Harlan County has been presented $6.2 million to support cleaner water, tourism, law enforcement, outdoor trails, road projects and local nonprofits.
“Today was an incredible day for Harlan County,” Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley said. “Every dollar announced today will make someone’s life better. We’re appreciative of all the support from our state leaders, and we’ll continue to make Harlan County a better place for everyone.”
“The investments we’re celebrating today will improve critical infrastructure, bolster regional tourism and uplift some great organizations,” added Harlan County Magistrate Leo Miller.
Appalachian Regional Commission
These projects will receive funding following the approval of $3.8 million in funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission for regional projects.
- $1.3 million to the city of Harlan to replace outdated sewer lines and renovate a pump station;
- $1 million to Harlan Municipal Water Works to renovate the water treatment plant and the raw water intake;
- $1 million to Backroads of Appalachia to hire a full-time director and part-time operations and grant manager; and
- $535,688 to reimburse Harlan Municipal Water Works for the emergency replacement of four failed filters in the Harlan municipal water system.
Cleaner Water Program
The Cleaner Water Program is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In all, $500 million has been appropriated through a bipartisan agreement with the General Assembly to provide clean drinking water and wastewater grants to fund projects across Kentucky since 2021. As a project progresses, the utility is reimbursed.
The projects include:
- $44,841 to Harlan County to extend sewer lines to serve a projected 200 homes.
- $500,000 to the city of Evarts to renovate seven lift stations and make minor repairs at the wastewater treatment plant;
- $500,000 to the city of Harlan to upgrade their water treatment plant;
- $225,000 to the Cawood Water District to replace leak-prone waterlines;
- $185,000 to the city of Cumberland to extend sewer service to 48 homes; and
- $175,000 to the Black Mountain Water District to replace leak-prone waterlines;
Tourism marketing funding
Among the tourism funding, $350,000 was awarded to the Appalachian Triangle of Kentucky project to support multicounty collaborative destination marketing.
The project is a joint initiative between eight commissions and seven counties (Clay, Bell, Laurel, Whitley, Harlan, Knox and Rockcastle) focusing on promoting the unique attractions and activities found in the Appalachian Triangle region of Kentucky.
Nonprofit Assistance Fund
Nearly $200,000 was awarded to nonprofits in Harlan County.
The awards come from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which is helping organizations across Kentucky recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The funding comes from ARPA. This funding will provide one-time direct relief payments to support the mission and long-term sustainability of each eligible nonprofit. The awards include:
- $100,000 to the Harlan County Boys and Girls Club;
- $67,804 to COAP Inc.;
- $20,784 to One Harlan County; and
- $6,954 to the Backroads of Appalachia.
