FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 21, 2019) – Gov. Matt Bevin and the Department for Local Government announced today a $12,646,378 investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to expand and diversify the economy in Kentucky’s coal-impacted communities. These 14 grants will contribute to expanding workforce training and education across Appalachia’s manufacturing, technology and other industry sectors. They also invest in infrastructure enhancements to continue developing the region’s tourism, entrepreneurial, and agriculture sectors, as well as increase access to community-based capital, including impact-investing funds, venture capital and angel investment streams.
“We are grateful for this significant investment in our Eastern Kentucky communities through the Appalachian Regional Commission,” said Gov. Bevin. “These 14 innovative projects will enhance a wide array of opportunities for education, workforce development, and economic growth for citizens of the Commonwealth. We are excited to leverage these federal ARC POWER funds, as we continue building upon our strong forward momentum within the Appalachian region.”
Today’s awards include:
- $486,769 to People Incorporated Financial Services for a new multi-state program that will provide technical assistance and advisory services to start-ups, emerging businesses, units of local government and other community-based organizations. This is a multi-state project of which Kentucky is a part.
- $867,582 to Appalachian Artisan Center, Inc. for an investment in the Troublesome Creek Stringed Instruments Company, a subsidiary of the Appalachian Artisan Center that will manufacture high-end custom artisanal guitars, mandolins and mountain dulcimers from Appalachian hardwoods.
- $577,840 to the Appalachian Investors Alliance for angel investing in coal communities. This is a multi-state project of which Kentucky is a part.
- $1,301,983 to Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation to expand the reach and volume of the Supplier Education Economic Development (SEED) program.
- $1,463,927 to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Ky. for Kentucky's Appalachia Aviation Maintenance Technician Training Project. The program will deliver FAA Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician training to displaced coal mining industry workers and their families, along with the area's military veterans.
- $833,670 to Housing Development Alliance, Inc. for Hope Building, a partnership that will enable people recovering from substance abuse to successfully return to the workforce, which will in turn aid in their recovery.
- $1,250,000 to Appalachian Sustainable Development for its project "Seed-to-Sale: Strengthening the Central Appalachian Food Corridor." This is a multi-state project of which Kentucky is a part.
- $1,461,078 to Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. for Eastern Kentucky Addiction Recovery and Training. This program will provide individuals recovering from addiction with career training, supportive services and second-chance employment opportunities.
- $1,677,529 to Fletcher Group, Inc. for Recovery, Hope, Opportunity and Resiliency (RHOAR). The initiative enhances opportunities for education and training for individuals in recovery.
- $1,000,000 to Fahe Inc. to support a campaign for a stronger second change employment market for those recovering from addiction in Eastern Kentucky.
- $1,500,000 to East Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Inc. The funding will aid expansion of CNC Machinist advanced manufacturing workforce development training.
- $50,000 to Carr Creek Alumni Association for its project, "The Magic of Carr Creek: A Community Revitalization Project." The technical assistance grant will support economic development and tourism around Carr Creek Lake and State Park Wildlife Management Area.
- $100,000 to Friends of Southwest Virginia for its project "Building POWERful Economic Diversity and Sustainability within Appalachian Communities." The project aims to develop a new economic development plan focused on the creative economy across Southwest Virginia and Central Appalachia. This is a multi-state project of which Kentucky is a part.
- $76,000 to Lewis County Fiscal Court to conduct a feasibility study and develop a strategic plan regarding broadband for the county.
“These significant investments in Kentucky's coal-impacted communities are a testament to the region's resilience, innovation and promise,” DLG Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo said. “Though these projects vary in scope and subject matter, all aim to create opportunities for those in Kentucky's ARC service area. I'm thrilled to see these projects move forward, and I'm proud DLG could assist in these efforts."
These awards are part of ARC’s
POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization), a congressionally funded initiative that targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America's energy production. With today’s announcement, ARC has invested over $144.8 million in 182 projects touching 312 counties across Appalachia since 2015, including more than 100 investments in Kentucky.
“Today’s announcement continues an ongoing commitment for innovative economic development in Kentucky’s coal-impacted communities,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Tim Thomas. “Investing in key regional needs now—like comprehensive substance abuse recovery strategies, broadband development, and skilled workforce training—will benefit Appalachia, and the rest of the country, well into the future.”
About the Department for Local GovernmentFunds are administered by DLG, an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. For more information, visit
dlg.ky.gov.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission The
Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
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