A Station in Ruins Builds Back

The Robinson Center took significant flood damage in July 2022. This was the second big blow to the college after its Research and Education Center (UKREC) at Princeton was leveled by an EF-4 tornado just half a year prior.

“Robinson Center was heavily damaged after the floods and we are still dealing with the aftermath,” Wilson said. “However, we are back better and stronger than before, focusing heavily on our research and programs for Eastern Kentucky.”

Progress from Quicksand, KY

Rebuilding will take time, but Robinson Center officials are not waiting around to serve Appalachia. Below are a few highlights of Robinson Center's activity since beginning recovery:

• $2.6 million in two new buildings approved and bids awarded as of December 2023 to replace 4 permanent structures lost to the floods.
• Up-to-date, distaster-proof chemical storage trailer currently in production.
• Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Grant ($80,000 that was used at Robinson Center).
• New signage has been updated to reflect the Martin-Gatton CAFE name and to replace all signs destroyed in the floods.
• Distributed food boxes after the floods
  • 150 food boxes per month X 16 months = 2,400 boxes since flood = $192,000 worth of food distributed through the Robinson Center to help the people of Breathitt County.
• Partnered with the Kentucky Department of Education and Breathitt County Schools to house the county's auto body classes as the location they previously used for instruction is still displaced.
• Conducted a successful field research farm year for FY 2023.
• In the process of planning the 2024 Field Day Week (planned for October 2024).