Mission: Working to protect and restore Kentucky’s waterways.

History: The Alliance is an outgrowth of a series of meetings sponsored by the Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission. The first statewide meeting was held in Georgetown, Kentucky in April of 1991, and drew over 80 representatives from government, industry, community organizations and individuals from across the state. At that meeting the group discussed issues facing Kentucky streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. Participants discussed strategies for dealing with those issues. The importance of networking and having strong lines of communication among groups working to protect streams was listed as a high priority.

At a second statewide meeting on December 5, 1992, those in attendance moved to form a formal organization to promote networking, communication and mutual support among groups, government agencies, and businesses working on waterway issues. The organization was incorporated April 14, 1993 and the IRS granted non-profit status on November 2, 1993. Start up funds were granted by River Network Inc. with in-kind support being provided by various state and local agencies. Under the corporate bylaws, an advisory council was formed to be the KWA governing body with the executive committee responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization.