Governor Andy Beshear marked the fourth anniversary of Eastern Kentucky's devastating 2022 floods by handing keys to four new homeowners, breaking ground on 30 housing units, and announcing $2.5 million in additional funding to build approximately 25 homes across the flood-ravaged region.

Beshear's visit to Perry and Knott counties highlighted progress in the state's high-ground initiative, a community development strategy designed to rebuild housing for flood survivors on higher elevations outside traditional floodplains. According to the Governor's office, the initiative aims to create safer residential communities that avoid future flood risks.

At Chestnut Ridge in Knott County, the governor joined local officials and housing developers to break ground on 30 new homes. The Housing Development Alliance is contributing $4 million to construct 10 homes for ownership and 10 rental units, with those homeownership units already under construction. HOMES Inc. is adding another $4 million for 10 ownership homes and 10 rental units. "The work being done at Chestnut Ridge is making generational change in Knott County," said Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson.

The 2022 floods claimed 45 lives and damaged nearly 9,000 housing units, with 74 percent of damage concentrated in just four counties: Breathitt, Knott, Letcher, and Perry. The high-ground communities represent a significant shift in regional recovery strategy, moving away from traditional floodplain rebuilding.

Since announcing the initiative, Beshear has established seven high-ground communities across four counties that are projected to bring over 500 new homes to the area. Experts have noted that the region's recovery is challenged by job losses in construction trades and persistent poverty, making sustained state investment critical for long-term rebuilding.