Gov. Beshear Presents More Than $1.5 Million in Awards to Benefit Hardin and Nelson Counties

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BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 12, 2023) – Today, at the Guthrie Opportunity Center, Gov. Andy Beshear presented more than $1.5 million in awards to support a new park and local nonprofits.

“As a dad, I want to make sure that every kid has the opportunity to grow up healthy and happy, with safe places to play outside and opportunities to grow and learn,” Gov. Beshear said. “That’s why I’m proud we’re supporting local nonprofits across this community and taking the next step in building a new park for the city of Bardstown.”

“We’re excited to be hosting the Governor’s visit to the Guthrie Opportunity Center and Nelson County Industries,” said Tom Hamilton, executive director, Guthrie Opportunity Center. “As all the area nonprofit organizations know, we are appreciative of the support our state government has provided during these challenging times. Thanks to Gov. Beshear and the entire community for allowing us to continue our work that changes lives!”

“Today was a great day for our nonprofits and our communities,” said Nelson County Judge/Executive Tim Hutchins. “These funds will help our incredible organizations continue their work for the people of Nelson County.”

Land and Water Conservation Fund
Gov. Beshear recapped his announcement that he selected Bardstown as one of 37 Kentucky communities to receive funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. If approved by the National Park Service, Bardstown will use $150,000 to develop a vacant lot into a park. Sidewalks, landscaping, seating areas, a stage, fencing/columns, a pergola and a fountain are desired elements for Phase 1 of this project.

“The City of Bardstown is very grateful for the support of Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky Department for Local Government with the announcement of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for our Mayor’s Park,” said Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton. “This project has been nearly three years in the planning and design phase and the grant funds will go a long way in meeting our goal of raising enough funding to move forward with this much needed project for our city.”

The funding is administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government. To receive the funds, selected applicants must first undergo review and receive approval from the National Park Service.

Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund
The Governor awarded more than $1.5 million to 22 nonprofits in Hardin and Nelson counties. The awards come from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which is helping organizations across Kentucky recover from the effects of the pandemic. The funding comes from ARPA, and Gov. Beshear supported the allocation of funds by the 2022 General Assembly. This funding will provide one-time direct relief payments to support the mission and long-term sustainability of each eligible nonprofit.

For Hardin County, the awards include:

  • $100,000 to the Central Kentucky Community Foundation;
  • $100,000 to Communicare;
  • $100,000 to Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland;
  • $100,000 to the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame;
  • $100,000 to SpringHaven;
  • $100,000 to the United Way of Central Kentucky;
  • $100,000 to Warm Blessings;
  • $69,336 to Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services;
  • $60,967 to Habitat Humanity of Hardin County;
  • $59,362 to Project L.E.A.R.N.;
  • $51,543.82 to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Heartland;
  • $29,863.64 to The Salvation Army of Elizabethtown;
  • $29,001 to Helping Hand of Hope;
  • $8,849.84 to the Hardin County History Museum; and
  • $7,135.79 to New Creative Solution.

For Nelson County, the awards include:

  • $100,000 to the Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation;
  • $100,000 to the Guthrie Opportunity Center;
  • $100,000 to the Kentucky Railway Museum;
  • $100,000 to The Stephen Foster Drama Association;
  • $78,519 to the UP Foundation;
  • $50,610 to On-the-GO Foods; and
  • $1,328.11 to The Salvation Army of Nelson County

Legislator Quotes
“I look forward to how the awards from the nonprofit assistance fund will help organizations across Hardin County,” said Rep. Josh Calloway of Irvington. “It is important that organizations like the ones receiving awards today have the resources to continue serving those in need within our community. Whether it is a hot meal through Warm Blessings or providing advocates for children through CASA of the Heartland, each nonprofit provides services to those who need them the most.”

“Today’s award announcements from the nonprofit assistance fund mark the legislature’s commitment to ensuring important organizations in communities across the state have the resources they need to serve people in their communities,” said Rep. Samara Heavrin of Leitchfield. “I look forward to how these awards will help many nonprofits within Hardin County. These nonprofits seek to make a positive impact through free meals, safe housing, advocating for social change and offering services to victims of domestic abuse and sexual trauma.”

“It is crucial we fund nonprofits because they are crucial to fostering a strong community, which is why I am excited to see how many awards are given to organizations in Nelson County,” said Rep. Candy Massaroni of Bardstown. “Each of these organizations helps promote education, healthy living, community engagement and involvement in the arts. I look forward to how these awards will benefit our community and help these important organizations.”

“I am proud to be a part of a legislature that ensures programs like the nonprofit assistance fund are funded so that organizations in our communities have the resources they need to serve all Kentuckians,” said Rep. Nancy Tate of Brandenburg. “Today, multiple nonprofits in Hardin County are receiving funds to continue serving the people in our community so that people in need have access to food, housing, counseling, education and much more.”

“Today, many of Hardin County’s nonprofits are receiving crucial funds to help them continue serving those in need,” said Rep. Russell Webber of Shepherdsville. “These organizations positively impact all people in Hardin County through their services and provide opportunities for people to be involved in their communities. Nonprofits are a way for us to come together and serve our fellow Kentuckians, and I look forward to how these funds will help us to continue to help our neighbors and communities.”

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