(WYMT) – Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 81, releasing $52 million to improve water systems across rural Kentucky.
Nearly $26 million will go directly to Martin County. Other recipients include the cities of Elkhorn, Evarts, Liberty, Martin, Oak Grove and Smithland, as well as the Southern Water and Sewer District in McDowell.
Governor Beshear said the legislation will help deliver clean, safe water and modern infrastructure to Kentuckians in rural communities, including Martin County, which has faced challenges for far too long. He said Team Kentucky has made significant progress in delivering clean water and reliable systems, and the state is committed to doing even more.
Martin County Judge-Executive Lon Lafferty said the county is grateful to the governor and the legislature for the funds. He said he has had conversations with the governor in the past, and Governor Beshear assured him he is on top of the water plight in the county. Lafferty said the money will help many Kentuckians and shows what is possible when elected leaders work together.