Shaping Our Appalachian Region launches website

An initiative aimed at improving the economy of Eastern Kentucky has set up its website.

The Web address for the Shaping Our Appalachian Region, or SOAR, initiative is Soar-ky.org.

Gov. Steve Beshear and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers started the initiative last year in the wake of deep job losses in Eastern Kentucky's coal industry.

The goal is to gather ideas for improving the economy and quality of life in the region and come up with plans to accomplish that.

The website has news about the initiative and a schedule of meetings where people may offer ideas. People also may submit ideas through the website.

SOAR committees that focus on specific areas such as health and tourism are holding meetings at which residents may offer ideas. The groups will recommend development strategies this year.

This story was originally published June 15, 2014 at 11:37 PM with the headline "Shaping Our Appalachian Region launches website."