Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers Announce More Than $30 Million To Support Economic Revitalization in Eastern Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 18, 2024) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced $30.2 million to help support Eastern Kentucky's efforts to rebuild from natural disasters and boost economic growth in the region.

Twelve recipients in eight counties are receiving the funds as part of the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program. When completed, the projects are expected to retain or create up to 250 jobs, train up to 1,000 Kentuckians annually and serve more than 100,000 people via tourism, infrastructure development or training opportunities.

Projects receiving funding will expand quality health care throughout the region, provide clean drinking water for underserved communities, improve wastewater treatment facilities, enhance high-tech training and employment opportunities, and support economic development and tourism.

"Kentucky's economy has been on fire for several years now, and these projects are proof of the vitality of this region and the innovative thinking that is bringing jobs to Eastern Kentucky," said Gov. Beshear. "The work isn't finished, and we have a lot more to do."

Congressman Rogers, who championed the program as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, has overseen $1 billion in federal funding go to the AMLER since 2016, of which more than $224 million has been awarded to projects in 25 Kentucky counties. Once completed, these projects will have protected more than 3,000 new jobs for the region.

"The AMLER grant program has invested nearly one quarter of a million dollars in Southern and Eastern Kentucky coal communities that are still working hard to rebound from the thousands of coal mining jobs that we have lost in recent years," said Congressman Rogers, who authored the grant program for coal-producing states. "The program has become highly competitive in our region with innovative local projects that will generate revenue and new opportunities to help grow and sustain our rural communities."

Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman selected the projects for initial vetting by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). Eighty-one applications for 2024 funding were received by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's (EEC) Division of Abandoned Mine Lands.

"Each of these projects will make their communities stronger and peoples' lives better," Secretary Goodman said. "I appreciate the vision and effort that go into making each of them happen."

The projects selected for funding through the $28.66 million 2024 AMLER grant funding include:

AdventHealth Manchester was selected to receive $3.89 million for Phase 1 of a hospital renovation project that will allow the Clay County facility to accommodate more patients, increase the capacity to care for patients with complex needs and increase employment opportunities in the region.

"This funding will significantly enhance our ability to deliver whole-person care by expanding our capacity to serve patients and meet complex health care needs, in addition to creating new jobs in Clay County," said Jamie Couch, the AdventHealth Manchester interim administrator/ vice president of operations. "We are grateful for the opportunity to improve health care access and contribute to the long-term health and prosperity of our community."

The city of Campton was selected to receive $2.54 million to extend a waterline and replace a booster pump station to serve 80 households in Wolfe County.

"We are thrilled to receive $2.5 million in funding for the waterline extension project, which will significantly improve access to clean and reliable water for the residents in this section of the Hazel Green community," said Mayor Kathi May. "This investment is not just in infrastructure but in the health, growth and future of our residents."

Letcher County Fiscal Court was selected to receive $3.3 million to build a waste digester system to allow solid waste collected in the county to be mixed with sewer sludge. This will create five to 10 new jobs while serving over 7,000 households.

"Thanks for choosing our digester project for grant funding," Letcher County Judge/Executive Terry Adams said. "When completed this will create new jobs in the county plus eliminate recyclable material from going into a landfill. This process will be more environmentally friendly than current practice and could become a pilot program for other counties and municipalities."

Mine Made AdventuresLodge & Attractions in Knott County was selected to receive $1.7 million to develop new attractions such as a general store, a 1,750' zipline, bathhouse and a 10,000-square-foot lodge.

"Mine Made Adventures became a rest-haven for several families and volunteers in the immediate aftermath of the deadly flood in July 2022. We're grateful for the opportunity to celebrate better days in Knott County as we continue to recover and rebuild a stronger community. This grant will go a long way to create new jobs and build a new multipurpose lodge as we host a growing number of events and tourists in our beautiful region," said Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson. "I want to thank Congressman Rogers for the vision to create this grant program to help our coal communities. We're proud of this project in Knott County and we appreciate Gov. Beshear and Secretary Goodman for supporting economic growth throughout the whole region."

Knott County Water and Sewer District was selected to receive $5.69 million to construct 16,000 feet of waterline, a pump station and storage tank and a lift station, along with 17,000 feet of sewer lines to service the planned 130 households and two businesses of the Olive Branch Residential Development Area Project.

"We thank Gov. Andy Beshear, Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman, along with Congressman Hal Rogers, for this much needed funding," said Don Gibson, KCWSD chairman. "This funding will assist in providing the opportunity for 130 new higher-ground houses in Knott County. It will also allow us to provide for economic growth by providing the opportunity for new jobs to be created in the area."

Boyd County Fiscal Court was selected to receive $2 million to engineer and design an access road to connect the Camp Landing entertainment district in Boyd County to the quarter horse racetrack at Sandy Ridge.

"We are thankful to the selection committee for believing in what we are trying to accomplish in Boyd County," said Boyd County Judge/Executive Eric Chaney. "This funding will help us maintain the momentum we've gained over the last few years and continue to push Northeast Kentucky to new heights."

Magoffin County was selected to receive $3.18 million for the engineering, design and site prep of the expansion of the TEK Center training campus at the Gifford Industrial Park. This project is expected to create 36 full-time permanent jobs and serve 400 students annually.

"Receiving this funding is not just a milestone for the TEK Center, it's a transformative opportunity for our entire community," said Angelina Reynolds, president of the TEK Center. "With these resources, we can expand our services, create jobs and empower those around us to thrive. This investment not only enhances our educational offerings but also strengthens our community by equipping individuals with essential skills needed in today's workforce."

The University of Pikeville was selected to receive $5 million for Phase 1 construction of a football stadium and soccer facility at Bear Mountain in Pike County. Once completed, the facilities will host regional athletic contests, concerts and community events including Hillbilly Days, and will serve 195 students.

"The funding from AMLER represents more than just financial support - it's a transformative investment in the future of our university and the surrounding community," said Dr. Burton Webb, president of the University of Pikeville. "With the creation of Bear Mountain, we are building a legacy of innovation and opportunity that will benefit generations to come. This initiative will not only elevate UPIKE as a leader in creating an environment of wellness and recreation, but it will also ignite economic growth and enhance the quality of life for the entire region."

Four projects received reallocated AMLER funding:

Floyd County Area Technology Center was selected to receive $812,000 to repair damage from mine drainage. The funds will be used for design and grading, new drainage controls, as well as repairs to tile, plumbing and lighting within the building.

"Receiving this grant will have such a positive economic impact on Floyd County and surrounding areas," said Floyd County Area Technology Center Principal Dr. Jeff Shannon. "These upgrades empower our Floyd County ATC students to reach their training goals and fill the many skilled trades positions in our region."

Pike County Fiscal Court was selected to receive $882,000 for the purchase of equipment for wood disposal, including a whole-tree chipper and an air curtain burner incinerator. This is projected to retain 68 jobs and create $1.5 million in landfill revenue and $5.5 million in trash pick-up revenue. Phase 1 will extend the landfill by 15 years while Phase 2 will extend it by an additional 35 years.

"This grant is vital to making sure that the Pike County Landfill and our solid waste system can operate more efficiently and address long-standing issues related to the disposal of natural debris," said Pike County Judge/Executive Ray S. Jones II. "Without a reliable and efficient solid waste system, our efforts to create jobs and bring new tourism opportunities to Pike County and Eastern Kentucky will be much more difficult."

The Salyersville Water Works in Magoffin County was selected to receive $700,000 to purchase and install approximately 1,000 radio-read water meters throughout the water system. This will create more efficient monitoring and reduce water loss.

"Being able to bill correctly for services will completely turn things around at Salyersville Water Works (SWW)," said Salyersville Water Works Superintendent Nora Howard. "The new meters will take us from being in the negative to the positive. Salyersville and Magoffin County are growing, and with this project SWW will be able and ready to serve new business and development."

Floyd County Fiscal Court was selected to receive $500,000 for the installation of drainage controls, a sanitary sewer and access to parking areas on a site adjacent to U.S. Highway 23 in order to recruit new businesses.

"The AML funding allocated to the U.S. 23 project is not just about environmental reclamation; it's a catalyst for economic development in the region," said Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams. "Our goal is to transform underutilized spaces into opportunities for new business ventures, tourism and community growth. We thank Gov. Beshear and his staff for their continued commitment to assist our community."

Information about the AMLER program can be found at AMLER or by contacting Mr. James Cable, director, Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601. Office: 502-782-9913, e-mail: [email protected].

At SOAR the Governor also celebrated the $40 millionDepartment of Commerce's Economic Development Administration federal award to Shaping Our Appalachian Region to connect Eastern Kentucky residents to resources and training for good jobs.

Just yesterday, Gov. Beshear announced Kentucky secured a $116 million federal grant to speed the completion of the final piece of the Mountain Parkway. That's the 13-mile stretch of new road called the "Magoffin-Floyd" segment.

While at the summit, the Governor also presented seven high-speed internet awards benefitting SOAR counties and more than $47 million in state budget funding for school facility renovations in the counties that SOAR serves. Click here for more information.

Today's announcements further the commitment of the administration to support economic growth throughout Eastern Kentucky.

In April, Gov. Beshear announced nearly $120,000 in Coal Severance Funding to 29 coal-producing counties to help support local improvement projects. These funds are returned annually to Kentucky based on a percentage of mine permit and acreage fees paid by surface coal mining companies in each county. Refunds have been used for maintaining and repairing county roads and bridges, improving county parks, maintenance expenses for county jails and animal shelters, and more.

In June, Gov. Beshear announced more than $74 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to continue cleaning up hazards left by historic mining. The funds will be used to rebuild ailing water infrastructure and address water supply issues.

At the 2023 SOAR Summit, Gov. Beshear presented more than $26.6 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program funds to support economic development projects in nine counties.

###

Editor's note: To view photos from the SOAR Summit, click here.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.