SE Kentucky News

HAZARD, KY – Today, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced a $10.7 million federal grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the Buckhorn Water Project in Perry County. The grant will be used to build a transmission line from the new water treatment plant that will be constructed in Buckhorn to the Coalfields Regional Industrial Park in Chavies, supporting new businesses and job growth in Perry County.

“Our goal is to improve water for everyone in Perry County and to make lengthy water outages a thing of the past. This is a major project that includes building a new water treatment plant and extending new lines from Buckhorn to Chavies, and this investment from EDA puts us on the path to construction,” said Congressman Rogers, Chairman of Commerce, Justice, Science, which funds EDA. “This project will improve water quality for residents, businesses and schools across the county, paving the way for future economic development.”

The estimated cost for the new Buckhorn Water Treatment Plant and Transmission Line is $40 million. Nearly all of the funding has been secured for the project.

"This is a game changer for Hazard, Buckhorn and all of Perry County," said Happy Mobelini, Mayor of Hazard. "We have been working on this project for many years, and this EDA grant catapults us toward the finish line so we can provide reliable, clean water to our people and support new businesses at the industrial park. I'm thankful for Congressman Rogers' help in securing the funding we need for this project."

“Today marks a historic day for Perry County as we celebrate the EDA funding for the Buckhorn WTP Transmission Line. This is not just a step towards resolving our water challenges but a leap forward in securing a brighter future for our community. This project will play a crucial role in ensuring reliable water access for our citizens while laying the groundwork for economic growth and job creation for the next century,” said Scott Alexander, Perry County Judge Executive. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Rogers for his unwavering support in making this vision a reality. His dedication to Perry County is evident not only in this endeavor but in everything he does to champion our community. This is truly a transformative moment for Perry County and Eastern Kentucky, setting the stage for sustained prosperity and growth.”

This EDA investment will be matched with $2.7 million in local funds and is expected to retain more than 100 jobs according to grantee estimates.

“America’s workers are the source of our country’s innovation and competitiveness. This grant will spur job growth and create a stronger, more dynamic regional economy," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide critical infrastructure improvements to help diversify the regional economy and create jobs.”

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022.

For more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky visit halrogers.house.gov.