Hopkinsville, Elkton receive grant funding for tree projects

Governor Andy Beshear’s Office has announced that roughly $1.6 million will be awarded to organizations across the state to benefit forestry efforts, and that includes locally. 

According to a news release, the City of Hopkinsville has been awarded just over $19,000 to go towards a tree planting project—due to storms that hit the city in 2023, Hopkinsville has lost more than 1,000 trees, and this project would begin the process of replacing those lost trees, along with others lost in storms since. 

Then, the City of Elkton has been awarded $42,200 to go towards a community forestry project, starting with taking inventory of existing public trees and then developing a strategic plan to make improvements to the forestry.

No matching funds were required in these grants. Kentucky’s program encourages projects that increase access to trees and green spaces and increase awareness about the many benefits they provide.