Gov. Beshear: More Than $118.2 Million Secured For Estimated 600 Kentucky Families Impacted by Flooding

Flood buy-out program helps Kentuckians find safer homes

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2025) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Team Kentucky is sending over $118.2 million to six counties to buy out properties from willing and voluntary Kentuckians in flood-prone areas. Local officials estimate these funds will benefit over 600 homeowners, helping them relocate to safer residences out of the floodplain.

Receiving funds are Floyd, Knott, Letcher, McLean, Perry and Pike counties. The funding is response to floods earlier this year, which impacted all six counties.

"Nobody should have to stay in a flood-prone area simply because it's too expensive to move," said Gov. Beshear. "These buyouts will put money in the pockets of Kentuckians, keep our people safe and help our counties save money in the process. When our people go through tough times, we'll be there to show them love and support them as they build back."

Of the $118.2 million, $106.7 million is federal funding. The federal money come from the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. This program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The EWP Program requires a nonfederal cost-share requirement to leverage federal funds. This cost-share requirement typically falls on the local government. Team Kentucky is covering this cost-share requirement for these six counties through the Local Match Participation Program (LMPP): $11.4 million in state LMPP dollars are matching the federal funds.

The EWP Program pays homeowners the fair market value of their homes, as well as covers eligible relocation costs.

Click here for a funding breakdown for each county.

"Earlier this year, McLean County was hit by the worst flooding many of us have seen in our lifetimes," said McLean County Judge/Executive Curtis Dame. "As we continue to rebuild, these buyouts, if accepted by affected citizens, will help our people get a fair price for their property. This program is helping people who have been through a life-altering event, showing that smart governance can be a force for good. Our resolve is strong and made more vibrant by our desire to leave no citizen, family or friend behind."

HousingCantWait Resource
For homeowners in Eastern Kentucky participating in buyout programs, Team Kentucky encourages filling out an interest form on HousingCantWait.org. Team Kentucky is helping build eight high-ground neighborhoods in Knott, Letcher, Floyd, Perry and Breathitt counties, as well as developing additional housing across Eastern Kentucky. This resource allows flood survivors to stay in their communities and receive assistance in finding housing.

About the Local Match Participation Program
The LMPP is administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government. The program uses state bond funds as a system of grants used to assist local governments to meet cost-share match requirements for flood-related projects, flood control planning and flood mitigation activities associated with projects funded by a federal agency or federally sponsored funding.

The LMPP funding was recommended by Gov. Beshear and approved by the Kentucky General Assembly.