FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 22, 2026) — On Wednesday, Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, announced millions of dollars in funding for Powell County projects through Senate Bill (SB) 197 and House Bill (HB) 900, supporting infrastructure, tourism, economic development and community improvements across the county.
As a result of Smith’s advocacy, SB 197 and HB 900 included
- $3.2 million total ($1 million in fiscal year 2027 and $2.2 million in fiscal year 2028) for upgrades, improvements and continued development of the Clay City Industrial Park, supporting site readiness and positioning the area to attract new business and job creation opportunities,
- $1.9 million in fiscal year 2027 to replace critical equipment at the Red River Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring reliable operations, maintaining compliance with federal clean water standards and extending the life of essential infrastructure serving Powell County residents,
- $1.5 million in fiscal year 2027 for Natural Bridge State Park to support the dredging of Hoedown Island Lake and
- $500,000 in fiscal year 2027 to support infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades at Stanton City Park, enhancing recreational opportunities and community amenities for local families.
This funding is in addition to the almost $14 million Smith secured to support Powell County roads, bridges and highways in the state’s biennial road plan.
“These investments support both economic development and quality of life in Powell County,” Smith said. “From strengthening our industrial park to improving critical wastewater infrastructure and enhancing local recreation, this funding will help position the county for continued growth.”
Smith noted that investments in core infrastructure, such as wastewater systems, are essential not only for maintaining reliable service but also for supporting future economic development, as modern, dependable utilities are often a prerequisite for business expansion and job creation.
He also spoke about tourism as the region’s greatest assets and how funding will support needed maintenance at Natural Bridge State Park.
“I’m happy to secure funding to support the dredging of this Kentucky tourist attraction and key part of our beautiful region,” Smith said. “The need for this dredging is dire.”
Smith referenced the film “Fire Down Below,” saying those who recall it may remember the beautiful lake with the paddleboats.
“Due to the area not being maintained, all that is gone. It’s shocking,” he added. “It’s still a beautiful lake, but I’m grateful to say we have stepped up, and together we will bring back tourism. We are coming back better than ever.”
SB 197 is supplemental legislation to HB 900. The two measures include one-time transformative funding for various projects across Kentucky, supported through the commonwealth’s budget reserve trust fund.
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Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, represents the 30th Senate District, which includes Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Leslie, Magoffin, Morgan, Perry, Powell, and Wolfe Counties. Smith serves as chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation, Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, and Banking and Insurance. Additionally, Smith serves on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection. During the 2025 interim, he served on the Kentucky Housing Task Force.
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