by historic flooding in 2022.
“We made a promise that we’d be there for Eastern Kentucky for the entire rebuilding process,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “These funds will be a major help in keeping that promise. Thanks to Dr. Carew and USDA Rural Development for providing relief and hope to our people and communities as we work toward a brighter future.”
Eligible applicants include rurally located public bodies, and nonprofit organizations.
Funds may be used to:
- repair damaged water infrastructure.
- develop resiliency to reduce long-term risks from future disasters.
The following Kentucky counties have 2022 presidentially declared disaster areas:
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Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.