More than $ 20 million has been given to three schools in northern Kentucky as part of a $ 127 investment from Governor Andy Beshear’s Better Kentucky Plan, his office said Wednesday.
In total, the plan will pour $ 1.3 billion into schools in Kentucky, expand Internet access, provide clean water and high-quality sewage systems, according to a press release.
“This is and will remain an education-focused administration and this funding gives us a unique opportunity to renovate and replace some of our schools to make them safer and better learning environments for our children and our educators,” said Beshear. “This will add tens of millions of dollars to our schools as we work to make a better Kentucky for the people in every corner of the Commonwealth.”
As part of Wednesday’s announcement, Bellevue Independent Schools will receive US $ 5,751,751 for Grandview Elementary School, Grant Co. Schools will receive US $ 7,283,926 for Dry Ridge Elementary School, and Pendleton Co. Schools will receive US $ 8,131,304 for Phillip Sharp Middle School.
Beshear said the plan will create a total of 14,500 jobs while expanding broadband, providing safe drinking water and building new schools. Beshear and Kentucky legislators reached a bipartisan agreement at the end of the 2021 general assembly to invest federal aid in infrastructure.
The Kentucky School Building Commission has voted to offer assistance to 13 school projects across the state. School districts will receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding this summer, pending allocation from the US Treasury Department.
“This money will make a huge difference in our children’s lives. From safety to technology, these changes will give Kentucky children the educational edge they deserve, ”said Chelsey Couch, executive director of the Kentucky School Construction Facilities Commission.
The ARPA money is provided as gap funding. The state education officer must approve the offers and then the local school districts must either accept or decline the offer.
“Gap funds cover what the school district cannot tie up or finance. This money is a bridge to bring important projects to completion, ”added Governor Beshear.
Every Kentucky school district must have an ongoing facility plan. These plans are prioritized at the state level by the School Facilities Commission. If one of the selected school districts does not accept the allocated funds, the funds will be used for the next project on the country’s priority list.
-Employee report
Photo: Grandview Elementary in Bellevue (RCN file)
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