RICHMOND, Ky. – Today, at the Telford Community Center YMCA, Gov. Andy Beshear presented $5,587,738.73 to local tourism agencies, utilities and nonprofits to support Kentucky families.

“Today’s announcements mean that some families in Madison County are going to get access to clean water service for the first time,” Gov. Beshear said. “On top of that, we’re promoting local tourism and supporting nonprofits that make such a difference for this community. As Governor, and most important, as a dad, nothing is more important to me than building a better Kentucky for all of our people.”

“It is always a pleasure to see Madison Countians become the recipients of additional state funding in awards like these,” said Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor. “We are grateful for the support and programs that help us continue to make Madison County better.”

Tourism Marketing Funding

Gov. Beshear awarded $288,570 to the Richmond Tourism Commission to support travel marketing and promotion. These awards are part of the $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding supported by the Governor and allocated by the General Assembly in 2022 to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the decline in visitors brought on by the pandemic. The Governor announced the awards in July.

“The ARPA funding we are receiving is crucial financial support for tourism development initiatives,” said Lori Murphy, executive director of the Richmond Tourism Commission. “These funds will allow us to promote Richmond to a wider audience like never before. Thank you to Gov. Beshear, the Kentucky legislature and the Kentucky Department of Tourism for this historic opportunity.”

Cleaner Water Program

Gov. Beshear announced the commitment of $4,672,967 in funding from the Cleaner Water Program to utilities in Madison County. As the projects progress the utilities will be reimbursed.

    The City of Richmond will use $2,171,258 to upgrade their sewer system and expand sewer service to a new park.

“The Cleaner Water Program funds will assist Richmond Utilities to install a new sewer line on the southern end of the City of Richmond,” said Scott Althauser, general manager of Richmond Utilities. “This new line will allow for increased capacity of sanitary sewer in anticipation of continued growth in this area.”

“With the assistance from the state’s Cleaner Water Program, the City of Richmond is able to install the water and sewer systems at our new state-of-the-art sports and recreation complex,” said City Manager Rob Minerich. “This assistance helps to enhance the quality of life for our youth sports and citizens.”

    The Madison County Utilities District will use $1,368,737 to replace a pump station and upgrade problematic waterlines in the system.

    The Southern Madison Water District will use $640,121 to replace nearly 2,000 water meters and upgrade the three water tanks and three pump stations within the system.

    The Northern Madison County Sanitation District will use $254,104 to expand sewer service to five unserved homes.

    The Kirksville Water Association will use $238,747 to expand waterlines along Kentucky Highway 52 in preparation for future development.

“Kirksville Water Association and its board of directors would like to thank Gov. Beshear and the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the Cleaner Water grant funding awarded to the association,” the Kirksville Water Association and its board of directors said in a joint statement. “Through our shared interest and investment, we are able to provide reliable water service to the residents of Madison County. The KY-52 Cross Country connection will improve water service to Kirksville and Peytontown and will establish water mains in those areas to accommodate current and projected residential and industrial growth. This growth is a direct benefit from the current KY-52 Roadway Project that will connect those communities directly to Interstate 75 at the Duncannon Exit.”

Nonprofit Assistance Fund

The Governor awarded $626,201.73 to eight nonprofits in Madison County. The awards come from the Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which is helping organizations across Kentucky recover from the effects of the pandemic. The funding comes from the federal ARPA, and Gov. Beshear supported the allocation of funds by the 2022 General Assembly. 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 Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark counties;
    $100,000 to the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA);
    $100,000 to the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council;
    $100,000 to the Telford Community Center YMCA;
    $100,000 to the Salvation Army of Richmond;
    $63,802.73 to the Richmond Area Arts Council;
    $32,228 to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Madison and Clark Counties; and
    $30,171 to Madison Hills Christian Church.

“The Salvation Army is grateful to Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly for this gift, which will help us to continue to ‘Do the Most Good’ here in Madison County,” Capt. Kevin Justice said. “We have seen an increased level of need this year due to rising costs and lingering effects of the pandemic, and these funds will help to keep providing vital life-sustaining services in the community.”

“Being a recipient of the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Fund will benefit CASA of Madison and Clark counties far beyond words,” Executive Director Victoria Benge said. “In 2022, there were 464 abused and neglected children in Madison and Clark counties. CASA is currently serving 26% of these children, but with the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Fund we will be able to provide more children who have been victims of abuse and neglect with an advocate and a voice.”

“The mission of KMEA is to advance the cause of music education throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky by encouraging the study and making of music by all of the population and by serving as a strong advocate for issues affecting the accomplishment of that mission,” Executive Director John Stroube said. “KMEA annually organizes and produces a variety of activities for music students and music teachers, efforts toward which were drastically hindered during the pandemic, although the association continued to be subject to many of the usual expenses. Receiving an award from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Association Fund has enabled our association to bounce back and provide the robust music education activities our members expect and deserve.”

“Because we are vital to our community and reach so many people, it is essential to maintain our facility, but it’s challenging after such a long disruption caused by COVID,” said President and CEO of the Telford Community Center YMCA Erin J. Roth. “It is critical that we seek ways to obtain funding to ensure that the Y is here to stay to serve those that need us most. The Y never turns anybody away due to the inability to pay. This funding allows us to make a significant and measurable impact on our loyal and deserving members and allow us to continue to serve our community. The Telford Community Center YMCA staff and Board of Directors are grateful for the funding and support.”

“We were thrilled to receive the generous Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund award. It came at a critical time for us, helping us overcome the funding challenges brought on by COVID-19. Because of this funding, we will be able to complete a neighborhood revitalization that is empowering six families struggling with home insecurity to find strength and stability through homeownership. The impact on these families will ripple into their neighborhoods and communities for generations,” said Amanda Dubé, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark counties.

“The Richmond Area Arts Council offers performing and visual art programs for residents of all ages,” said Dr. Randy Westbrook, executive director of the Richmond Area Arts Council. “The Arts Council partners with various community groups including Madison County Schools, local businesses and other charitable organizations to provide quality programming and educational opportunities for children and adults.”

Legislator Quotes

“To ensure our county’s water and nonprofit infrastructure is properly supported, the legislature dedicated ARPA funds towards the Cleaner Water Program,” Rep. Josh Bray of Mount Vernon said. “I am honored to be a representative for Madison County and am grateful to see Madison County receive monies to grow our local communities.”

“Through the work of the legislature and our dedication to improving our local communities, I am proud to see awards make their way to Madison County,” Rep. Deanna Frazier Gordon of Richmond said. “Kentuckians should not have to worry about their county’s water infrastructure nor worry whether or not their nonprofits are properly funded. I am honored to have taken part in dedicating these funds and I am honored to serve Madison County.”

“Serving in Frankfort, I am blessed with the opportunity to take part in making immediate impacts for Kentuckians,” Rep. Timmy Truett of McKee said. “These awards for Madison County will not only benefit those in Madison County, but will benefit the generations to come. Having better access to clean drinking water, supporting non-profits such as the YMCA, and promoting tourism, is what Madison County not only needs, but rightfully deserves.”

“With these awards, our communities will better be able to serve the needy, promote our great state, and have better access to drinking water,” Rep. Bill Wesley of Ravenna said. “It is my duty to serve and advocate for the people of District 91 and Madison County specifically. Madison County has not and will not be forgotten.”