Floyd County, KY (WMDJ) — Floyd County officials are working on plans to use a $100,000 Climate Smart Communities grant to improve local disaster response and recovery.

The funding will help the county prepare for future floods and other emergencies that have struck the region several times since 2021. Major flooding in 2021, 2022, and early this year caused extensive damage in communities such as Garrett, Langley, Wayland, and Martin.

An assessment team will study options for a permanent disaster relief site in the southern part of the county. The goal is to create a central location for housing flood victims and storing emergency supplies without disrupting park or community center operations during future events.

The proposed site is expected to be in the McDowell-to-Wayland area, which FEMA has identified as a flood-prone region. The study will determine whether existing infrastructure can be used or if new construction will be needed.

The project is still in its early planning phase.