A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Division of Water to provide recommendations and clear guidance on how local governments can more easily access jurisdictional streams and waterways for cleanup after a flood.

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A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Division of Water to provide 1
recommendations and clear guidance on how local governments can more easily access 2
jurisdictional streams and waterways for cleanup after a flood. 3
WHEREAS, Kentucky has a history of flooding and high -water events due to its 4
topography and geographic location, plethora of low -lying waterways, and high average 5
rainfalls; and 6
WHEREAS, between 2011 and 2024, Kentucky declared 20 federal major disasters 7
due to flooding, and Kentucky has five of the top 10 counties in the nation with the 8
highest number of major disaster declarations; and 9
WHEREAS, flooding and high -water events deposit massive am ounts of natural 10
materials such as trees, logs, and sediment, as well as construction materials, household 11
wastes, and even vehicles and hazardous materials, into streams and waterways; and 12
WHEREAS, cleanup becomes essential to prevent massive debris jams in 13
waterways, mitigate water pollution, and prevent infrastructure damage to roads, bridges, 14
and water treatment facilities; and 15
WHEREAS, communities across the Commonwealth are resilient and willing to 16
contend with the challenges of cleaning up their wate rways; however, the process of 17
gaining permits and working with state and federal agencies can be complicated; 18
NOW, THEREFORE, 19
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 20
Section 1. The Energy and Environment Cabinet's Division of Water shall 21
prepare a report for the General Assembly that details the process and mandated 22
requirements for accessing waterways affected by flooding for debris cleanup and 23
removal. The report shall ide ntify the federal and state permits required for using 24
equipment and machinery in the waterway, the activities that are prohibited in waterways, 25
any requirements for deposition of debris, and any special considerations when removing 26
hazardous materials. Th e report shall also include recommendations and guidance for 27
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potential legislation to make the process easier and more streamlined for state and local 1
governments, including having a one -stop portal to make permit applications and 2
dedicated staff to help a dminister permit requests and expedite matters related to cleanup 3
after natural disasters. The report, including recommendations and guidelines, shall be 4
submitted to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the appropriate 5
committee or committees by December 15, 2026. 6