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FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Tuesday that $867,000 in grant funding is now available to help rural and disadvantaged communities address stormwater issues, including those that resulted from repeated flooding this year.

“Kentucky communities and families have been hit over and over by devastating storms that have resulted in historic flooding,” Beshear stated. “This program helps us provide good solutions to help more communities better manage the impact of heavy rainstorms.”

Stormwater run-off can collect pollutants, including trash, chemicals and oils, and deposit them into nearby waterways, increasing water pollution and public health concerns. Even worse, when combined with wastewater systems, stormwater can contribute to sewer overflows during heavy rain events. Managing runoff remains a complex environmental challenge for local communities across the country.

These grants encourage the use of natural elements designed to collect stormwater, treat pollutants and allow stormwater to soak into the ground as it would in a natural setting.

Funded through the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant (OSG) program supports projects that use green infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

“This program supports rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavements, bioswales and urban tree canopies to help communities better mitigate stormwater,” said Dale Booth, Kentucky Division of Water’s source water protection program coordinator. “Communities can also help to reduce flow to sewer systems or to surface waters, which helps keep our waterways clean and reduces the potential for flooding.”

Funding can be used for planning, design and construction of eligible projects. Last year, Gov. Beshear awarded more than $1 million in grants to enhance stormwater infrastructure, protecting Kentuckians, their communities and the environment.

While all communities are encouraged to apply, those that qualify as rural or disadvantaged will receive priority. Rural communities are those with a population of less than 10,000. Communities with a median household income (MIH) of less than 80 percent of the state’s MIH will qualify as disadvantaged. Communities that do not meet definitions for rural or disadvantaged are required to provide 20 percent matching funds.

Letters of intent to apply are due May 16, 2025. Project application forms must be submitted by July 3, 2025.

For more information, to determine if your project is eligible, and to obtain the letter of intent form and other supporting documents, please visit the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant (OSG) web page.