The Energy and Environmental Cabinet announced January 6 that approximately $1.36 million in grant funding has been awarded by the Kentucky Pride Fund for cleanup of 129 illegal dumps in 24 counties across the Commonwealth.

Cumberland County has been awarded $85,152.50 for the Riley Williams open dump and $7,467.04 for the Shepherd property dump.

Other counties receiving grants were: Breathitt, Bullitt, Carlisle, Christian, Clark, Crittenden, Elliott, Green, Hart, Henderson, Lee, Leslie, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Mason, Warren, Wayne, Whitley, Wolfe and Woodford.

“I am once again pleased that the Kentucky Division of Waste Management has awarded another Illegal Open Dump Grant for Cumberland County,” Cumberland County Judge/Executive John Phelps said.

Judge Phelps continued, “This makes three years in a row that Cumberland County has received over $85,000 in grant funding to help clean up some of these old dump sites around our county. Dumping is illegal, and can also be a health hazard to us all when certain contaminants get into our water supply. We have a beautiful area to live, work, and play in and we all need to work together to keep it clean and healthy for all generations.”