Gov. Andy Beshear signed a resolution on Monday that releases funding to support water systems across the state, including Martin County’s long-troubled system.
House Joint Resolution 81 releases more than $52 million in funding from the 2025 requests. This system allows public water and wastewater utilities to apply to the state for funding.
In this joint resolution, Martin County is receiving nearly $26 million in support from the state.
The Martin County Water District will get $11.5 million to replace and repair equipment and pay off debts. The Martin County Sewer District will get $14.3 million for equipment improvement and replacement as well as address debts.
Martin County has been in a water crisis since coal slurry leaked from a containment pond in October of 2000.
In the governor’s press release, Martin County Judge Executive Lon Lafferty said the funds were much needed.
“I’ve had conversations with the governor in the past, and he’s assured me he is on top of our water plight here in our county,” Lafferty said, “This money will help so many Kentuckians and shows what is possible when elected leaders work together.”
The other nearly half of the funding will support water systems in Evarts, Martin, Elkhorn, Smithland, Oak Grove and McDowell.
