Gov. Beshear Presents Nearly $6.8 Million in Funds to Laurel County
Funding promotes road resurfacing, high-speed internet, economic development and cleaner water
LONDON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2024) ? Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials to present nearly $6.8 million in funding to benefit Laurel County that will go toward resurfacing roads, expanding access to high-speed internet, increasing economic development and supporting cleaner water.
?Our people are always our best investment, and they deserve opportunities and good-paying jobs right here in their hometown. We are working to make sure that?s the reality,? said Gov. Beshear. ?With the funding we announced today, we are getting closer to our goal of creating that better Kentucky we all want for our kids and grandkids.?
?I?m grateful to serve as a voice for London and Laurel County in Frankfort. The funding awards, a small part of our achievements, highlight the city, county and region?s progress,? said Sen. Brandon Storm of London. ?Thanks to colleagues in the Kentucky General Assembly and partners like Charter-Spectrum, available funds prioritize crucial infrastructure ? including 21st century infrastructure like broadband.?
?The funds announced today will all make life better for the people of Laurel County,? said Laurel County Judge/Executive David Westerfield. ?We always appreciate the state?s support and will keep working to build a brighter future for our people.?
Discretionary Transportation Funding
Gov. Beshear announced that $125,000 was awarded to the Laurel County Fiscal Court to resurface more than a mile of Buffalo Branch Road and $175,000 to resurface more than 2 miles of Buffalo Road. These roads have greatly deteriorated in the last few years to the point where the postal service is complaining about their condition. The Laurel and Jackson county school systems also expressed concern for the safety of the children using buses. The roads run in both counties.
High-Speed Internet Access
Through the Better Internet Program, the Governor presented over $1.1 million to Charter Communications to connect 448 homes and businesses in Laurel County to high-speed internet. The company will also contribute nearly $2.5 million in matching funds, bringing the total investment in this community to more than $3.6 million.
Kentucky Product Development Initiative Award
As part of the Kentucky Product Development Initiative funding announced in March 2023, Gov. Beshear today presented an award for over $1.5 million to the Laurel County Fiscal Court to support a project that will create a 105,000-square-foot building to attract new business in London.
Cleaner Water Program
Gov. Beshear celebrated $3.8 million to utilities in Laurel County from the Cleaner Water Program. The funding will go to the following projects:
- $794,383 to the East Laurel Water District to install waterline and upgrade a pump station.
- $792,300 to the West Laurel Water Association to install new waterline along Kentucky Highway 552, Topton Road and Rooks Branch Road.
- $786,585 to the Laurel County Water District #2 to replace aging waterlines.
- $738,968 to the Wood Creek Water District to install waterline and fire hydrants on Hawk Creek Road.
- $527,068 to the London Utility Commission to replace a sewer main that serves homes near Kentucky Highway 363.
- $164,103 to the Corbin City Utilities Commission to improve its sewer system.
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