Governor Andy Beshear visited Eastern Kentucky on July 27, 2026, to commemorate the four-year anniversary of the devastating 2022 floods, celebrate new housing developments, and announce significant funding for future home construction.
During his visit, Gov. Beshear handed over keys to four new homeowners in Hazard's Skyview neighborhood and broke ground on 30 new homes at the Chestnut Ridge neighborhood in Knott County. Both developments are part of Team Kentucky’s high-ground initiative, which rebuilds homes on abandoned coal mine sites outside floodplains. "Four years ago today, Eastern Kentucky was devastated by deadly floods that took the lives of 45 Kentuckians. The grief is still with us – but I believe grief is the other side of love," said Gov. Beshear, adding, "By undertaking the most ambitious rebuilding effort our country has ever seen with our high-ground communities, we’re building back in a way that honors those lost and the resilience our people have shown every day since."
At Skyview, the Housing Development Alliance (HDA) is utilizing $6 million to construct 30 homes, with nearly 30 already completed and almost 100 planned. Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander said, "We have worked hard these last four years to make days like this a reality." In Knott County, HDA and HOMES Inc. are each using $4 million to build 10 homes for ownership and 10 rental houses at Chestnut Ridge. Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson said, "The work being done at Chestnut Ridge is making generational change in Knott County."
Additionally, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order directing $2.5 million to build approximately 25 homes across other high-ground communities in Eastern Kentucky, re-appropriating funds from a previous line-item veto. Across the region, nearly 500 homes are planned across eight high-ground communities, with two already completed in Floyd and Letcher counties. The Governor also highlighted the documentary "RISING," now available on Prime Video, and encouraged flood-impacted residents to visit HousingCantWait.org for resources.