U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced 11 investments totaling over $3.7 million to help improve economic opportunities, rehabilitate homes, and improve community facilities across rural Kentucky.
The investments are part of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to ensure people living in rural America have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities.
“Those who call rural Kentucky home deserve more opportunities regardless of where they live or their financial status,” said Carew. “Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, investments like these help improve the lives and communities that make up the backbone of America.”
Breathitt County Fiscal Court will use a $708,500 Appalachian Regional Commission Grant to construct an approximately 2,500-square-foot visitor center with amenities including Kentucky Proud products, snacks, public restrooms, arts, crafts, and other items from Eastern Kentucky artisans. The visitor center/campground will serve as the hub and trailhead for the South Fork corridor of the Kentucky Mountain Trail Authority.
Breathitt County Fiscal Court will also use a $500,000 Appalachian Regional Commission Grant to redevelop a former mine land site into a campground offering primitive camping, RV sites, and 11 furnished cabins, as well as a bath house, small playground, and a facility housing a front office, campground store, laundry machines, and staff apartments. The campground will serve as the hub and trailhead for the South Fork corridor of the Kentucky Mountain Trail Authority.
Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department will use a $189,400 Community Facilities Disaster Grant to construct a 5,000-square-foot building to house the volunteer fire department and its equipment. The building will be able to accommodate two vehicle storage bays, an open training area, office, break room, and restroom.
Murray State University will use a $957,959 Delta Health Care Grant to implement an interdisciplinary scientific student success program using simulation. This simulation program will be used to recruit students to a health care pathway, including nursing; educating and graduating nurses to the workforce to fill current shortages; and provide continuing education for professionals working in the field at the local hospital.
Kentucky Community & Technical College System will use a $672,791 Delta Health Care Grant to enhance health care job training programs with recruitment, advising, and retention strategies meant to align students' interests and aptitudes with job opportunities in high demand healthcare fields. This project is targeted for Caldwell, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and Webster counties.
Housing Development Alliance will use a $144,850 Housing Preservation Grant to assist seven very-low income homeowners, which will entail a variety of health and safety home repairs and improvement projects for owner-occupied homes.
Partnership Housing Inc. will use a $141,410 Housing Preservation Grant to assist 12 very-low income homeowners, which will entail a variety of health and safety home repairs and improvement projects for owner-occupied homes.
Kentucky Habitat For Humanity will use a $120,000 Housing Preservation Grant to assist eight very-low income homeowners, which will entail a variety of health and safety home repairs and improvement projects for owner-occupied homes.
HOMES Inc. will use a $95,000 Housing Preservation Grant to assist six very-low income homeowners with a variety of health and safety home repairs and improvement projects for owner-occupied homes.
Appalachia Service Project will use an $80,000 Housing Preservation Grant to assist 16 very-low income homeowners, which will entail a variety of health and safety home repairs and improvement projects for owner-occupied homes.
Kentucky Habitat for Humanity will use a $150,000 Rural Community Development Initiative Grant to provide new and enhanced technical training and financial assistance to 17 rural Habitat for Humanity affiliates covering 24 counties across the commonwealth. This project will help build capacity in order to construct, rehabilitate and repair affordable homes for low-income families throughout Kentucky.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.