3 projects in western KY to receive funidng from G.R.A.N.T. program
(KBSI) – Three projects in western Kentucky were selected to receive funding from Kentucky’s G.R.A.N.T. Program. They are part of eight projects across the commonwealth.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear made the announcement during his Team Kentucky update on Thursday, March 21.
The program is administered by the Department for Local Government (DLG).
West Kentucky Community and Technical College President Dr. Anton Reece, Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Board Chair Inez Rivas-Hutchins, Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority Executive Director Greg Curlin and Paintsville Independent Schools Superintendent David Gibson spoke about what the funds mean to their communities.
In 2023, the General Assembly appropriated $2 million to DLG to get the G.R.A.N.T. Program operational and fund a small batch of projects. The Governor recommended more funds go to this program in his proposed budget. Many federal funding programs require matching funds by local governments, public agencies and nonprofits. The G.R.A.N.T. Program provides those matching funds, relieving a financial burden off applicants as they secure federal dollars.
West Kentucky Community & Technical College will receive matching funds from the G.R.A.N.T. Program. The funds total $58,797 and will be used to obtain required engineering fees/permits and three security cameras to be installed in the Public Clinic Student Salon for safety purposes. The project will meet regional workforce training needs through customized training and continuing education by strengthening an education and training program, promoting individual and economic growth through support of a viable profession suitable for long-term rural employment
and small business ownership.
Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority will receive $323,970 matching funds from the G.R.A.N.T. Program. The funds for this project will address the improvement in industrial development by replacing a crucial piece of equipment (the conveyor system) at the HickmanFulton County Riverport, which has an immense impact on the local economy. Kentucky’s agricultural producers rely heavily on rural infrastructure to efficiently transport farm products, as crops are moved from production regions by truck, rail or barge to elevators and processing facilities. These improvements will allow it to operate more efficiently and improve regional multi-modal transportation.
The Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority will receive $160,000 matching funds from G.R.A.N.T. Program. The money will allow the port to replace aging infrastructure which will improve operational and cost efficiencies and purchase additional equipment to expand transshipment capabilities which will increase cargo transshipments services while improving safety within the Bulk Commodity Storage Yard. The project will ensure the availability of efficient bulk commodity cargo transshipment services for the next generation of Kentuckians and business communities in the 14 Western Kentucky counties the port services.
Gov. Beshear also announced several new appointments at the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The governor made Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson’s position permanent. Jackson has served as interim secretary since former Secretary Kerry Harvey retired at the end of January. Gov. Beshear also announced that Randy White will take over as commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
