The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of Waste Management is accepting applications for the 2027 Illegal Open Dump Cleanup Grant Program. The current state application page and August 5, 2026 funding announcement set a deadline of November 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Funding: Counties request specific grant amounts based on documented estimated cleanup costs. The current announcement does not publish a universal per-project maximum or total applicant ceiling. If statewide requests exceed available funds, the Cabinet may prioritize projects based on factors such as proximity to sensitive populations or protected areas, environmental or public-health risk, and dump size. Funding comes from the Kentucky Pride Fund.
Eligibility: The program is for Kentucky counties that meet the applicable Kentucky Pride Fund and solid-waste-management requirements. The current announcement states counties must be up to date with their five-year solid waste management plans. Kentucky law and 401 KAR 49:080 also require program-specific compliance such as an effective county solid-waste collection framework, a qualified solid waste coordinator, an approved solid waste management plan, the required grant agreement, and other statutory program conditions.
Match: Each cleanup project with eligible costs under $50,000 requires a 25% local match, which may be in kind or actual dollars. A dump estimated above $50,000 does not require match initially; if final eligible cleanup costs fall below $50,000, the Cabinet may require the match.
Allowable costs: 401 KAR 49:080 defines direct illegal-open-dump cleanup expenses to include staff time, supplies, contractor costs, expenditures related to operating equipment for remediation, and actual disposal costs. Purchase of a motor vehicle, or a vehicle lease that includes a purchase option, is not treated as an eligible direct expense under that definition.
Application package and submission: The current state page provides the 2027 Illegal Open Dump Grant Cover Letter, DEP 7125 Illegal Open Dump Grant Application, 2027 grant agreement, DEP 6086 Estimated Expense Worksheet, DEP 6088 Final Expense Worksheet, FEMA rates, and risk/precaution materials. The governing regulation also requires the DEP 8063 Illegal Open Dump Characterization Worksheet and a DWM pre-inspection report with photographs. Completed applications, the signed original agreement, and required supporting documentation must be submitted electronically to Lisa.Evans@ky.gov by the deadline.
Atlas analysis: Atlas Opportunity Score 76/100. This is a verified, current Kentucky-administered local-government opportunity with a clear deadline, established application materials, and direct public-health/environmental remediation value. N9+ Fit is 0/100 and QC Healthcare Fit is 0/100 because the verified allowable-cost structure does not establish a defensible clinical-device, telehealth, or healthcare-vendor pathway.
Official sources: Kentucky EEC Illegal Dumps / 2027 application materials; 401 KAR 49:080; Kentucky DEP August 5, 2026 program announcement.