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.

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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.

LAWMAKERS INVITE CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘MILITARY KIDS DAY’

LAWMAKERS INVITE CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES

TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘MILITARY KIDS DAY’

FRANKFORT, KY (January 17, 2023) – Military Kids Day, the annual event hosted at the Kentucky State Capitol, is scheduled to return on Thursday, February 16. Lawmakers are encouraging families and children in their districts to participate.

Initiated by state Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, at the request of a military family living in his district, Military Kids Day is an annual event that allows military children to participate in the legislative process. Hosted by the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee, children are invited to go on a Capitol tour, page for their respective legislator, participate in a Capitol scavenger hunt and attend committee meetings related to military issues.

“Having children of military families join us in Frankfort to participate in the legislative process is always my favorite part of the legislative session,” Higdon said. “Last year’s event was a big success, and I am asking for everyone’s assistance in spreading the word so we can make this year’s Military Kids Day the best yet.”

Military Kids Day returned during the 2022 Legislative Session after two years of interruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Military Kids Day will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, February 16, during a Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee meeting chaired by Senator Rick Girdler, R-Somerset. State Representative Walker Thomas, R-Hopkinsville, serves as House Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection chair. Military kids will be recognized during the committee meeting in Capitol Annex room 131 and streamed live via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel.

To participate, complete an application form available online at legislature.ky.gov or by clicking HERE. Submit that application to the Kentucky Senate Clerk Donna Holiday via email to Donna.Holiday@lrc.ky.gov by Monday, February 13.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

 

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

MARSHALL COUNTY TO RECEIVE NEARLY $12 MILLION FOR LOCAL PROJECTS

MARSHALL COUNTY TO RECEIVE NEARLY 

$12 MILLION FOR LOCAL PROJECTS  

Water and Wastewater, Economic Development  and Tourism Among Beneficiaries

FRANKFORT, KY (January 12, 2023) – Marshall County is set to receive nearly $12 million in federal grant funding for various projects throughout the county, including improvements to residents' water and wastewater services, traffic and access points at the industrial park, high school technical center and to strengthen the marketing efforts of local tourism.

Improvement Coming to Marshall County Residents' Water and Wastewater Services:

Calvert City

The city is awarded $300,379 to improve the city's existing water treatment plant pumping and control systems. The improvements will include the addition of variable frequency drives to the existing high-service pumps and actuator valve(s) and replacing the system PLC and HMI control systems. 

Calvert City is also awarded $180,400 for a project that includes replacing approximately 530 linear feet of existing cast iron water main with a history of breaks and low service levels near the city's water plant.  The proposed project will replace the crossing at Cypress Creek with a new HDPE water main.

Hardin

The city is awarded $480,000 for Phase three of its wastewater rehabilitation project.  Phases one and two were completed in 2007 and 2012.  These budget-driven projects addressed some mainline sewer issues and significant manhole rehabilitation. Phase III will continue those efforts.

North Marshall

The North Marshall Water District is awarded $480,779 for a project replacing approximately 2.8 miles of 3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch water lines in an area damaged by December 2021 tornadoes. The project includes main replacement, service line and meter replacements of mains along Cambridge Shores Drive, Concord Drive, Paradise Point, Piedmont Street, Sunset Drive, Lakeshore Drive, Cape Fear Drive, Lexington Drive, Kentucky Avenue, and Woolridge Street.

"I'm thrilled to see the Kentucky General Assembly's investment of one-time federal funds finding their way to Marshall County—notably the additional $250 million allocated for cleaner water and wastewater improvement projects in the 2023-24 budget," state Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, said. "Calvert City, Hardin and North Marshall residents will see a notable improvement thanks to these awards."

Funding for water and wastewater improvements authorized by Carroll and the Kentucky General Assembly 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 funds for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the commonwealth.

Fiscal Court Awarded $527,128 to Improve Industrial Park Access Points:

These funds come through the Delta Regional Authority's (DRA) States' Economic Development Assistance Program, which strategically invests in helping improve the quality of life and boost economic development opportunities in the 252 counties DRA serves.

"I appreciate the Delta Regional Authority's investment in west Kentucky's economic success," Carroll said. "Each of my counties in the 2nd Senate District falls within the footprint of the DRA's States' Economic Development Assistance Program. The significant funding awarded to improve infrastructure and access to our industrial park is welcomed wholeheartedly. Local officials have done a superb job working with the Department for Local Government, making a case for why this project deserves this award money. I truly appreciate everyone involved in making this project possible." 

Marshall County Tourist and Convention Commission Awarded $163,199 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. 

"Kentucky's tourism industry took a significant hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate recognized the harm the industry endured and provided support for Kentucky's tourism industry," Carroll said. "I am pleased our Marshall County tourism commission will receive a share of those funds to help bolster our local efforts."

Marshall County Local Area Vocational Center Receiving $9,590,200 for Renovation Project:

Carroll and the Kentucky General Assembly provided historic state funding for Local Area Vocational Education Centers (LAVEC) in 2022. Marshall County's funding share comes from an allocation of $155.6 million in ARPA funds in the 2022-23 budget specifically for LAVEC renovations. 

"Since 2017, Kentucky has received significant outside economic investment and job creation, so we must continue addressing workforce challenges so that we can fill job openings," Carroll said. "Our local vocational schools are vital in preparing a skilled workforce. Renovations to the Marshall County High School Technical Center help achieve that goal."

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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.

THAYER RECOGNIZED FOR THE SEVENTH TIME AS MVP FOR KENTUCKY BUSINESS COMMUNITY

THAYER RECOGNIZED FOR THE SEVENTH TIME

AS MVP FOR KENTUCKY BUSINESS COMMUNITY

FRANKFORT, KY (January 10, 2023) - Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, is a Kentucky Chamber of Commerce MVP award recipient for the seventh time.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce,” Thayer said. “It a great job as advocates for the business community, and I consider them a strong partner in our support of industries unique to the commonwealth. You can count on me to continue serving as a voice for Kentucky’s signature industries and small business owners. I look forward to continued work with the chamber as we seek to address workforce needs and expand on Kentucky’s many economic successes in recent years.”

Thayer played an instrumental role in ensuring the passage of top 2022 Chamber priorities, including further steps to eliminate the state income tax, unemployment insurance reform and the critical allocation of $250 million from Kentucky’s general fund to the biennial road plan, which qualified Kentucky and paved the way for historic federal grant awards for the completion of the Brent Spence Bridge Project. Additionally, Thayer is noted for his strong support of Kentucky’s tourism industry and signature horse and bourbon industries.

In addition, the Chamber reports the pro-growth policies supported and passed by Thayer and the Kentucky General Assembly saved Kentucky businesses an estimated $1.281 billion, roughly $19,000 for each employer in the commonwealth.

According to the Chamber, recipients of the Kentucky Chamber MVP Award show strong leadership for the business community by sponsoring or carrying Chamber priority legislation to final passage, showing leadership on the passage of critical legislation to improve Kentucky, or taking hard votes in defense of business.

“Leader Thayer has been a staunch advocate for the business community in the Capitol for as long as he has been in the legislature,” said Ashli Watts, Chamber president and CEO. “He is tied for the most MVP awards the Chamber has ever presented to a lawmaker. We are grateful for Senator Thayer’s partnership and thank him for his continued support for Kentucky businesses.”

Visit legislature.ky.gov for more information on Sen. Damon Thayer. Visit kychamber.com for details on the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Click here to see more on the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s MVP award.

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Senator Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, represents the 17th Senate District, including Grant and Scott Counties, southern Kenton County, and northwestern Fayette County. He is Senate majority floor leader. Thayer is the longest-serving Republican Senate majority floor leader in Kentucky history. He serves as a member of the Senate committees on Agriculture, Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government. As Senate majority floor leader, Thayer is a member of the Legislative Research Commission, the Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. Additionally, he is an Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee member.

THAYER RECOGNIZED FOR THE SEVENTH TIME AS MVP FOR KENTUCKY BUSINESS COMMUNITY

SENATOR DANNY CARROLL CHAIRS INAUGURAL SENATE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN COMMITTEE MEETING

FRANKFORT, KY (January 5, 2023) – The new Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children held its first meeting Wednesday, discussing plans to confront some of the commonwealth's most complicated challenges.

Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, chairs the committee. The committee's scope includes family and children's issues, child welfare, adoptions, protective services, caregiver support, family preservation programs, senior citizen programs, and sexual assault programs.

"The efforts of this committee have my full and undivided attention in the 2023 Legislative Session," Carroll said. "I don't think it's a stretch to say this is the most important committee in the Kentucky General Assembly. No residents of this state are more precious than our most vulnerable. We can address societal challenges if we meet long-term goals such as strengthening the family unit and ensuring self-sufficiency."

Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams serves as committee vice chair.

"I am thrilled to have Senator Adams as vice chair on this committee," Carroll said. "She has a heart and passion for Kentucky children. Her work last session on child welfare reform, Senate Bill 8, was among the best efforts to bring stakeholders together and identify necessary reforms I've seen in Frankfort. I trust the committee membership's intent and focus and know we will work well alongside other state partners." 

Carroll has previously served as co-chair of the Early Childhood Education Task Force during the 2022 Interim and was a Senate Health and Welfare Committee member. The Senate divided the Health and Welfare Committee into two new committees to provide opportunities for additional consideration of social service and health service issues. Those committees are the Families and Children Committee and the Health Services Committee.

On Wednesday, the Senate committee meeting included testimony from Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Friedlander praised the lawmakers for the change and said some issues were often overshadowed under the old structure.

Senator Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield, who serves as a Senate Families and Children committee member and recent co-chair of the 2022 Interim CHFS Organizational Structure Operations and Administration Task Force, reminded members of the task force's mission and legislative findings.

"We will have a bill this session that deals with the recommendations that came out of the task force and this committee is part of that," Meredith said. "(CHFS) is our largest cabinet; I think it has more than 7,500 employees. We are trying to do it better, more efficiently and responsibly for consumers. A well-functioning CHFS is incredibly important in the work of this committee."

Meredith added that he expects the task force to continue for two or three years, given the grand scope of the cabinet. You can find the 2022 Interim CHFS Task Force's findings and recommendations by clicking here.

In an emotional close to the meeting, Carroll took time to acknowledge the dedicated service of Dr. Ralph Alvarado, the long-serving chair of the Senate Health and Welfare committee. Alvarado recently announced he had accepted a position in Tennessee Governor Bill Lee's administration as health commissioner.

"Dr. Alvarado has become one of my very closest friends up here," Carroll said. "If I get emotional, I apologize, but his leadership will be missed here. No one in the Senate works harder than this man, and we've been together since day one. Dr. Alvarado and I had a lot of discussions about his decision, but he will be able to serve and positively impact a large population of Tennessee residents.

"Our senate caucus is going to be affected by not having his presence, energy and intellect," Carroll added. "He's one of those people who are in Frankfort for the right reasons."

Others commended Alvarado.

"Many times we are called politicians, and I say, 'No, we are public servants,'" Meredith said. "I don't know anybody who fits the role better than Sen. Alvarado. I will acknowledge I hate to lose anything to Tennessee. However, I feel like this is just temporary. He has left this state in a better position than he found it."

Secretary Friedlander said he appreciated the times Alvarado challenged the cabinet.

"It has been an honor to work with you," Friedlander said. "We have had a lot of deliberation back and forth, and Alvarado gave me confidence when I was on the precipice of decisions. I appreciate his support and when you've challenged me and the cabinet. I want to thank him for his great service."

Alvarado reiterated his reasoning for his decision to accept Gov. Lee's offer and then expounded on the importance of the Senate Families and Children committee.

"First of all, it's been my honor and privilege to serve," Alvarado said. "Serving on a health and welfare committee is difficult given some of the heavy topics and commitment of time required to dive into the issues. Part of the reason we now have two committees is to ensure we have enough time to face issues like child abuse and neglect and to address the elephant in the room, which is often Medicaid. I'm excited about the work this committee will do, and there is no better committee chair than Danny Carroll."

Other committee members include Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset; Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington; Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield; Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Crofton; Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville; and Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville.

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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.