From Crystal Cox
Septic Systems Coordinator, Eastern Kentucky PRIDE at The Center for Rural Development
Somerset, Kentucky, October 13, 2026 — Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) at The Center for Rural Development announced recently that it has opened applications for the Homeowner Septic Program, thanks to funding secured through Community Project Funding by U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers.
Eastern and southern Kentucky communities still have a significant number of households with straight pipes, no sewage disposal, or failing septic systems. Repairs can be costly, especially for low-income families. The Homeowner Septic Program will provide grants for septic system repairs, replacements, or installations for qualifying low-income families across the 42-counties that PRIDE serves.
“Kentuckians deserve clean, safe communities and a key component of that is clean water” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO at The Center for Rural Development. “Waste from non-existent or failing septic systems eventually ends up in our groundwater and streams. This program will help us make a big difference in our region.”
“I’ve talked with a lot of Kentuckians who want to have a proper septic system but cannot afford the repairs,” shared Crystal Cox, Septic Systems Coordinator for PRIDE. “I’m very excited to launch this program and bring hope to families and to protect the waterways in The Kentucky Wildlands.”
The Homeowner Septic Program is available to low-income families who own the land and property where they live and that have electricity (or will have electricity upon completion of the septic project). Qualifications and applications are now available online at www.kypride.org, as well as at The Center for Rural Development or by calling 1-888-577-4339. Homeowners can also contact their local Health Departments for more information.
Applications will be accepted until funding is exhausted. Qualifying counties are: Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Elliott, Floyd, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Taylor, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe.
About Eastern Kentucky PRIDE:
Since 1997, Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) has engaged counties, schools, businesses, and tens of thousands of volunteers in helping to keep The Kentucky Wildlands clean, healthy, and beautiful for the next generation. To learn more and get involved, visit www.kypride.org and follow us on Facebook: @EasternKentuckyPRIDE and @ExploreKyWildlands.
About The Center for Rural Development:
Established in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, (KY-05), and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 45-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.
