Beshear Commits $118M to Flood Recovery in Eastern Kentucky

Governor Andy Beshear announced in October 2025 that Team Kentucky is directing more than $118.2 million to six counties for property buyouts in flood-prone areas, marking a significant step in the state's long-term flood mitigation strategy. The funding will benefit an estimated 600 homeowners in Floyd, Knott, Letcher, McLean, Perry and Pike counties, all impacted by floods earlier in 2025. Of the total allocation, $106.7 million comes from federal sources through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, while Team Kentucky is providing $11.4 million in state matching funds through the Local Match Participation Program. This cost-share approach accelerates the buyout process for willing homeowners seeking to escape the floodplain. The recovery effort extends beyond property acquisition. Team Kentucky is constructing eight high-ground neighborhoods across Knott, Letcher, Floyd, Perry and Breathith counties, with additional housing development planned throughout Eastern Kentucky. Homeowners interested in the buyout programs can register through HousingCantWait.org. The announcement reflects broader recovery initiatives spanning years of disaster response. Since July 2022, when historic flooding devastated Eastern Kentucky, the Beshear administration has secured more than $84.5 million in FEMA Individual and Households Program grants for 8,379 households and over $55.3 million through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional state funding continues flowing through the Eastern Kentucky SAFE Fund and Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery programs to support infrastructure repairs and community development across affected counties.