Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today this year’s Fiscal Year 2022 Government Funding bill contains significant resources to support a number of important Kentucky institutions and programs. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell advocated on behalf of the Commonwealth in this year’s government funding process. The measure now goes to the President for his signature.
“After months of bicameral, bipartisan debate and committee work, the United States Senate has passed a government funding bill containing significant achievements for the people of Kentucky. While neither side sees this legislation as perfect, it is the exact type of compromise bill the Senate was designed to consider,” said Senator McConnell. “This legislation secures additional defense funding in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and protects longstanding bipartisan provisions. It also contains millions of dollars to build Kentucky’s economy, help Western Kentucky recover from last year’s devastating tornadoes, treat our substance abuse epidemic, support the Commonwealth’s law enforcement officers and servicemembers, and preserve our natural beauty. I was proud to help craft this legislation with a special focus on Kentucky.”
Kentucky officials from around the Commonwealth issued statements in support of Senator McConnell’s key priorities:
Securing our National Defense
Senator McConnell secured significant funding to support the servicemembers stationed in the Commonwealth and their families, including $73 million for the renovation of Vietnam War-era barracks at Fort Campbell, $27 million for the construction of a new child development center at Fort Knox, and $9 million to lease a Subterranean Training Facility in Crestwood, Kentucky.
“The servicemembers stationed at Fort Campbell have a true friend in Senator Mitch McConnell, who has consistently used his leadership position to prioritize funding for the Commonwealth’s military installations and our nation’s Armed Forces. This year’s bill will accelerate the replacement of aging barracks at Fort Campbell and ensure Kentucky’s heroes have the modern, high-quality housing they deserve. We deeply appreciate the Senator’s efforts to support our defense community and support one of the Army’s premier installations,” said Kelli Pendleton, President and CEO of the Campbell Strong Defense Alliance.
“Senator McConnell delivered key resources for Kentucky’s servicemembers in this year’s government funding bill. Because of his leadership, the hardworking military families stationed at Fort Knox will soon benefit from a modern, upgraded child development center. The Senator also helped extend access to the subterranean training facility in Crestwood, Kentucky, which will prepare our troops to fight and win in some of the world’s most unique combat environments. We are incredibly grateful for the Senator’s commitment to our servicemembers in Kentucky and his work to improve military readiness,” said Brigadier General (Ret.) Jim Iacocca, President and CEO of the Knox Regional Development Alliance.
Helping Western Kentucky Rebuild from Last December’s Tornadoes
Senator McConnell helped provide additional funding to Kentucky communities impacted by major disasters in 2020 and 2021, including Western Kentuckians recovering from December’s tornado outbreak. This includes additional cost-sharing from FEMA for local governments rebuilding in the wake of those disasters and help for farmers who lost storage capacity in the storms.
“The leadership of Mayfield and every local government in western Kentucky can now breathe easier knowing that thanks to Senator McConnell, the federal government will cover 90% of disaster relief costs. Personally, I am so very grateful to my Senator, Mitch McConnell, who has come through with this promise he made to me just days after that devastating tornado: ‘We will make sure you have everything you need to get through this.’ This action certainly is a giant step toward the recovery and rebuilding of my city and a large portion of the Commonwealth,” said Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan.
“Although we have relatively few natural disasters in Kentucky, they always come at inconvenient times and cause serious complications and tremendous expense to local communities. We appreciate the help we receive through FEMA, but usually, after they reimburse local governments for their percentage, counties are still left with an overwhelming expense. And sometimes these cumulative back-to-back disasters can be devastating, with long-lasting implications. The flooding and tornadoes of 2021 have proven to be devastating for many counties and cities. Local communities need a friend in Washington. We could have no better friend and advocate than U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. On behalf of the people of Bowling Green and Warren County, we deeply appreciate Senator McConnell and his constant concern for us, and for all the people of Kentucky. I will forever be grateful for his friendship,” said Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon.
“A FEMA 90% cost-share is huge for Hopkins County. After being hit by a devastating tornado, the financial burden on the county was almost unbearable. We truly appreciate the assistance and leadership Senator McConnell provides on a daily basis. I want to thank Leader McConnell and the rest of the Kentucky delegation for looking out for the people of Hopkins County,” said Hopkins County Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield.
“Since Taylor county was hit twice by tornadoes in just the past few months, these provisions will be especially beneficial. I’d like to personally thank Senator McConnell for listening to our unique needs and providing this additional assistance,” said Taylor County Judge-Executive Barry Smith.
“The increase in FEMA’s reimbursement to our city from 75% to 90% will be a financial lifesaver for the City of Bowling Green and its taxpayers in covering the costs of the tornadoes that devastated our region last December. We are truly grateful for Senator McConnell’s work to include this provision in this year’s government funding bill. The Senator has shown tremendous concern through his multiple visits since December 11th to Bowling Green and his actions on our behalf,” said Bowling Green City Manager Jeff Meisel.
“As Kentucky farm families continue to recover and rebuild from the devastating tornadoes that swept through our state in December, many of them lost their ability to store grain due to damaged or destroyed bins. Temporary grain storage facilities will be necessary for our 2022 crops, and as planting season approaches, the issue of grain storage has to be addressed as soon as possible. I can’t thank Leader McConnell enough for securing an agreement in the omnibus spending bill that will lead to potential solutions for our grain producers in these affected areas,” said Mark Haney, Kentucky Farm Bureau President.
Fighting Back Against Substance Abuse
Senator McConnell helped provide funding to programs that support Kentucky’s substance abuse treatment and drug eradication efforts and secured an extension to the federal ban on fentanyl-related substances.
“Senator McConnell is a longtime supporter of Kentucky’s law enforcement and our drug eradication efforts. He brought the White House Drug Czar to Bowling Green last month to discuss these issues in-depth with local law enforcement leaders. Now, through this year’s government funding bill, he is providing us with the resources we require to fight the addiction crisis effectively. I am especially grateful for his work supporting the HIDTA program and for extending the ban on fentanyl-like substances, both of which will help Bowling Green combat the spread of dangerous narcotics and save lives,” said Tommy Loving, Executive Director of the Bowling Green–Warren County Drug Task Force.
“We are grateful for Senator McConnell’s continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of the thousands of Kentuckians impacted by addiction. The State Opioid Response grant program has helped to expand lifesaving treatment and recovery services throughout the Commonwealth, and this significant increase in funding comes at a time when it is needed most. We look forward to further discussions on how these funds can be used to effectively address rising substance use and overdose fatalities in our communities and thank Senator McConnell for making the addiction crisis a top priority,” said Tim Robinson, CEO of Addiction Recovery Care.
“Mountain Comprehensive Career Center is grateful to Senator McConnell for his continued support for issues related to substance use disorder and the opioid crisis. The support offered through the Senator’s CAREER Act takes the next step in the treatment process and addresses critical issues such as employment for persons going through treatment. Through the CAREER Act grant our agency received from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mountain Comprehensive Care Center provides education and training resources as well as coordination with employers willing to hire persons in recovery. This has created a continuum of care in eastern Kentucky that will result in fewer returns to treatment, entry into stable housing and a stronger available workforce. With this funding, we are taking a step toward healing the wounds the opioid crisis has left on the community,” said Promod Bishnoi, President and CEO of the Mountain Comprehensive Care Center.
“The Commonwealth is known for innovative solutions to address substance use disorder and thanks to Senator McConnell’s leadership, investments in these solutions will continue to benefit both Kentucky and our nation. I want to thank Senator McConnell for prioritizing critical investments in programs like the Rural Centers of Excellence as the Fletcher Group works along with our partners at the Kentucky Injury Prevention Research Center (KIPRC) at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health to reduce overdose deaths and help individuals achieve long-term recovery,” said Ernie Fletcher, Founder, Fletcher Group, Inc.
Investing in Kentucky’s Infrastructure and Economy
Senator McConnell secured significant funding for projects supporting Kentucky’s infrastructure and economic development, including cleanup operations at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, the Army Corps of Engineers’ lock and dam construction, and education programs throughout the Commonwealth.
“The FY22 omnibus appropriations bill adopted last night by the U.S. Senate will provide vital aid to Ukraine and invest in important national security programs. At the same time, thanks to Senator McConnell’s steadfast leadership, it will ensure increases in important investments in the things we are doing to advance Kentucky. A significant budget increase for the National Institutes of Health will fund research in priority areas we have designated to provide healing and hope for Kentuckians – from cancer and heart disease to diabetes and deaths from opioid misuse. Our College of Engineering will be able to further work in advanced manufacturing, so tied to economic growth in our state. And our Center for Applied Energy Research, through additional funding, will expand its efforts to continue the conversion of our state’s energy economy to a more sustainable, stronger future. These will be investments in our state’s economic trajectory at a critical juncture. As always, Leader McConnell worked to ensure UK will play an important role in advancing the state we serve,” said Dr. Eli Capilouto, President, University of Kentucky.
“Senator McConnell continues to fight for Western Kentucky and our battle to protect our lakes and rivers, as well as our local tourism, outdoor recreation, and economy. Senator McConnell said removing Asian Carp was a top priority and he has proven it over and over,” said Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White.
“Senator McConnell has been a strong supporter of the funding needs for the Paducah Department of Energy site. We appreciate the additional plus-up funding in this budget that will allow for more work to be completed for the cleanup of the site. The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has a major economic and environmental impact on the entire Paducah area, and we all benefit from Senator McConnell’s continued support for the cleanup project,” said Sandra Wilson, President and CEO of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The $2.5 billion allocation to the Army Corps of Engineers’ construction account, which includes funding for navigation projects on the inland waterways, is yet another victory for our nation’s – and Kentucky’s – waterways transportation system. With the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Mississippi rivers connecting to the Commonwealth, we thank Senator McConnell for his leadership to secure funding for the navigation locks and dams and for his support of the more than 110,000 Kentucky jobs that rely upon the inland waterways,” said Matt Ricketts, President & CEO of Crounse Corporation, Paducah, Ky.