Gov. Beshear Announces $4.3 Million in Tobacco Settlement Funds to Kentucky Farms

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman announced today that 387 Kentucky farm projects in 85 counties were selected by the Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation Commission to receive a total of $4,301,038 in tobacco settlement funds.

The money will be used to promote practices to help maintain water quality and prevent soil erosion. Projects include alternative water sources for livestock, grassed waterways, fencing to facilitate rotational grazing and cover crops.

“Kentucky’s farming families are the grass roots of our economy,” Gov. Beshear said. “Through this program we are supporting their efforts to build a better Kentucky through production practices that not only protect the environment but improve their bottom line.”

The most recent list of applications approved by county can be seen here. According to the list, three applications have been approved in Warren County.

Soil and Water Conservation Commission chair Danny Shipley, a farmer in Allen County, said the program benefits Kentucky farmers and the commonwealth.

“Many farmers would be unable to improve their farms without these funds,” Shipley said. “These dollars help conserve soils and improve water quality, but they also turn over in the economy and improve our local communities.”

“We’re honored to be able to support our farmers through this and many other programs,” Secretary Goodman said. “By working together, we’re improving soil and water quality and helping our farmers improve productivity in the process.”

For more information about the State Cost Share Program, contact the Soil and Water Conservation District in your county or click here.