Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced a $223 million initiative to address the rental housing shortage in western Kentucky, still recovering from the 2021 tornado outbreak. The state plans to build 953 affordable rental units in Christian, Graves, Hopkins, and Warren counties, targeting families affected by the disaster. The project, a collaboration between the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) and the Department for Local Government, will support moderate- and low-income families. Construction begins by spring 2025. This effort highlights Beshear's commitment to disaster recovery and economic growth, with ongoing housing projects also supporting eastern Kentucky flood victims.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced a significant step to address the ongoing rental housing shortage in western Kentucky, a region still recovering from the devastating tornado outbreak of late 2021. The state plans to build 953 rental housing units in Christian, Graves, Hopkins, and Warren counties, aiming to provide affordable housing to families affected by the disaster.
Gov. Beshear emphasized the critical role of affordable housing in helping communities not only survive but thrive. He acknowledged the gap in housing support for those who did not own homes or qualify for certain disaster relief funds. This initiative, amounting to USD 223 million, is a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) and the Department for Local Government, utilizing funds from the state's disaster recovery program.
Winston Miller, KHC's executive director and CEO, highlighted the unprecedented nature of this project in supporting disaster recovery and increasing access to affordable housing in the region. The funds will be directed to private developers who will construct apartment complexes with rents kept affordable for moderate- and low-income families. The units will vary in size, predominantly featuring two to three bedrooms, with some one-bedroom and four-bedroom units available. Construction is scheduled to begin by spring 2025, and eligible Kentuckians will be able to apply for leases as the projects near completion.
Mayfield, a town in Graves County severely hit by the 2021 tornado, will see the construction of 122 rental units. Mayor Kathy O'Nan expressed hope that these new homes would provide stability for the town's most vulnerable residents who continue to rebuild their lives. In total, 11 projects will be supported across the four counties, with Bowling Green receiving the largest share of 635 units. Other allocations include 88 units in Dawson Springs, 76 in Hopkinsville, and 32 in Madisonville.
The need for more rental units is also driven by the state's economic growth, which has heightened housing demand. Governor Beshear, who has focused much of his tenure on leading recovery efforts from weather disasters, reiterated his commitment to rebuilding every affected life. The tornado outbreak in 2021 resulted in 81 fatalities and extensive damage across western Kentucky.
Governor Beshear has consistently shown his dedication to recovery, attending key handover ceremonies for families who lost their homes. Over 200 new homes have been built or are in the process of construction, supported by a relief fund established by the governor. Recovery efforts are also ongoing in eastern Kentucky, which faced severe flooding in the summer of 2022. The governor's office has announced and will continue to announce additional housing projects to aid in these efforts.
This substantial housing project marks a significant step toward providing much-needed support to Kentucky residents still grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters. As construction begins and progresses, the new rental units will play a crucial role in helping affected communities regain stability and continue their recovery journey.
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