U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced today that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will be awarding $10.7 million for water infrastructure improvements. The investment aims to support job growth and economic resiliency in the region.
The grant will primarily enhance water service at the Coal Fields Regional Industrial Park, increasing capacity to local businesses. The EDA investment is set to be complemented with $2.7 million in local funds and is projected to retain over 100 jobs, based on grantee estimates.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated the grant’s importance in providing increased services to local businesses and safeguarding critical workforce opportunities in the region. The Biden-Harris Administration emphasizes that infrastructure is integral to building a sustainable economy that caters to all Americans.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo echoed these sentiments. She emphasized the EDA’s role in collaborating with communities to bolster locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency efforts. This project is expected to bring about significant infrastructure improvements, diversifying the regional economy, and creating jobs.
On a regional level, Governor Andy Beshear highlighted the long-term benefits of investing in critical infrastructure. He stated that such investments pave the way for future success, and this particular undertaking will greatly impact and bring jobs to some of the hardest hit communities in the area.
In a more localized perspective, Representative Hal Rogers (KY-05) outlined the project’s goal of improving water quality for everyone in Perry County and putting an end to lengthy water outages. The project includes the construction of a new water treatment plant and the extension of new lines from Buckhorn to Chavies.
The project’s funding originates from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023. It provided the EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery in areas severely affected by natural disasters in 2021 and 2022.
