Senator McConnell Secures More than $540 Million for Kentucky Priorities in Federal Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that he secured $541 million in federal funding for several Kentucky-focused priorities included through FY 2026 appropriations for Commerce-Justice-Science; Interior-Environment; and Energy-Water, which passed the Senate today. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell played a key role in shaping the legislation. The measure now goes to President Trump to be signed into law.

The projects secured by Senator McConnell in the bill include:

• $70 million for the University of Louisville's Center for Bioscience. This is the largest-ever earmark through the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) Construction account. The new facility will house the rapidly growing research conducted through the University of Louisville Military Health and Biology program.

• $35 million for the University of Kentucky's Healthy Kentucky Research Building #2. This new building will expand research opportunities with a focus on addressing the Commonwealth's largest health disparities, particularly cancer.

"This federal funding is an important investment in research infrastructure at UofL and UK. By empowering scientists to tackle some of our most pressing health challenges-from cancer to military health and readiness-this funding represents a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and a healthier future for Kentucky," said Senator McConnell.

"The University of Louisville is extremely appreciative of Senator McConnell's efforts to secure this historic funding," said UofL President Gerry Bradley. "Military health is one of the fastest-growing areas of our research portfolio, and we believe that the coming Center for Bioscience will dramatically strengthen UofL's ability to advance science that improves the condition and well-being of our servicemen and women."

"We are deeply grateful for Senator Mitch McConnell's longstanding leadership and support of the University of Kentucky and our shared mission to ensure a healthier, wealthier and wiser Commonwealth," said UK President Eli Capilouto. "This $35 million investment in the Healthy Kentucky Research Building No. 2 will expand research focused on Kentucky's most pressing health challenges while strengthening our ability to address longstanding health disparities across the state. By advancing discovery, training the next generation of researchers and accelerating the translation of science into care, this facility represents a meaningful step toward a healthier future for all Kentuckians."

• $2.5 million for equipment at a new cybercrime training facility being developed in Madisonville. Established by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training in collaboration with local officials in Madisonville and Hopkins County, this facility will be the largest police training academy in the Commonwealth and will focus specifically on cybercrime.

• $352,000 for law enforcement equipment and technology to support a new emergency operations center in Warren County. The center will also serve as the headquarters for the Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force.

"These federal investments will equip Kentucky's law enforcement with the tools and training they need to keep our communities safe," said Senator McConnell. "From the new cybercrime training facility in Madisonville to the upgraded emergency operations center in Warren County, we are supporting officers on the front lines and ensuring they have the technology and resources to fight crime effectively."

"We are grateful for this $2.5 million dollar investment made possible through Senator Mitch McConnell's office. This represents a major step forward for public safety in Madisonville and across the region. A state-of-the-art regional cyber-crime lab will equip our law enforcement partners with the tools, technology, and training needed to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and protect our citizens in the digital age, while also strengthening collaboration across jurisdictions and position our city as a regional leader in cyber-crime prevention and investigation," said Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton.

"Cyber-crime is one of the fastest-growing threats facing communities today, and this $2.5 million investment allows Madisonville to stay ahead of the curve. With support from Senator Mitch McConnell's office, this regional cyber-crime lab will deliver cutting-edge capabilities that enhance safety for residents, businesses, and local governments throughout the region," said Madisonville Police Chief Steve Bryan.

"On behalf of the Warren County Drug Task Force and our local, state, and federal partners, I would like to thank Senator McConnell for his leadership and support in helping us secure this funding for new drug enforcement offices," said Tommy Loving, Executive Director of the Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force. "This investment is great news, as we have outgrown our current facility, and it will significantly enhance our ability to combat crime and address drug issues throughout our region. We have always been able to count on Senator McConnell as a strong supporter of law enforcement."

• $340 million to fund decommissioning, decontamination, and environmental remediation at the U.S. Department of Energy's Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP).

• $41 million for construction of a new program support facility at PGDP to replace aging administrative buildings. The facility will also support next-generation manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies expected to arrive at PGDP in the coming years.

"These federal investments deliver long-overdue cleanup at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant while positioning the site for the future," said Senator McConnell. "By fully funding environmental remediation and modernizing facilities, we are protecting public health, supporting workers, and laying the groundwork for next-generation manufacturing and advanced technologies in Western Kentucky."

"We appreciate Senator McConnell's support in securing the funding for the new building at the Paducah DOE site. This facility represents the future for the site, which will remain an important part of our community for decades to come. The Paducah Chamber's reindustrialization study of the site, through a grant from the Department of Energy, has highlighted what's ahead. Our Federal Priorities identified this as our top project. As cleanup efforts continue, this new building will significantly reduce the annual maintenance costs associated with aging structures originally constructed in the 1950s. The projected return on investment demonstrates that this is a wise and responsible use of public funds," said Sandra Wilson, Paducah Chamber President/CEO. "Senator McConnell has been a strong and tireless advocate for our DOE site and its workers and this is another way he has shown that. We are very grateful for this continued investment."

• $21.281 million to fully fund the remaining work on the Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project, ensuring the integrity of Rough River Lake for decades to come.

• $600,000 to continue an erosion study along the Mississippi River at Columbus-Belmont State Park.

"This federal funding makes critical investments in the safety and durability of Kentucky's water infrastructure," said Senator McConnell. "Fully funding the Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project ensures the long-term integrity of Rough River Lake, while the continued study of erosion at Columbus-Belmont State Park helps protect communities, natural resources, and historic sites along the Mississippi River."

"Our rural Rough River Lake community is grateful for the attention and total commitment of Senator McConnell and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for this vital remediation project. This additional $21 million funding will ensure ancillary work necessary for this complex project can be performed as needed. This dam remediation project will ensure the long-term viability of flood control downstream and protect the economic viability of our local recreational businesses," said Charlie Corbett, founding member and longtime president of the Friends of Rough River.

"We are thankful for the additional funding Senator McConnell has secured for the erosion study the Corp. of Engineers is doing on the bluffs at picturesque Columbus Belmont State Park. Senator McConnell and his staff's steadfast work is much appreciated by residents of western Kentucky who enjoy Columbus Belmont so much," said Kenny Wilson, Hickman County Judge Executive.

• $9.256 million for modernization of a water treatment plant in Edmonson County, bolstering capacity for the Edmonson County Water District as it continues to update its system after decades of deferred maintenance and changes to the Green River following the removal of Green River Lock and Dam No. 5.

• $7.334 million to support construction of a new water treatment plant in Albany, addressing capacity limitations that currently prevent growth for residential and industry in Albany and Clinton County.

• $4.8 million for modernization of a wastewater treatment plant in Martin County, where one facility is completely inoperable and in urgent need of resources to restore service.

"These critical federal investments in water and wastewater infrastructure will protect public health and ensure Kentucky communities can continue to grow," said Senator McConnell. "From Edmonson County to Albany and Martin County, modernizing these systems restores essential services, supports local industry, and strengthens the quality of life for residents across the Commonwealth."

"I am very grateful for Senator McConnell's work in helping us receive new federal funding for the water treatment plant in Edmonson County," said State Representative Michael Meredith. "After years of much needed maintenance and several changes to our system, this funding for modernization efforts will enhance our capacity and capability in providing clean drinking water throughout the county."

"Deep concerns about our aging water system and increased demands from residents and industry in Albany pointed toward the need for a new water treatment plant," said Albany Mayor James Bray. "Thanks to Senator McConnell's unwavering support in securing federal funding, the city can now take a significant step forward in addressing this need to ensure a clean, safe, and reliable water supply for Clinton County and neighboring communities."

"On behalf of Martin County, we are so thankful for Senator McConnell's work and all the help he has provided in federal funding for the Inez sewage treatment plant," said Dr. Lon Lafferty, Martin County Judge-Executive. "The decades old plant is in desperate need of maintenance, and thanks to this funding we can now work toward providing wastewater treatment services to residents throughout the county."

• $7.45 million for Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area to support six capital improvement and maintenance projects at the site, located between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.

• $1 million for improvements to the visitor center at Green River National Wildlife Refuge in Henderson, Kentucky, bringing the facility into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and updating aging infrastructure.

"Investing in Land Between the Lakes and the Green River National Wildlife Refuge strengthens Kentucky's outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities," said Senator McConnell. "These improvements will modernize facilities, make them more accessible for all visitors, and ensure these treasured public lands continue to provide unforgettable experiences for generations to come."

"This investment in the Woodlands Nature Station honors the original public commitment made when Land Between the Lakes was established and Senator McConnell's support at the federal level is appreciated. The federal funding will help drive measurable economic development by increasing visitation, generating tourism spending, and supporting local businesses and rural workforce opportunities across the region. Land Between the Lakes belongs to the public, and this investment reinforces our responsibility to manage it in a way that is relevant, and forward-looking," said Elaine Jackson, Friends of Land Between the Lakes Executive Director.

"The Friends of Green River National Wildlife Refuge would like to thank Senator McConnell for his continued support in securing federal funding," said Chase Fulcher, President, Friends of Green River National Wildlife Refuge. "This funding is vital to moving the priorities of this long-term Natural Resource Conservation and Public Recreation Project forward, and we appreciate the Senator's work over the course of his Senate tenure on behalf of the Henderson community."

The federal funding conference report also contains the following priorities that benefit Kentucky:

• Provides funding for aquatic invasive species management, including $27 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove Asian carp that threaten native ecosystems.
• Increases funding for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to $166.975 million, supporting efforts to address hazards from legacy coal mines.
• Increases funding for state economic development grants through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program to $134 million, delivering $29.5 million directly to the Commonwealth to support economic development initiatives in formerly mined areas. Originally launched as the AML Pilot Program, AMLER was created by Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers (KY-05) in 2015 and has provided more than $250 million for economic development in Kentucky since its inception.
• Maintains funding at $500,000 for stream gages on the Ohio River through the Next Generation Water Observing System.
• Includes directive language for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prioritize land acquisition backlogs at the Clarks River and Green River National Wildlife Refuges.
• Includes directive language for the U.S. Forest Service to report on efforts to regenerate White Oak, a critical species supporting the Commonwealth's signature bourbon industry.
  • $466 million to support economic development initiatives through the Economic Development Administration.
  • $964 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, which benefit state and local law enforcement agencies.
  • $34.5 million for the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Anti-Heroin Task Forces and $13.5 million for COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces, supporting law enforcement investigations and related activities to combat the production and distribution of illegal drugs.
  • Ensures continued funding availability for construction of a new federal prison in Letcher County.
  • $10.5 million for invasive carp removal efforts in the Lower Mississippi River Basin.
  • $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, including:
    • $65 million for POWER, a competitive economic development program;
    • $13 million for INSPIRE, a competitive substance abuse treatment program;
    • $16 million for critical infrastructure investments in Central Appalachia;
    • $10 million for high-speed broadband deployment in Central Appalachia.
    • $32 million in increased funding for the Delta Regional Authority.

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