Counties will receive more than $74 million dollars from the state. This is the most money allocated to these communities in 10 years.
During a press conference on Thursday, Governor Beshear said this money will go a long way for these communities.
“These dollars help local governments pay off debts, improve critical infrastructure, expand parks and trails and improve projects that make Kentucky a better place for everyone to live. These funds will go to fiscal courts and municipalities in 29 coal producing counties.”
Letcher County is one of the recipients. Judge Executive Terry Adams said his county has previously used coal severance money to secure emergency services and economic development.
“Letcher County was built on the backs of our coal miners and the coal severance tax here in Letcher County is vital to us providing the services to the residents of Letcher County and is crucial to us going forward.”
Following catastrophic flooding in 2022, Adams said they are relieved to have the funding to keep their county going. Letcher County will receive over $2.6 million in coal severance funds this next fiscal year.
Governor Beshear is running for re-election against Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron in November.
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