The funding comes from the USDA Forest Service as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) Program and was awarded to Knox, Lewis, and Powell Counties and the Gateway Area Development District.
“With the fall comes an increased risk of wildfires, Beshear said. "We’ve recently seen what these wildfires can do to communities, and we want to be prepared. While we love hiking and camping this time of year, we need everyone to be careful. We need to protect the nature and the wildlife that makes Kentucky so special.”
Beshear said from 2021 to 2024, these areas experienced 357 wildfires that burned more than 11,000 acres. Dennis Brown is the Lewis County Emergency Management Director.
“Our beautiful landscape provides views year-round, but the same rugged hills and dense forest also increase our wildfire risk. This grant will allow us to be proactive in taking steps for our residents, businesses, and natural resources by developing a strong community wildfire protection plan,” Brown said.
The grant awards follow a recent warning from state fire officials who said a wet spring created heavy vegetation that has since dried out, providing ample fuel for potential fires.
GRANTS AWARDED:
- Knox County: $250,000
- Lewis County: $237,000
- Powell County: $235,000
- Gateway Area Development District: $200,000, for projects in Morgan, Bath, Rowan, Montgomery, and Menifee counties
