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Statewide program forging partnerships with local area development districts

Anabel Peterman

Officials report the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) program has been successful and productive during its first year in the Commonwealth. GRANT allows the state to work with local area development districts and public postsecondary institutions to economically and culturally revitalize communities.

Jeff Noel is the secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. In a presentation to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue, he said ground-level change is only possible through direct teamwork with these local community authorities.

“Objective is, how do you build capacity? And we’re finding that the local communities are really greatly appreciative, and what I like about it is the ADD districts and GRANT-ready Kentucky, and with a little bit of support from us, there seems to be a joint learning effort and we’re learning from each other going forward,” said Noel.

Noel said even while the initiative is in its first year, officials have already been able to get projects moving forward to bring regrowth to regions in need.

“There are a few communities, like Perry County and even Johnson County, that have had multiple grants come through to get approved,” said Noel. “And you know what? That shows how important this program was, and the kinds of need that was out there for communities that here before didn’t have the local match to go after those funds.”

Perry County alone has been approved to receive nearly $2 million in GRANT funds for sewer projects, while the city of Beattyville is set to receive funds to enhance its Crystal Creek trail and improve wastewater treatment. Bourbon County was also approved to get about $75,000 for infrastructure improvements in Millersburg.

Rolling applications are due at the beginning of each month, and officials said counties deemed ‘priority communities’ like Carter, Elliott, Magoffin, and Wolfe are especially encouraged to apply.