MCCRACKEN COUNTY TO RECEIVE NEARLY $9 MILLION FOR LOCAL PROJECTS AND CAUSES

MCCRACKEN COUNTY TO RECEIVE NEARLY

$9 MILLION FOR LOCAL PROJECTS AND CAUSES 

Non-Profits, Water and Wastewater, Regional Airport And Local Tourism Among Beneficiaries

FRANKFORT, KY (January 30, 2023) – McCracken County is set to receive nearly $9 million in funding for various projects and causes. Awards announced on Friday include $1.5 million for local non-profit efforts, over $4 million for improvements to residents' water and wastewater services, approximately $600,000 to strengthen marketing efforts of Paducah tourism and over $1.75 million for improvements at Barkley Regional Airport

Non-Profit Assistance Fund to Provide Nearly $1.5 Million to Local Organizations

"I think empowering stakeholders, especially the dedicated non-profits who are mission-oriented in their respective causes, gives taxpayers the most bang for their buck," Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton said. "The government should do what it can to address issues, but I think it's important to recognize government doesn't have all the answers and those who do are probably those individuals on the ground and out in communities. I'm incredibly optimistic about the good these deserving awards will bring."

Carroll and the Kentucky General Assembly utilized $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to establish the Non-Profit Assistance Fund, which qualifies non-profit organizations for up to $100,000 in grant funding. Recipients in Paducah include Child Watch Counseling and Advocacy Center Inc., the Family Service Society, Paducah Alliance of Neighbors, the Salvation Army of Paducah, Rape Victim Services Inc., several local parishes, the Paducah Symphony Orchestra and much more. 

Improvement Coming to Paducah Residents' Water and Wastewater Services

Paducah Water Works and the city and county Joint Sewer Agency will receive $4,123,045 in funding for various water and wastewater improvements.

"It's great to see more funding from the Kentucky General Assembly's investment of one-time federal funds make their way to Senate District 2—notably the additional $250 million allocated for cleaner water and wastewater improvement projects in the 2023-24 budget," Carroll said. "Like recent announcements in Marshall County, Paducah residents' wellbeing will be bettered by the improvements these funds will allow."

Carroll and the Kentucky General Assembly authorized the funding. It is distributed through the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), which allocates funding to projects meeting the state's Cleaner Water Program grant criteria. Since 2021, the Kentucky General Assembly has allocated $500 million in one-time federal dollars for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the commonwealth.

Paducah/McCracken County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Awarded $595,297 Thanks to Senate's $75 Million Proposed Allocation in the 2023-24 State Budget

In light of the negative impacts of COVID-19 and government restrictions devastating Kentucky's tourism industry, the Senate championed appropriation of $75 million to Kentucky's Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. The governor did not include this funding in his budget proposal. It was first included in the Senate version, finally making it into the final version of House Bill 1, the 2023-24 biennial budget.

"Our tourism industry took a huge hit during the COVID-19 pandemic," Carroll said. "The Senate recognized the harm the industry endured and championed using some federal dollars to help the tourism industry recover. I trust the Paducah/McCracken County Convention and Visitor's Bureau will make the most of this funding and will do excellent work to help bolster local tourism efforts."

Paducah-McCracken Senior Citizen Project to Receive $1 Million

Funding for the Senior Citizen Project comes through federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

"This grant funding doesn't get secured without the good work of city officials and the fine folks at the senior center," Carroll said. "I want to specifically recognize the efforts of former center director Christine Thompson for her work on this grant. The center does a great job of meeting the needs of senior citizens in our community by ensuring they have access to meals, activities and transportation. I appreciate DLG and all involved in making this grant funding possible."

According to the city, the Paducah-McCracken Senior Center provides meals for about 450 seniors through its Meals-on-Wheels program. It serves lunches on-site to 40 to 60 seniors daily. The center also provides activities and transportation services for older adults in the community.

CDBG funds are distributed through the Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG). Per the office's website, the CDBG program assists communities in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their particular development priorities. According to DLG, $38 million is available for utility relief from the CDBG-CV program. Local governments may request up to $200,000 to provide utility relief to Kentuckians in their jurisdiction. The CDBG-CV program guidelines can be found here.

Barkley Regional Airport Sewer Extension Project Awarded $1,771,285

Funding to support the sewer extension project at Barkley Regional Airport comes from the Delta Regional Authority's Community Infrastructure Fund. The DRA strategically invests in helping improve the quality of life and boost economic development opportunities in the 252 counties DRA serves.

"The Delta Regional Authority's support and investments in west Kentucky's economic success is something we should all be grateful for," Carroll said. "Each of my counties in the 2nd Senate District falls within the DRA footprint, and Marshall County recently benefited from similar grant funding. I'm thrilled about this support in McCracken County."

The project will connect the airport terminal and 20 homes to the public sewer system.

Visit legislature.ky.gov for more information on Sen. Danny Carroll and to follow legislative activity during the 2023 Legislative Session.

# # # 

Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair. He is also a Senate Education, Health Services and Judiciary committee member. Additionally, Carroll is a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Carroll, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate102.jpg.