Woodford County fiscal court adopts resolution to pursue up to $2.76 million EWP buyout grant

Woodford County Fiscal Court voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 26-3, replacing Resolution 25-9, authorizing staff to complete and file a matching-grant application for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) buyout program.

Director Drew Chandler told the court that recent conversations with the Cabinet for Economic Development were "very promising," and that the grant program would "lower our net cost of the buyout project with the USDA Emergency Watershed Protection to 5% of the gross." Chandler said title opinions have been received for several properties, appraisals are being scheduled with Perry Real Estate Appraisal Services, and an environmental review has begun.

The resolution authorizes applying for up to $2,761,743.81 in funding for the buyout program. The judge asked for a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was made and seconded and carried unanimously. Chandler told the court staff will return with required signatures and follow the cabinet's approval process.

Next steps outlined by staff include completing appraisals, advancing environmental review, and forwarding signed documents to the Cabinet for Economic Development as part of the application process.