Funds support clean water projects, tourism, local nonprofits

MAYSVILLE, Ky – On March 7th, at the Kentucky Gateway Museum, Gov. Andy Beshear presented $1,426,472.81 in Mason County to support cleaner water projects, tourism and local nonprofit organizations.

“It’s wonderful to be in Maysville, celebrating more than $1.4 million in awards with local officials and nonprofit leaders,” Gov. Beshear said. “As a dad, I know that nothing is more important to parents than keeping our kids safe, healthy and happy. That’s why days like today are so important. We are investing in cleaner water and community development to build a better Kentucky for generations to come.”

Cleaner Water Program
Gov. Beshear announced the commitment of $1,039,949 in Cleaner Water Program funds for utilities in Mason County, including:

• $323,725 for the Buffalo Trail Water Association to help install a new water main to help with emergency preparedness as well as replace a leak-prone water main.
• $247,500 for the City of Maysville to assist with the renovation of the Kenton Station elevated water storage tank.
• $239,250 to the Western Mason Water District to help rehabilitate four of the district’s water storage tanks, improving service district-wide.
• $125,000 to the Western Mason Sanitation District to replace outdated infrastructure in the system.
• $104,474 to the Western Lewis-Rectorville Water & Gas District to replace outdated service lines in the district.

“The funds committed on March 7th, are one more piece of the puzzle in addressing our aging infrastructure,” said Maysville Mayor Debra Cotterill. “As we must prioritize each financial decision, this funding will move a much-needed project forward. I truly appreciate the efforts of Gov. Beshear, the Department for Local Government and all the state officials for working with us to ensure our citizens have clean, safe water.”

“The Western Mason Water District is extremely grateful to the Department for Local Government and the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority for the approval of a Cleaner Water Program grant in the amount of $239,250 to the district,” said David French, manager of the Western Mason Water District. “These funds will be utilized to make improvements to the distribution system including rehabilitation of existing water storage tanks and pump stations, and installation of equipment for the usage of generators in emergency situations. These improvements will allow the district to continue to provide exceptional service to over 1,100 households and businesses in Mason County with potable water.”

Tourism Marketing Funding
Gov. Beshear awarded $103,359 to the Maysville-Mason County Convention and Visitors Bureau to support travel marketing and promotion. The funding is part of the $75 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding announced by the Governor in July to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the decline in visitors brought on by the pandemic.

“The Maysville-Mason County Convention and Visitors Bureau is incredibly grateful to receive these ARPA funds for tourism development by Gov. Beshear,” said Executive Director Katelyn Bailey. “The funds will be utilized for research and marketing efforts and to expand our community’s digital footprint. These efforts will help draw more visitors to the area and further share Maysville and Mason County’s storied history.”

Nonprofit Assistance Fund
The Governor awarded $283,166.81 to six local nonprofits in Mason 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 ARPA, and Gov. Beshear supported the allocation by the 2022 General Assembly. This fund will provide one-time direct relief payments to support the mission and long-term sustainability of each eligible nonprofit. Gov. Beshear presented:

• $100,000 to the Tom Browning Boys & Girls Club;
• $100,000 to the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center;
• $36,403 to the Limestone Family YMCA;
• $28,286 to Buffalo Trace Children’s Advocacy Center;
• $12,373 to the Buffalo Trace Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program; and
• $6,104.81 to the Salvation Army of Mason County.

Legislator Quotes
“Working for the people of Mason County is an honor and I am incredibly proud of the work the legislature has done in making these funds possible,” Rep. William Lawrence of Maysville said. “Whether it is the Boys and Girls Club, the Gateway Museum or upgrading water infrastructure, all of these projects will make an immediate and positive effect on those in Mason County. With the 2023 Regular Session coming to a close, I am committed and excited to continue bringing solutions to Mason County.”

Nonprofit Leader Quotes
“As special advocates, CASA volunteers are fully sanctioned by district and family court judges to be an official voice for children during court hearings. The result is that children are placed into a safe, loving home where they can thrive in a stable family environment,” said Rebecca Palmer, executive director of the Buffalo Trace CASA Program. “The opportunity given to the Buffalo Trace CASA Program to apply for and receive funds from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund has helped our program continue to train volunteers and serve children in need. We are forever grateful.”

“The Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund grant will enable the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center to continue our mission of service to our region with enhanced exhibit opportunities, needed updates to our historic buildings and technical resources for educational outreach to our community and schools,” said Executive Director C.J. Hunter IV.

“The Tom Browning Boys & Girls Club was ecstatic to be chosen as a recipient of the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund,” said Executive Director Caitlin Waddell. “The grant received will help us continue our mission to create ‘Great Futures’ in our community. We are excited to grow our academic, character development and mental health programs along with our outstanding athletic programs to meet the needs of our members. Beyond our programs, we are set to enhance our building with a new innovative space for our members.”

“We breathed a huge sigh of relief when we learned we were going to be a recipient of an award from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund,” said Hope Burns, executive director of the Buffalo Trace Children’s Advocacy Center. “To be able to receive this funding was a blessing and ensured that we could continue providing all of our much-needed services to child victims of abuse. We can’t thank Team Kentucky for offering this opportunity to allow nonprofits to recover from COVID-19 and its economic aftermath.”

“The Limestone Family YMCA appreciates the commonwealth’s support that allows us to continue the work that we do in our community,” said CEO Tonya Wenz. “We work every day to build brighter futures for youth, improve health and wellness and bring change to the issues affecting the lives of those around us. We are honored to celebrate the many ways we contribute to building a stronger, more cohesive community for all.”