Funding supports local airport, tourism, cybersecurity, economic development, a senior center, roads, safe household hazardous waste disposal, recycling and clean waterMOREHEAD, Ky. (Aug. 21, 2023) – Today, at the Maysville Community and Technical College Rowan County Campus in Morehead, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $3.5 million in funding for Rowan and Morgan counties to support a local airport, tourism, cybersecurity, economic development, a senior center, a road, safe household hazardous waste disposal, recycling and clean water.
“Today, we got to help create the first dedicated senior center in Rowan County,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re also supporting a local airport, tourism, cybersecurity, economic development, roads, environmental efforts and cleaner water. This is what we can do when we come together to build that better Kentucky, we all want for our kids and grandkids.”
“Rowan County has a lot to celebrate today! We’ve got some great news thanks to the support we’ve received from the state,” said Rowan County Judge/Executive Harry Clark. “Their assistance has enabled us to make significant progress on various initiatives by the Fiscal Court that will lead to the prosperity of Rowan Countians.”
The Governor also celebrated three community announcements: the upcoming St. Claire HealthCare rural health clinic in West Liberty; a strategic academic-practice partnership between Maysville Community and Technical College and St. Claire HealthCare, to increase educational opportunities and build the pipeline of qualified health care professionals; and a collaboration between St. Claire HealthCare and Edgewater Recovery Center to ensure those who live with a substance abuse disorder are provided the same high-quality care as others in their community.
Expansion of Morehead-Rowan County Regional Airport
Gov. Beshear announced his administration has dedicated more than $648,000 to the Morehead-Rowan County Regional Airport to help plan, design and construct a new apron, an area where aircraft are parked. The funding comes from the Department of Aviation.
Tourism Marketing Funding
The Governor awarded $207,467 to Morehead-Rowan County Tourism and $17,582 to the Morgan County Fiscal Court to support travel marketing and promotion and to attract meetings and conventions. The award is part of the $75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding announced by the Governor to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the decline in visitors brought on by the pandemic.
“ARPA funding is helping us research marketing techniques and learn best practices through the top industry leaders in the nation. We would have never accomplished that using our budget post-COVID,” said Joy Brown, executive director of Morehead-Rowan County Tourism. “We are getting ideas that will push us out in front of the competition. We can’t wait to see the results. Thank you to everyone who made ARPA money possible!”
“This funding will be vital to creating a strategic plan and webpage, which will give our new county tourism board the tools needed to establish the infrastructure to help local businesses, bring new opportunities and help our county at every economic level,” said Morgan County Judge/Executive Jim Gazay.
The Kentucky Department of Tourism distributes the funds to eligible tourism organizations throughout the commonwealth.
Cybersecurity Grant Award
Gov. Beshear presented $67,000 to the Rowan County Fiscal Court to support cybersecurity and information technology in Rowan County.
Kentucky Product Development Initiative Funding
The Governor highlighted an award to Rowan County that he announced in April as part of more than $4.6 million awarded to further job creation and economic momentum in seven counties.
The state is providing $600,000 to the Rowan County Fiscal Court, in partnership with the Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development Council, to help purchase 238 acres located on Rodney Hitch Boulevard in Morehead for future industrial use.
Rowan County Senior Center Award
Gov. Beshear presented $750,000 from the Community Development Block Grant program for the construction of the Rowan County Senior Center on Clearfield Street in Morehead. The senior center allows access for seniors to congregate and provides drive-through meal options, home-delivered meals, nutritional education programs, healthy promotions, information and assistance for independent living and social outreach services.
“This is the first time in our history that Rowan County has had a dedicated senior center. We’re truly grateful for the state’s support in bringing this much-needed development to our community. The Rowan County Senior Center offers essential services to seniors, providing them a place to gather, promoting health and nutrition, offering information for independent living and delivering social outreach services,” said Judge Clark. “The new building, which will span nearly 6,000 square feet, will be located at 740 Clearfield Street and will meet all Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. We want to acknowledge and appreciate the hardworking individuals and state officials who worked tirelessly to make this project a reality.”
Transportation Award
The Governor awarded $252,000 to Rowan County Fiscal Court to resurface all of Clearfork Road in Morehead. This is the first time in over 10 years that work has been done to improve this road.
Energy and Environment Cabinet Awards
Gov. Beshear highlighted $9,500 from the Energy and Environment Cabinet to Rowan County. The funding will support efforts to help Rowan County residents safely dispose of household hazardous waste.
The Governor also awarded $204,000 to the Morehead-Rowan-MSU Community Recycling Center.
Cleaner Water Program Awards
Gov. Beshear announced more than $803,000 to the city of West Liberty from the Cleaner Water Program. The award will fund system inspections and a sewer line replacement project.
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