BRANDENBURG, Ky. – Today, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced $1,900,825 in funding for tourism, cleaner water projects and nonprofit organizations in Meade County.

“We’re bringing investments like these to every community in Kentucky,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “As a mom, it’s amazing to see the future we are building for our kids.”

“The work we’re doing today is building toward a better tomorrow for the people of Meade County,” said Meade County Judge/Executive Troy Kok.

“Ensuring Kentucky commerce and tourism is properly funded through ARPA funds is something we in the legislature care deeply about,” Rep. Nancy Tate of Brandenburg. “I am proud to see Meade County directly benefit from the work of the legislature and receive assistance in marketing tourism. Our state has much to offer, and I hope these awards enable Meade County to proudly show off our great state.”

Tourism Marketing Funding
Lt. Gov. Coleman awarded $64,730 to the Meade County Chamber of Commerce to support travel marketing and promotion.

“Thank you, Lt. Gov. Coleman and Kentucky, for awarding Meade County Tourism with over $64,000 in ARPA funding,” said Annie Hamilton Emond, executive director of Meade County Tourism/Meade County Chamber of Commerce. “If you take a few minutes to explore our beautiful county, you will see that we are surrounded by the beauty of nature. That is the main attraction that brings people to our towns and waterways. We know that this funding will allow us to share the beauty that brings people to not only Meade County but to all of Kentucky. We deeply appreciate your generosity.”

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.

Funded by ARPA, $75 million was supported by the Governor and allocated by the General Assembly in the 2022 legislative session. The funds were distributed by the Kentucky Department of Tourism to eligible tourism organizations throughout the commonwealth.

Cleaner Water Program
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced the commitment of $1,822,523 in funding to utilities in Meade County from the Cleaner Water Program. The funding will go toward the following projects:

    The City of Brandenburg will use $607,811 to upgrade its water treatment plant and high-priority lift stations.
    The Meade County Water District will use $954,273 to construct new water main, bringing public water to more than 30 homes for the first time.
    The City of Muldraugh will use $260,439 to replace deteriorated waterlines.

“On behalf of the City of Brandenburg, I want to express our appreciation for this much needed funding,” said Brandenburg Mayor Bryan Claycomb. “We appreciate Lt. Gov. Coleman being here today and want to say thanks for these funds being made available from Gov. Beshear’s Cleaner Water Grant Program. Special thanks for assistance received from the dedicated staff of the Lincoln Trail ADD, Kentucky Department of Local Government and the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.”

Nonprofit Assistance Fund
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced $13,572 in funding to two nonprofits in Meade County from Gov. Beshear’s Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which helps organizations across Kentucky recover from the effects of the pandemic. The funding comes from ARPA, and the Governor supported the allocation of funds 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. The awards include:

    $8,517 to Mociso Farms Livestock Sanctuary & Rescue Ltd.
    $5,055.04 to The Salvation Army of Meade County.