Senate President Stivers advocates for Whitley, Knox counties’ needs

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, and the General Assembly secured significant funding for Whitley County infrastructure projects in the recent biennial budget, including millions of dollars to renovate the Whitley County Detention Center, fund a Corbin tourism initiative, extend Corbin sewer lines, and make water and wastewater extensions to the Kentucky Splash Campground in Williamsburg.

The Whitley and Knox County allocations total more than $21 million and mark a substantial investment in improving and developing key infrastructure across the district.

“These projects are the culmination of collaboration by so many local leaders committed to improving this area,” said Stivers. “I’d like to thank Rep. Nick Wilson of Whitley County, Corbin Mayor Susie Razmus, Mayor Rod Harrison of Williamsburg, Whitley County Judge/Executive Pat White, and Bruce Carpenter, executive director of the Corbin Economic Development Agency, for their invaluable assistance in articulating this district’s unique infrastructure needs.”

Their collaborative efforts have amplified the impact of this investment, promising to enhance connectivity, foster economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents across the district.

A summary of the appropriations include:

• $7.5 million to the Department for Local Government budget unit to be distributed to the Whitley County Fiscal Court for corrections-related renovations.
• $3.5 million to the Department for Local Government budget unit to be distributed to the City of Corbin for a tourism initiative.
• $3.5 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority budget unit to be distributed to the Corbin Utilities Commission for sewer line extensions.
• $3 million in fiscal year 2025 to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority budget unit to be distributed to the City of Williamsburg for water and wastewater extensions to the Kentucky Splash Campground and surrounding areas.
• $1.5 million to the Department for Local Government budget unit to be distributed to the City of Williamsburg for the RV campground and water park.
• $1.4 million in fiscal year 2025 to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority budget unit to be distributed to the Knox Utilities Commissions for KY 1232 sewer extension.
• $650,000 in fiscal year 2025 to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority budget unit to be distributed to the Knox County Fiscal Court to rehabilitate the water tank at the Tri-County Industrial Park.

These appropriations reflect a commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs and ensuring our communities’ continued progress and prosperity.

Stivers represents the 25^th Senate District, which includes Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley and Whitley counties. Stivers has served as Kentucky Senate president since first assuming the position in 2013.