Gov. Beshear Announces Nearly $4 Million in CARES Act Reimbursements for 15 Eastern Kentucky Local Governments

Reimbursements will cover payroll expenses, PPE, sanitizing and telecommuting supplies

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2020) – In collaboration with the Department for Local Government (DLG), today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 15 Eastern Kentucky governments were approved for $3,891,092 in reimbursements from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act for local governments with expenses related to COVID-19.

“Our local governments have been lifelines in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why this funding is so important,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are grateful for their hard work and dedication to keeping Kentuckians safe.”

DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene said the reimbursements are essential for local governments.

“We know our local governments are experiencing decreases in revenue, making this funding even more important while we combat this virus,” said Commissioner Keene. “Our staff is working diligently to make the process simple and efficient so we can get reimbursements out the door to our cities and counties as quickly as possible.”

Clay County
Clay County will use $187,754 for PPE, cleaning supplies, protective barriers and payroll for the sheriff’s department and the ambulance service.

“This funding is beneficial for Clay County Sheriff’s Department and Clay County EMS being on the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Clay County Judge-Executive Johnny Johnson. “Thank you, Gov. Beshear and staff.”

Greenup County
Greenup County will use $1,194,953 for sanitizing supplies and payroll for EMS workers.

“I am very grateful for the CARES Act funding that Greenup County has been approved for,” said Greenup County Judge-Executive Robert “Bobby” Carpenter. “This will help Greenup County tremendously and I would like to thank everyone that has made this happen. I would also like to thank Gov. Beshear for all the steps he has made during this time.”

Jackson County
Jackson County will use $42,489 for PPE and payroll expenses.

Johnson County
Johnson County will use $97,091 for PPE and law enforcement payroll.

Knott County
Knott County will use $504,088 for meal delivery services and payroll.

“During these dire times, Knott County has struggled to keep our employees working in a safe and clean environment,” said Knott County Judge-Executive Jeff Dobson. “This would be impossible without the help of the CARES Act money allotted from Gov. Beshear, and we are very appreciative to work along with him and to be able to qualify for this funding.”

Lewis County
Lewis County will use $451,963 for PPE and payroll for police officers.

Magoffin County
Magoffin County will use $87,848 for sneeze guards, thermometers and law enforcement payroll.

Martin County
Martin County will use $12,011 for PPE, sanitizer, disinfection of public spaces and telework supplies.

“We appreciate the hard work Gov. Beshear and his staff have put in to quickly and efficiently make coronavirus relief funds available to communities struggling with the consequences of the pandemic,” said Martin County Judge-Executive William R. Davis. “Martin County has used these funds to supplement law enforcement and emergency personnel being thrust into new roles; to provide technology to allow government employees to work from home, train remotely, and hold public meetings online; and to provide for public health and safety by disinfecting public buildings, providing personal protection equipment to the public and funding protective measures such as touchless thermometers and hand sanitation stations.”

Beattyville
Beattyville will use $86,719 for PPE and payroll expenses.

“As our Governor has said, we are all in this together and the pandemic impact has touched us all,” said Beattyville Mayor Scott Jackson. “The financial assistance received under the CARES Act has helped the City of Beattyville implement extra security measures to keep our citizens and employees safe. We appreciate Gov. Beshear looking out for our commonwealth and Beattyville.”

Campton
Campton will use $21,107 for PPE and telework supplies.

“On behalf of the City of Campton, I would like to thank all who were involved in securing the CARES Act funds,” said Campton Mayor Katherine May. “These funds were especially useful in providing the appropriate PPE for my staff, aiding in keeping them safe during this pandemic. Cleaning supplies were purchased for our park and lake to ensure the safety of our citizens. In addition, we were able to purchase a laptop for my clerk which enabled her to work from home and keep the day to day operations going.”

Catlettsburg
Catlettsburg will use $126,483 for telework supplies and PPE.

“This was very much needed and will be utilized for our COVID-19-related responses,” said Catlettsburg Mayor Faith Day. “The treasury guidance is that the funds cannot replace revenue losses, so it’s being used for PPE supplies, as well as direct payroll expenses for our first responders dedicated to COVID-19 responses.”

Corbin
Corbin will use $522,513 for payroll for law enforcement and firefighters.

“The City of Corbin would like to thank Gov. Beshear, DLG and KLC for their efforts to help our cities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Corbin City Manager Marlon Sams. “Our funding will be used to reimburse payroll expenses for our Police and Fire Departments who have been on the front line since day one of this pandemic.”

Jackson
Jackson will use $142,302 for payroll expenses.

“The City of Jackson is relieved to receive funding through the CARES Act and would like to applaud Gov. Beshear for his leadership during the pandemic,” said Jackson Mayor Laura W. Thomas. “Jackson’s allocated funds will be used to support essential employees that are responding to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19.”

Morehead
Morehead will use $340,142 for cleaning materials, telework supplies and payroll for police officers and firefighters.

“The CARES Act Funding received by the City of Morehead has been a tremendous aid in this unprecedented time,” said Morehead Mayor Laura White-Brown. “The unknowns that COVID-19 has created led to unexpected disruptions in day-to-day businesses of the city as all well the fight to keep essential services provided. The CARES Act funding allowed our community to continue keeping city services running, functional and accessible to everyone in our community.”

Whitesburg
Whitesburg will use $73,629 for payroll expenses.

Since the application was released in May, DLG has received more than 200 applications for reimbursement from city and county governments across the commonwealth that are pending approval until all documentation is submitted. In addition, 134 applications have already been approved totaling $66,601,727.

For additional information and to apply for reimbursement, visit DLG’s website.