During a visit to western Kentucky last week, Governor Andy Beshear referred to Dawson Springs as “one of the newest towns” in the Commonwealth, highlighting its ongoing progress in rebuilding efforts from the December 2021 tornado.
Last Wednesday, Executive Director Heath Duncan of the Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile region said they have been active since the tornado on December 21, 2021.
click to download audioGov. Beshear reflected on the devastation caused by the EF-4 tornado, vowing to keep moving forward and not stop until every home and every life is rebuilt.
click to download audioHe mentioned that they had gathered in Dawson Springs on Wednesday to celebrate new beginnings by dedicating seven new homes. He added that the best part of the day was taking this step forward in the journey with each of these families.
The first home was dedicated to Desaray Hunt.
click to download audioNext, he acknowledged the Hernandez family.
click to download audioAbagail Garrett, employed by a counseling center and the Dawson school district, will also be moving into her new Habitat home.
click to download audioKristin Conrad was the next to receive her home.
click to download audioThe Governor also acknowledged Delana Bivins.
click to download audioNext were Mariah Matthews and Ryan Burton.
click to download audioAnd lastly, Ashley Townsend Mawdsley and her son, Jake, received the keys to their new Habitat home.
click to download audioHopkins County Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield Jr. presented each family in attendance with a Bible for their new home.
Gov. Beshear noted that six of these homes were partially funded with $600,000 from the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund which raised over $52.3 million dollars.
As previously reported, the Governor also announced an additional $6.3 million in funding to expand internet access, improve roads, support industrial development, and market tourism destinations in the region.
