The Cottages at Thompson Branch
Today, Governor Andy Beshear announced an innovative partnership between the Commonwealth and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, to bring additional housing to flood survivors in Letcher County, one of the most heavily impacted counties from the 2022 floods. “This is a unique project and a first of its kind partnership with FEMA. Using manufactured homes and available high-ground we are able to create a safe community for 10 families who lost their homes in the historic floods,” said Governor Beshear. “The creative approach puts resources to work quickly and also creates a beautiful, resilient home.” Under FEMA’s Direct Housing and Sales and Donations programs, 10 manufactured homes will be available to eligible survivors for purchase. The homes will be placed on a six-acre site near Whitesburg. The manufactured homes are similar to what FEMA normally uses for disaster housing missions, but there are noticeable differences in the quality, durability of materials used in construction, and a residential architectural design with a “cottage-like” style. The Governor’s Higher Ground Initiative shares a common goal with FEMA of moving survivors away from the flood zone to where the risk is less. The community envisioned here would accomplish these shared goals. Four acres of the site will contain the homes, roads and walkable green space. The community will be known at The Cottages at Thompson Branch