By SARAH MICHELS, Bowling Green Daily News

FRANKFORT — Hours before they went home for a 10-day break, Kentucky lawmakers on Thursday passed the biennial budget.

Southcentral Kentucky won several major items between the two main budget bills.

Warren County

Warren County was one of two counties to receive a direct payment through the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Loan Pool.

Warren and Hardin counties will share a $50 million fund in fiscal year 2025 for communities experiencing significant economic development growth due to major projects in the electric vehicle battery sector.

The money will support critical infrastructure improvements, including water and sewer needs.

Also, the Bowling Green Veterans Center will receive just over $19 million across the biennium to support staffing and operations.

Finally, Warren County Fiscal Court will get $602,800 through the Department of Local Government for I-65 corridor beautification.

WKU

Western Kentucky University earned funding for several projects.

The budget includes $10 million in FY26 to support its Innovation Campus program, as well as $4.4 million for the LifeWorks Transition Academy and Bridge Program.

There is also continued funding for the Gatton Academy, the Kentucky Mesonet and university retirement costs. WKU will be reimbursed for past expenses related to the design of the Gordon Ford College of Business.

Logan County

Two Logan County cities are getting state funds to build new wastewater treatment centers – Adairville and Lewisburg.

The money – $2.5 million for Adairville and $3.9 million for Lewisburg – will go through the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.

Logan County Fiscal Court is getting $3 million in FY25 for equipment and upgrades to county and city parks.

The Logan County School District will receive $2 million to upgrade and provide equipment for its technology center.

Hart County

Hart County Fiscal Court will receive $1.5 million in FY25 for “various projects.”

Edmonson County

The Edmonson County Water District will get several payments in FY25:

$1 million to install a water line and booster pumping station; and

$3.5 million to support operations and federal matching dollars, if federal funds become available.

Another $2 million in state funds will go to Edmonson County Fiscal Court for an emergency infrastructure grant. This grant will require a local match of at least $1 million.

Butler County

The Butler County School District will get $7.1 million to support upgrades, renovations and enhancements to the district’s facilities.

Barren County

Barren County Fiscal Court will receive $1 million in FY25 for multi-county regional projects.

Allen County

Several pools of money are going toward creation of a community center in Scottsville.

Allen County Fiscal Court will get $250,000, while the Core of Scottsville and Allen County Inc. will get another $250,000, both in FY25.

Also, the Allen County Water District will receive $25 million to support water mains that will loop into the Highway 101 service area.

Simpson County

There are no specific line items in the budget for Simpson County or the City of Franklin.