8 Whitley Co. volunteer fire departments sharing $40,000 in coal severance funds

All eight Whitley County volunteer fire departments have received $5,000 in funding thanks to coal severance funds.

On Aug. 9, the Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG) approved the award of eight projects in Local Economic Development Fund (LGEDF)/Single County Coal Severance funds, totaling $40,000 to the Whitley County Fiscal Court.

“I am pleased that these much needed coal severance funds will be allocated toward Whitley County for these eight fire department projects,” said DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo. “Whitley County officials and DLG staff work diligently to ensure that each dollar is spent for the most effective use. These funds allow departments across the county to purchase equipment and gear for overall safety in emergency response.”

Pleasant View, Patterson Creek, Oak Grove, Woodbine, Rockhold, Emlyn, South Whitley, and Goldbug volunteer fire departments each received $5,000 in project funds to be used for new firefighter gear and emergency vehicle loan repayments.

“I am pleased to hear that Whitley County received coal severance funds for these much needed fire department projects. Emergency response and safety are a top priority for our brave community members and we want to ensure these volunteer departments are adequately prepared and equipped,” said Senate President Robert Stivers.

“I am very thankful to DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo, DLG staff, and Whitley County officials for seeing the value of reinvesting coal severance funds in our volunteer fire departments to improve overall equipment and safety,” said Rep. Regina Bunch.

The LGDEF/Single County Coal Severance awards are made under the parameters of HB303.

HB303 appropriated coal severance funds for projects that have the concurrence of the respective county judge/executive, state representatives, and state senators.