Gov. Beshear Announces More Than $2.7 Million in CARES Act Reimbursements for 18 Eastern Kentucky Local Governments

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2020) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 18 Eastern Kentucky governments were approved for $2,789,546 in reimbursements from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act for local governments with expenses related to COVID-19.

“Our local governments have been important partners during our fight against COVID-19,” said Gov. Beshear. “They have helped enforce guidelines, share information and keep Kentuckians safe. This funding ensures they can continue to do so while we remain diligent in our fight.”

Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Dennis Keene said the reimbursements are essential for local governments. The Governor announced the reimbursements in collaboration with the DLG.

“We want every eligible local government to apply for reimbursement as soon as possible to ensure everyone has the necessary resources to combat COVID-19,” said Commissioner Keene.

Bath County
Bath County will use $94,530 for sanitizing supplies, PPE and sheriff’s department payroll.

“This year has been full of trying times,” said Bath County Judge/Executive Bobby Rogers. “With that said, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Gov. Beshear for having the foresight in helping counties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Beshear has afforded us a great opportunity to recapture expenses we have incurred during these drastic times. I’d also like to thank the Department for Local Government for their help and advice through the application process for reimbursement.”

Estill County
Estill County will use $249,768 for sheriff and fire department payroll.

“We in Estill County want to thank the Department for Local Government for the direct input into our request for the CARES funding,” said Estill County Judge/Executive Donnie Watson. “The efficient and timely turnaround has been a great help to our county during the most challenging time of our lives.”

Floyd County
Floyd County will use $664,582 for PPE, sheriff’s department payroll, disinfectant, small business relief and supplies for food banks.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gov. Beshear for the recent award of CARES Act funding,” said Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams. “This money will be used for PPE, small business grants, food pantries and our senior citizens meals program.”

Harlan County
Harlan County will use $251,823 for signage, PPE, sanitizing supplies, telework equipment, sheriff’s department and emergency management payroll.

Knox County
Knox County will use $464,875 for cleaning supplies, PPE, sheriff’s department and emergency medical personnel payroll.

Leslie County
Leslie County will use $76,658 for telework equipment, senior meals program, PPE, disinfectant and sheriff’s department and emergency personnel payroll.

Menifee County
Menifee County will use $89,718 for plexiglass, thermometers and sheriff’s department and emergency management personnel payroll.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gov. Beshear for providing CARES Act Funding to Menifee County,” said Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner. “These funds were used to support our local law enforcement and prepare our courthouse to serve the public during this pandemic.”

Owsley County
Owsley County will use $58,703 for plexiglass installation, cleaning supplies and sheriff’s department payroll.

“Due to COVID-19, our revenues have decreased,” said Owsley County Judge/Executive Cale Turner. “The Coronavirus Relief Funds have been a huge blessing to our small county. These funds are being used to help support our law enforcement officers. Without these funds, our county would have a much greater struggle. We would like to express our gratitude to Gov. Beshear. Thank you for working so hard to help keep us safe.”

Wolfe County
Wolfe County will use $96,408 for PPE disbursement and payroll expenses.

“Wolfe County is extremely grateful for funds we’ve received through the CARES grant,” said Wolfe County Judge/Executive Raymond Banks. “This funding has aided in the operation of our county through this difficult time and helped keep Wolfe Countians safe.”

Barbourville
Barbourville will use $222,838 for video conferencing equipment, telework equipment and police and fire department payroll.

Camargo
Camargo will use $1,203 for PPE, disinfectant and cleaning supplies.

Clay City
Clay City will use $44,314 for first responder payroll.

Elkhorn City
Elkhorn City will use $32,760 for first responder payroll.

Grayson
Grayson will use $127,864 for sanitation supplies and payroll.

Manchester
Manchester will use $77,109 for protective barriers and police department payroll.

Pineville
Pineville will use $128,065 for PPE, telework equipment, small business relief and public safety payroll.

“We are very appreciative of the CARES funding we received,” said Pineville Mayor Scott Madon. “It really came at a good time for us as the city’s finances were at an all-time low during my time as mayor. COVID-19 has hit our small businesses hard, which in turn caused our finances to decrease drastically. We are very appreciative of the Governor for allowing us to get some much needed revenue for the city.”

South Shore
South Shore will use $19,648 for cleaning supplies, sanitizer, PPE, technology to limit personal contacts and police payroll.

West Liberty       
West Liberty will use $88,680 for payroll expenses.

Since the application was released in May, DLG has received approximately 300 applications from city and county governments across the commonwealth. Two hundred eight local governments have been approved for reimbursement, totaling more than $106 million.

For additional information and to apply for reimbursement, visit DLG’s website.

More Information
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov and the state’s response to COVID-19 at kycovid19.ky.gov.

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