WASHINGTON -- Several counties in southern and eastern Kentucky will benefit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Work Plan announced today for fiscal year 2018 (FY18). The plan is directly funded by the comprehensive federal funding package for FY18, passed by Congress earlier this year with support from U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05), who serves as Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.

During budget hearings with leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chairman Rogers specifically highlighted the significance of completing projects in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District. As a result, the USACE Work Plan includes the Town of Martin Redevelopment Project, foundation repairs at the historic Wix-Howard Cemetery in Harlan County, drinking water and wastewater improvements across the region, and a study to extend the whitewater rafting season in Pike County along the Virginia border. 

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been a tremendous partner in protecting our resources and expanding our capabilities in southern and eastern Kentucky," said Rogers. "This Work Plan will continue the Corps' critical efforts to improve safety and quality of life across the district. I applaud the Corps for continuing to listen to local leaders and community members who are impacted by each project." 

The USACE FY18 Work Plan includes the following projects in southern and eastern Kentucky:

• $4.4 million for the Town of Martin Redevelopment Project's mandatory real estate acquisitions; 
  
  
• $3 million in water and wastewater infrastructure construction funds for the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Environmental Infrastructure Program (Section 531);
  
  
• $1 million for foundation repairs at the historic Wix-Howard Cemetery in Loyall, Kentucky; and
  
  
• $90,000 to update the Water Control Manual for the John W. Flannagan Dam along the Kentucky-Virginia border to potentially increase whitewater rafting opportunities in Kentucky. 

The complete Work Plan is available online at usace.army.mil.  

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