Governor Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman visit Eastern Kentucky ahead of flood anniversary
PERRY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman traveled around Eastern Kentucky today, just ahead of the two-year anniversary of the devastating 2022 floods that claimed 45 lives and displaced thousands across 14 counties.
The day was filled with significant milestones and poignant moments as Governor Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman observed the progress on multiple rebuilding projects in Floyd, Knott, Perry, and Breathitt counties.
“Today we’re marking two years since the worst flooding of our lifetime hit this county and a number of other Kentucky counties. It was devastating and tragic. We lost 45 Kentuckians, each one a child of God taken far too soon,” said Governor Beshear.
The tour included a visit to the new Chestnut Ridge High Ground Community in Leburn, where 150 new homes will be built, and a solemn stop at the Knott County Flood Victims Memorial.
In Hazard, the Governor and Lt. Governor cut the ribbon for the access road to a construction site that will house 100 new homes for families.
“We’re building 100 new homes…. We may have 1000 new homes by the time we’re finished with all of this,” Governor Beshear stated.
Throughout the day, Beshear met with those involved in these rebuilding efforts and expressed his gratitude for being able to help the affected families.
“It’s amazing. The day I get to see a 4-year-old pick out their bedroom reminds me I am where I am supposed to be,” he said.
The final stop was in Jackson, where Beshear and Coleman announced additional funding and a new housing project to provide homes for those who lost everything in the floods.
The efforts continue as Kentucky rebuilds, with a focus on bringing hope and stability to the affected communities.
