The Office of Federal Grants administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program (including the CDBG - Disaster Recovery, the Recovery Housing program, and the PRICE program), Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Kentucky Recreational Trails program. The office maintains the Commonwealth's Clearinghouse for all federal grants and is responsible for disseminating information to local governments regarding program purposes and eligibility, evaluating applications for need and eligibility, and making recommendations to the commissioner or appropriate board for funding. The office also prepares grant agreements, disperses funds, reviews program records for compliance, provides technical assistance, and ensures program close out.

The Office Field Services supports the Governor's mission to deliver good government to all constituents across the state. Field service representatives travel throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and answer citizens' questions, resolve problems, and aid local government officials with their government duties.

The Office of Financial Management and Administration provides agency administrative support. It has the responsibility for personnel administration, payroll, purchasing, library management, accounting, and budgeting for the entire agency. The Office provides information technology support for the Department and to local government units.

Within the Office of Financial Management and Administration are the:

  • Counties Branch: Relates to the statutory obligations of the State Local Finance Officer and the State Local Debt Officer. The branch annually certifies property tax rates for counties, Local Officials training hours, and the annual cost of living adjustment for all constitutional officers.
  • Cities and Special Districts Branch: Provides technical assistance to cities and special districts throughout the Commonwealth so that those municipalities can meet their statutory obligations on ethics ordinances, audits, budgets, Uniform Financial Information Reports (UFIRs), annexations, etc. Additionally, all Special Purpose Governmental Entity reporting is processed through the Branch.

The Office of State Grants promotes economic development in Kentucky's localities. It is responsible for financial management, accounting, and fund allocation and reporting of the Local Government Economic Development Fund (LGEDF) and the Local Government Economic Assistance Fund (LGEAF). The agency also reviews and approves LGEDF statutory grant applications; and administers the Regional Development Agency Assistance program, Flood Control Local Match Participation program, Area Development funds, Joint Funding Administration program, and administers line item projects identified in the Enacted Budget.

The Office of Legal Services provides technical and compliance assistance to local government officials regarding various federal and state laws and assists local governments with a broad range of administrative and legal matters, including finance, budget preparation, procurement and surplus property, debts, interlocal cooperation agreements, ethics, conflicts of interest, administrative and personnel policies, roads and road aid, and annexation. The Office of Legal Services is also available to advise local governments concerning the various legal requirements of the state and federal grant programs administered by the department. The Office of Legal Services serves as legal counsel for the State Local Finance Officer/Debt Officer (SLDO/SLFO) and assists the SLDO/SLFO in performing his or her statutory duties.

Policy

The base budget includes Restricted Funds in the amount of $500,000 in each fiscal year to the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority to increase economic development, tourism, and outdoor recreation for residents and visitors. The funds are from the statewide transient room taxes collected pursuant to KRS 142.400(2).

The base budget in each fiscal year includes General Fund for the following:

  • $3,984,000 for the Joint Funding Administration Program in support of the area development districts
  • $257,800 for the support of the Mary Kendall Homes
  • $257,800 for the support of Gateway Juvenile Diversion
  • $250,000 for Area Development Districts to match increased Appalachian Regional Commission grants.
  • $250,000 for Area Development Districts to match increased Delta Regional Authority grants.