Bill aimed at flood mitigation, risk management advances to the Senate

KENTUCKY (WKYT) - The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 passed the U.S. House on Sept. 16.

Rep. Hal Rogers, Kentucky-05, requests flood control and risk management projects for the Kentucky River, Buckhorn Lake and Elkhorn Lake Dam in attempts to protect families and businesses in the Appalachian region.

Projects will include authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with flood control efforts along the Kentucky River in Beattyville, and study the safety of the Elkhorn Lake Dam as well as water supply storage and flood damage reduction efforts in the area.

The bill also includes a study of Buckhorn Lake’s sediment management, debris removal and the impact it has on Perry and Leslie Counties, officials say.

“Repeated flooding in the mountains has been a deadly and costly battle for our region for decades,” said Rep. Hal Rogers, “Now, with more flooding in the Kentucky River region, we must concentrate on protecting our people and our communities for future generations.”

The bill will now move onto the Senate. The full bill can be read on congress’ website.