Economic grants aim to keep Eastern Kentuckians ‘home where we love’
In two days, eight projects to create jobs and build infrastructure in Eastern Kentucky were awarded grant money to entice economic development in a declining region.
Gov. Andy Beshear told the communities in Eastern Kentucky they should never have to move from a place they love to find a job. Projects received $3.8 million in grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Tennessee Valley Authority’s Regional Development Agency Assistance Program.
“We all know friends ... who had to drive to Georgetown, Lexington, Winchester to get a job,” said Perry County Judge-Executive Scott Alexander. “There’s nothing wrong with driving from Perry County to Knott County or Pikeville to Paintsville as long as we’ve got jobs and opportunities that allow us to stay home where we love.”
▪ Breathitt County Fiscal Court was awarded a $708,500 ARC grant for the South Fork Elk View Campground project to construct a visitor center and create five full-time jobs. The project is on a former mine land site.
Beshear said the project represents the region’s effort to create outdoor tourism, something that hasn’t existed much in the region’s past.
▪ A $500,240 ARC grant will allow the Hazard Troublesome Creek Environmental Authority to fund a water and sewer project for the USA Drone Port. The drone port, a proposed research and development center for unmanned aerial vehicles, will be on the border of Knott and Perry counties. The sewer project will construct 7,500 linear feet of force main and a lift station.
▪ Paintsville received a $1.5 million grant for a sewer expansion project to improve service for 10 businesses and 75 households.
▪ Salyersville Water Works will use a $453,580 grant for sewer improvements impacting three businesses and 27 households. Judge-executive Matt Wireman said sewer projects are not glamourous but they improve the lives of residents and provide economic growth.
“In our county, we have seen 10% of our population leave in the last decade and when folks leave they take their pocketbooks and money with them,” Wireman said. “Those of us who choose to stay in Eastern Kentucky to live that Eastern Kentucky dream have to pay more to continue having the basic human services that we get from our public entities.”
▪ Appalachian Artisan Center of Kentucky received a $138,860 grant to support its programs to help Kentuckians recovering from substance abuse and opioid addiction. The center in Hindman trains workers to make guitars.
Master Guitar Builder Doug Naselroad said those in recovery are working to rebuild their shattered life and are eager to help others. He spoke of one of the participants, Earl.
“He was shaky,” Naselroad said. “He had one thumb bandaged up. He was quite raw. Turns out he had a terrible problem, a life-threatening problem. He was addicted to heroin. With a felony record, it took a leap of faith on our part just to sign him up.”
While at the Appalachian Artisan Center, Earl made 60 instruments. He finished his degree at University of Pikeville and is now working with people in recovery.
▪ Wayne County Fiscal Court received a $153,846 grant from the RDAAP for the second phase in a land acquisition project at the Wayne County Industrial Park.
“We know what kind of attraction our industrial park can be and having that infrastructure there gives you an opportunity to compete for significant good jobs,” Beshear said. “It doesn’t happen overnight.”
▪ Harlan County was awarded a $153,846 RDAAP grant for the Business Park Natural Gas Infrastructure Project. Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley said the county has invested more than $1 million to develop the 150-acre tract of county-owned property.
Mosley said industries looking at the park want a natural gas utility, which will increase competitiveness. He said the region already has a skilled workforce, pointing to the laid off Blackjewel coal miners searching for jobs.