McConnell secures federal funding for Western Kentucky Projects
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
WASHINGTON (KBSI) — U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell announced the Senate’s passage of fiscal year 2026 appropriations legislation that includes hundreds of millions of dollars for projects in Western Kentucky. The measure now heads to President Donald Trump for consideration.
Among the largest allocations is $340 million for decommissioning, decontamination and environmental remediation at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. An additional $41 million is designated for construction of a new program support facility at the Department of Energy site in Paducah to replace aging administrative buildings and support future advanced manufacturing initiatives.
In Hopkins County, $2.5 million is set aside for equipment at a new cybercrime training facility in Madisonville. The facility, developed by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training in collaboration with local officials, is expected to focus on cybercrime investigations and training.
Warren County is slated to receive $352,000 for law enforcement equipment and technology to support a new emergency operations center. The center will also serve as headquarters for the Bowling Green–Warren County Drug Task Force.
Water infrastructure projects in Western Kentucky also received funding. Edmonson County will receive $9.256 million to modernize its water treatment plant. In Albany, $7.334 million will support construction of a new water treatment plant to address capacity limitations affecting Clinton County. An additional $4.8 million is designated for wastewater treatment improvements in Inez.
Recreation and conservation projects are included as well. The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area will receive $7.45 million for capital improvement and maintenance projects. The Green River National Wildlife Refuge in Henderson will receive $1 million for visitor center improvements and infrastructure upgrades.
Infrastructure funding also includes $21.281 million to complete remaining work on the Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project and $600,000 to continue an erosion study along the Mississippi River at Columbus-Belmont State Park.
The broader funding package also provides support for aquatic invasive species management in the Lower Mississippi River Basin, funding for abandoned mine land reclamation and economic revitalization efforts, Byrne Justice Assistance Grants for law enforcement agencies, and continued funding availability for construction of a new federal prison in Letcher County.
McConnell said the investments support infrastructure modernization, public safety, environmental cleanup and economic development across Western Kentucky communities.
