Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers announce more than $26 Million for Economic revitalization in nine counties, including Whitley and McCreary

Today at the SOAR Summit, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), who was represented by his district director, Carlos Cameron, presented more than $26.6 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program funds to support economic development projects in nine counties.

The 14 recipients, including two previously announced awardees in Boyd County, are projected to retain or create more than 200 jobs, train up to 240 Kentuckians annually and serve more than 100,000 people via tourism, infrastructure development or training opportunities.

“Once again, this program is funding innovative projects that are bringing jobs to Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today we are taking another step forward in building that better Kentucky we all want – one where none of our kids and grandkids have to leave home to chase their dreams, because every opportunity they could want is right here.”

Congressman Rogers established the AMLER program in 2016 to help coal-producing states revitalize in the midst of the downturn of the coal industry. Over the last seven years, he has secured more than $900 million for the program, including nearly $200 million for Kentucky alone.

The projects selected for funding include:

Baptist Health Corbin Foundation in Whitley County was selected to receive $2.5 million for site work, utilities and excavation for a new medical tower, located at the northeast end of the campus.

“Baptist Health Corbin operates one of the busiest emergency departments in the state. The impact of this grant will allow us to begin construction of a brand new, state-of-art emergency department, along with a new critical care unit with advanced equipment to ensure that we can continue to meet the growing medical needs of our people, here in Southern Kentucky,” said Anthony Powers, president/CEO of Baptist Health Corbin. “We appreciate the incredible support of Congressman Rogers and Gov. Beshear as we work together to expand access to medical services, ensuring our region is a healthier place to live.”

McCreary County Water District was selected to receive $2 million for the engineering and partial construction of a sewer line connection impacting the Cumberland Falls State Park and 110 households in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

“On behalf of the citizens of McCreary County, we would like to thank all those who were involved in awarding this grant. A big thank you to Congressman Rogers, the Governor, the state legislature and the Lake Cumberland Area Development District,” said McCreary County Judge/Executive Jimmie W. Greene II. “This grant will be a big step for wastewater improvements for Cumberland Falls State Park and the 100-plus residents on Highway 1045 in McCreary County. With these improvements, this will reduce the risk of overflows to the tourist area and the almost one million visitors each year to the park.”

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