Eastern Kentucky, December 2, 2025
Governor Andy Beshear has announced $612,000 in new funding from Kentucky’s SAFE program to support recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky following storms and floods. The funds will aid several communities, including Whitesburg, Perry County, Wheelwright, and Knott and Letcher Counties, addressing infrastructure and financial challenges. This allocation is part of a larger initiative to rebuild after natural disasters and emphasizes the state’s commitment to supporting flood-impacted areas.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear has announced $612,000 in new funding from Kentucky’s State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) program to support ongoing recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky following recent storms and floods. The funding allocation includes $450,000 for Whitesburg to alleviate financial strain caused by disaster impacts, $76,564 for Perry County to enhance electric and communication connections for the Skyview Estates high-ground community, $50,000 for Wheelwright to repair sidewalks and damaged roads, and $35,580 for Knott and Letcher Counties for survey work, title services, and related land acquisition activities for high-ground sites.
The SAFE program was established to assist communities in responding to and recovering from emergencies when federal funds are not yet available. Since its inception, the program has provided substantial support to Eastern Kentucky, including over $143 million in disaster recovery funding since 2022. Governor Beshear emphasized the state’s commitment to rebuilding Eastern Kentucky stronger and more resilient, stating that these funds are a step toward that goal. He assured that the state will continue to support these communities throughout their recovery process.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative to assist flood-impacted Kentuckians, with previous funding rounds totaling over $35 million allocated to affected communities. The SAFE program remains a critical resource for Eastern Kentucky, providing essential support as communities work to rebuild and recover from the devastating effects of recent natural disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the SAFE program?
The State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) program is a Kentucky initiative designed to assist communities in responding to and recovering from emergencies when federal funds are not yet available. It provides financial support for critical infrastructure needs, fiscal relief, and ongoing recovery efforts.
How much funding has been allocated to Eastern Kentucky through the SAFE program?
Since 2022, the SAFE program has allocated over $143 million in disaster recovery funding to Eastern Kentucky, supporting various communities in their rebuilding and recovery efforts.
What specific projects are being funded in Eastern Kentucky?
The recent $612,000 allocation includes:
- Whitesburg: $450,000 to address financial strain from disaster impacts.
- Perry County: $76,564 to support the Skyview Estates high-ground community with electric and communication connections.
- Wheelwright: $50,000 for repairing sidewalks and damaged roads.
- Knott and Letcher Counties: $35,580 for survey work, title services, and related land acquisition activities for high-ground sites.
How does the SAFE program support communities during emergencies?
The SAFE program provides immediate financial assistance to communities facing emergencies, enabling them to address urgent needs such as infrastructure repairs, fiscal relief, and other critical recovery efforts. This support is crucial when federal funds are not yet available, ensuring communities can begin rebuilding promptly.
Is the SAFE program ongoing?
Yes, the SAFE program continues to operate, offering essential support to communities in Kentucky affected by natural disasters and other emergencies. Its ongoing funding and allocations demonstrate the state’s commitment to assisting communities in their recovery and rebuilding processes.
Key Features of the SAFE Program’s Recent Funding Allocation
| Community | Funding Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Whitesburg | $450,000 | Address financial strain from disaster impacts |
| Perry County | $76,564 | Support Skyview Estates high-ground community with electric and communication connections |
| Wheelwright | $50,000 | Repair sidewalks and damaged roads |
| Knott and Letcher Counties | $35,580 | Survey work, title services, and related land acquisition activities for high-ground sites |
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