U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved $500,000 to prevent flooding in Martin County. Partnering with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, Martin County Fiscal Court will use the funding for a stream improvement and hazard mitigation project to alleviate the severe flooding in the area. Rogers secured this funding in H.R. 2892, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010.

“Last month we saw the devastating affects that flooding has on southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Rogers. “Entire communities were destroyed by this natural disaster. It is of utmost importance to protect our region by taking the necessary steps to prevent flooding and the wreckage it leaves behind. Investing in Martin County today will defend this community from the severe blows that Mother nature can bring.”

The Martin County Fiscal Court, through the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, will use the funding identified under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Predisaster Mitigation Program to reduce flooding concerns along Blacklog Fork and Old Route 40 in Inez. The county intends to widen the channel in key locations and armor eroding banks for the first two stream miles of Blacklog Fork. Roadways and bridges have already been elevated and correction of the drainage problem will alleviate perennial high water concerns in this area. Last night, the House of Representatives approved $500,000 in planning and construction funds toward this $700,000 project.

H.R. 2892 has been referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Rogers supports important initiatives for the Fifth Congressional District.