LIBERTY — Funding has been approved for a study aimed at fixing flooding problems in Liberty.

The study would help Liberty and state officials identify how to prevent future flood from damaging the city’s businesses and infrastructure. Since 2010, two major floods have caused substantial damage in the city.

Officials applied for funding through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Silver Jackets program. Word came Monday from Carey Johnson with the Kentucky Division of Water that the proposal had been approved, according to an email provided by state Rep. Daniel Elliott.

“A USACE project manager will be identified in the near future,” Johnson wrote. “We hope to have more information by the next coordination call on Oct. 18.”

Flooding in Liberty has been a big issue in this year’s political races for state representative and the Silver Jackets proposal garnered support from officials including U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky).

“In recent years, Liberty has been devastated by flooding,” Paul wrote in a letter of support for the proposal. “Liberty’s business district is proximal to the Green River floodplain, and since 2010 alone, there have been two major floods that have damaged much of the city’s businesses and infrastructure. Liberty no longer feels prepared to manage the river without considering updated management plans, and (it is) requesting assistance to study and develop the best practices to address the economic, social and environmental impacts of flooding in the area.”