The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District recently hosted Maj. Gen. Jason Kelly, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, on a visit to Beattyville, Kentucky, May 13, 2025, to conduct a site visit and receive a pre-chief’s report briefing on the Kentucky River, Beattyville, Flood Risk Management Study.
The $2.5 million study focuses on identifying and evaluating solutions to reduce the risk of flooding in Beattyville — a community situated at the confluence of the North, Middle and South Forks of the Kentucky River. The town has faced several major flood events in recent years, including a devastating one in March 2021 and another in February 2025.
During the visit, Maj. Gen. Kelly toured several key locations around the community, viewing four highwater marks that illustrate the extent of past flooding. He also met with local officials and community members to better understand the town’s challenges, demonstrate the comprehensive benefits associated with the recommended plan, and to see current floodproofing efforts that have preceded the project.
“This visit was an important opportunity for the general to see firsthand the flood risk issues Beattyville faces and to engage with the people we’re working to help,” said Jacob Sinkhorn, Louisville District project manager. “Hearing directly from the community really reinforces the importance of delivering a practical, long-term solution that will increase life safety and strengthen resilience for future generations.”
USACE is working in partnership with Lee County and conducting this study to find and evaluate possible solutions to flooding in Beattyville, Kentucky, along the Kentucky River. This includes studying different measures and alternatives and preparing a report that recommends the plan that results in the most comprehensive benefits to make Beattyville more flood resilient.
“We’ve worked closely with local leaders and stakeholders to ensure the study reflects the needs of Beattyville,” Sinkhorn said. “Our goal is to recommend a solution that is both effective and implementable. A plan that acknowledges and communicates the risk facing a community that is in such close proximity to the river and that supplements efforts already going on in town that will make Beattyville more flood resilient.”
The study has assessed various alternatives and will culminate in a final Chief’s Report, which is on track for signature by the end of the calendar year. Once signed, the recommended plan will be eligible for inclusion in a future Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) which would authorize the project. The recommended plan will increase life safety, reduce recurring flood damages, and support community resilience in Beattyville.