Governor Andy Beshear has signed House Joint Resolution 81, releasing more than $52.5 million in state funding for water and wastewater projects across Kentucky — including $2 million for a major infrastructure project in Oak Grove. The resolution was signed on Monday and took effect immediately because it carried an emergency clause.
Under the measure, the City of Oak Grove will receive $2 million through the Kentucky WWATERS Program for the Kentucky Route 115 North and Carneal Lane waterline extension and tank project. The funding is part of a broader package administered through the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.
For Oak Grove, state dollars provide another major boost to a project closely tied to expected growth around I-24 Exit 89 and the planned Buc-ee’s development. The upgrade and new tank project is designed to strengthen the system ahead of increased commercial and traffic demand in that corridor and includes construction of a new 500,000-gallon water tower along with the waterline extension.
The city has been working to secure funding for some time, with early 2024 estimates putting the total project cost at around $9 million. Oak Grove reportedly missed out on a separate $4 million grant request earlier this year, but in January, Congressman James Comer announced $1 million in federal funding had been included for the project. The new $2 million state allocation now adds another significant piece to the funding package.
