LOUISA — Gov. Andy Beshear’s senior advisor Rocky Adkins announced more than $5.3 million in funding to support cleaner water and increase tourism in Lawrence County. Adkins made the announcement Monday at the Garden Theater in Louisa.
“The projects we’re funding are improving infrastructure and tourism that is bringing more people here to Eastern Kentucky,” said Adkins. “These kinds of projects move all Kentuckians forward and support our communities. When state and local leaders work together, days like today are possible.”
Louisa Mayor Harold Slone commented, “The funds announced today will all build up our infrastructure and help us better serve our people. These kinds of investments make sure we are providing essential services to our community. We’re appreciative of the state funds and will keep working to move Louisa forward.”
Donithan area waterline replacement project
Adkins announced $4.3 million in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission to the Big Sandy Water District. The funds will go toward replacing a waterline between Louisa and Catlettsburg along Kentucky Highway 3. A new water storage tank will also be constructed at Donithan Branch. The new waterline will improve water services to 200 homes and two businesses. The current waterline has experienced five breaks in the last year.
Cleaner Water Program
The Senior Advisor also announced $989,713 in committed funds from the Cleaner Water Program to benefit Lawrence County. These projects will provide public water service to 67 homes for the first time. The projects include:
• $233,000 to the Big Sandy Water District to provide public water service to 58 homes for the first time; and
• $756,713 to the city of Louisa to replace leak-prone waterlines and extend public water service to nine homes for the first time.
Promoting tourism
Adkins also announced $43,689 to the Lawrence County Tourism Commission to support travel marketing and promotion. The Kentucky Department of Tourism distributes the funds to eligible tourism organizations throughout the state.
Road resurfacing
The senior advisor also recapped Gov. Beshear’s announcement that Lawrence County was awarded $238,443 in Kentucky Transportation Cabinet discretionary funds to help resurface portions of Glenwood Branch Road, Roe Creek and Left Fork Morgans Creek Road.