The Kentucky River Authority was first established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1986 to take over operation of the Kentucky River Locks and Dams 5 through 14 from the United States Corps of Engineers. Following the drought of 1988, the Authority was given a mission to protect and improve the waters of the Kentucky River through environmental management of the entire watershed. It is the first effort by the Commonwealth of Kentucky to protect a great water resource through watershed management.
Watershed management recognizes that a river is more than the water flowing in the main channel.
Human activities through the drainage area of the river affect the amount and quality of water that flows through the main channel. The Authority is charged with developing comprehensive plans for the management of the Kentucky River Basin, including long range water supply, drought response and ground water protection plans. It is to adopt regulations to improve and coordinate water resource activities within the basin among state agencies. It is also charged to develop recreational areas within the basin. The Authority is currently working with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to transfer Locks and Dams 5 through 14 to the Commonwealth.